This guide shows step-by-step How to Sideload to a Firestick or Fire TV.
By sideloading your Firestick/Fire TV, you have the freedom to install applications not found on the Amazon App Store.
Many users refer to this process as “jailbreaking” and it’s particularly popular among cord-cutters.
Jailbreaking a Firestick or Fire TV provides access to a wide range of content like Movies, TV Shows, Live TV, Games, and more, all for FREE.
Due to Fire TV devices operating on the Android system, users can sideload apps and APK’s for diverse streaming choices.
Several Android applications not present in the Amazon App Store can be easily integrated and perform well on Fire TV or Fire TV Stick.
This method effectively transforms your Firestick into a high-performance streaming tool, making it easier to cut the cord.
NOTE: Although this tutorial focuses on Fire TV devices, you can also sideload APK’s to other Android devices.
This method works for any Android device, including NVIDIA SHIELD, Chromecast with Google TV, MECOOL, and others.
How To Install APK on Android Without Google Play
Guide For Sideload on Firestick/Fire TV
The easiest and most popular way to sideload applications onto your Firestick or Fire TV is by using the Downloader application.
Downloader is readily available on the Amazon App Store and comes with a built-in web browser for simple APK sideloading.
This includes all apps featured in our Best APKs for Free Movies & TV Shows.
Follow the steps below to install Downloader and enable Unknown Sources, complete with a detailed screenshot guide.
In this example, we demonstrate using the Fire TV Stick Lite. However, the process is applicable to all variations of the device, including Fire TV Stick 4k, Fire TV Cube, and more.
1. From the home screen of your device, hover over the Find option.
2. Click Search.
3. Search for and select Downloader.
4. Choose the Downloader app.
5. Click Download.
6. Wait for the app to install.
7. Once the app finishes installing click Open.
8. Return to the home screen and open Settings.
9. Click My Fire TV.
10. Choose Developer options.
11. Click Install unknown apps.
12. Find the Downloader app and click it.
13. This will turn Unknown Sources to On for the Downloader app. This action will enable side-loading on your device.
If your device still has the old interface, please follow the guide below:
These steps are also detailed in our Downloader on Firestick guide.
1. From your home screen, locate the search icon and type Downloader.
2. Tap on the Downloader icon.
3. Proceed to click Download.
4. Wait for the app installation to complete. Then, click Open or Launch now.
5. Click on Allow.
6. Press OK to proceed.
7. You are now on the main screen of Downloader. Please return back to your device’s home screen.
8. When you are on the home screen of your device, hover over Settings.
9. Scroll to the right and select My Fire TV.
10. Please choose Developer Options.
11. Turn on Apps from Unknown Sources.
Important Note: For Firestick Lite, 3rd Gen Fire TV Stick, or 2nd Gen Fire TV Cube users, kindly click on Install Unknown Apps.
12. Find and click on Downloader. You will see that it displays “ON,” which will activate unknown sources for side-loading.
That’s it! You can now sideload your preferred app or APK through the Downloader application.
Follow the steps provided below to understand how to accomplish this.
How To Sideload Fire TV Using Downloader App
Once you have Downloader installed and enabled Unknown Sources for Downloader on your device, you are prepared to sideload apps.
In this particular case, we are installing Aptoide TV, which serves as a Google Play Alternative containing numerous apps not found in the Amazon App Store.
It is also featured as one of TROYPOINT’s Best Firestick Apps.
1. Launch the Downloader App
2. Click Allow.
3. Click OK.
4. Select the Browser tab within the left menu.
5. Click the Search box and type the following URL exactly as it is listed here – tv.aptoide.com and click Go
- tv.aptoide.com is the official website of this app.
Note: The provided link is the official URL of this app/addon. TROYPOINT does not own or operate any streaming website, service, app, or addon, and has no affiliation with any developers.
6. Scroll down and click Download Aptoide TV.
Important Note: If using an Android TV device or Chromecast with Google TV, you must first install the Downloader Browser Plugin.
You can accomplish this by entering “http://browser.aftvnews.com” in the URL box or by checking out that section in our Downloader Tutorial.
7. Wait for the file download to finish.
8. Click Install.
9. Click Done.
10. A pop-up window will appear, click the Delete button. This action is required to free up your Firestick’s or Fire TV’s storage space.
11. Confirm by selecting the Delete button again on the screen.
Installation process is now successfully completed!
In order to proceed with installing applications from Aptoide, enabling Unknown Sources within this app is necessary:
Head back to your device’s home-screen and access Settings
Select My Fire TV.
Proceed by choosing Developer options.
Now, click on Install unknown apps.
Find Aptoide TV and Click it
This will enable Unknown Sources for installing apps from Aptoide
Congrats! You have just sideloaded Aptoide TV on your Firestick or Fire TV device.
Other Methods for Sideloading Fire TV
While using the Downloader App is the easiest way to sideload to your Firestick. It isn’t the only method available.
One way to install apps unavailable in the App Store is by using Unlinked.
Unlinked APK is a platform for installing and sideloading tons of APKs using unique codes.
Another method to install APKs is by using ES File Explorer.
ES File Explorer is a file manager that has the ability to sideload applications. It can free up space, clean files, and much more.
How To Install ES File Explorer on Firestick/Fire TV
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Sideload Firestick/Fire TV FAQ
Is Sideloading a Firestick/Fire TV Illegal?
No. The process of sideloading is 100% legal and is a great way to install apps not available in your provided App Store.
What does Sideload Mean?
Sideloading is the process of enabling unknown sources to install applications and APK’s not provided in the Amazon or other App Store.
How do I Sideload an APK File?
This guide will show you how to sideload an APK file to your Firestick device using the Downloader app.
Can I Sideload to my Firestick?
Yes. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions for sideloading on any Fire TV device.