Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the process of installing the Downloader app on Firestick, Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, and more.
Millions of cord-cutters around the globe rely on the Downloader app to sideload apps onto their streaming devices with just a few clicks.
The great news? Downloader works on nearly any streaming device that runs on the Android operating system, including Android TV, Fire OS, Google TV, and more.
Some of the most popular devices that support Downloader include:
- Amazon Firestick (all models)
- Fire TV & Fire TV Cube
- NVIDIA Shield (all variations)
- Android phones & tablets
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Generic Android TV Boxes
- MECOOL Boxes
- onn. Google TV Boxes
- Windows PC and Mac (via Android emulator)
- Raspberry Pi
Note: Roku and Apple devices don’t support the Downloader app since they run their own operating systems. For the best experience, we recommend using one of the listed compatible devices.
The app itself uses a home screen with a built-in web browser that allows for the installation of apps and APKs.
The key to this is file management that is programmed within the app to allow for download, deletion, and more.
The feature component of this tool is the ability to side-load applications not available in the Amazon App Store.
This allows users to install various apps and APKs from thousands of websites with just a URL.
See our list of Best Downloader Codes for a quick way to install the best apps.
This process is often referred to as “jailbreaking” and is popular for devices such as the Amazon Firestick/Fire TV.
This guide has been accessed by millions of cord-cutters across the world.
Jailbreak Firestick Guide
Below we have included step-by-step screenshot instructions for installing Downloader on each type of Android operating system.
How To Install Downloader on Firestick/Fire TV
The steps below will show you how to install the Downloader app on the Firestick, Fire TV, Fire TV Cube, and any Fire TV device.
With Amazon’s release of their New Firestick Interface, many Firestick/Fire TV users are wondering how to install Downloader using this new interface.
If your Firestick/Fire TV hasn’t been updated to the new interface yet, refer to the old Fire TV interface instructions further down.
1. From the home screen of your device, hover over the Find button and then click the Search box.
2. Search for and select Downloader.
3. Choose the Downloader app.
4. Click Get or Download.
5. Wait for the app to install.
6. You will see a notification in the bottom right-hand corner once installation has finished.
How To Install Downloader on Android TV
In this example, I am using an NVIDIA Shield, but this process works for any device running the Android TV operating system.
This also includes MECOOL Boxes, Tivo Stream 4K, Dynalink, Mi Boxes, and more.
You can view our Downloader on Android TV article for more information on this process.
1. Select the Google Play Store from the home screen.
2. Click the search icon.
3. Type in “downloader” and click Search.
4. Select Downloader by AFTVnews.
5. Click Install.
6. Installation is complete.
Google TV Instructions
For those using a Google TV device, follow the screenshots below.
This same process and more can also be found within our Jailbreak Chromecast with Google TV guide.
1. Click Apps from the main menu.
2. Click Search for apps.
3. Type in “downloader” within the search bar and click the search icon.
4. Choose Downloader by AFTVnews under Apps.
5. Click Install.
6. Downloader has successfully been installed!
Downloader App Features
AFTVnews is the original creator of the Downloader App and has made it very successful to this day.
In 2019, TROYPOINT purchased the Downloader application from AFTVNews along with a few other subsidiary apps.
However, AFTVNews has since bought back the application and currently owns it.
Downloader App Goes Home to AFTVNews
Besides the home-screen Browser that is open upon startup, the Downloader app has a few other unique features that make it so popular.
Using the Browser tab allows for navigation on any website. Best of all, you won’t need a keyboard as the app has a built-in mouse to scroll and select with ease.
This works fabulously when a URL is not a direct link to an APK and we must download the file from a web-page.
Another key feature is the Favorites tab that lets you bookmark any pages you visit frequently and access them with a click.
Within the settings are options to enable APK Auto-Install, JavaScript, and more. We suggest leaving these settings to default for the most part.
The Files tab will compile any APK file you install. We suggest cleaning this out when installing APK files.
If you experience a message saying an “unknown error has occurred” check out the link below.
An Unknown Error Has Occurred – How to Fix
The Downloader app is the best tool available when it comes to sideloading unauthorized apps on any Android-powered device.
If you own an Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, Chromecast, or any Android device this tool is a must-have!
FAQs
Q1: What is the Downloader app and how does it work?
A: The Downloader app is a tool that allows users to sideload APK files onto Android-powered devices like Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, Android TV, and Google TV. It features a built-in browser for downloading files from websites and supports file management like downloading, deleting, and installing apps.
Q2: Which devices support the Downloader app?
A: Downloader works on various Android-based devices, including:
- Amazon Firestick (all models)
- Fire TV & Fire TV Cube
- NVIDIA Shield & other Android TV boxes
- Android phones & tablets
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Windows PC/Mac (via an Android emulator)
- Raspberry Pi
Note: Roku and Apple devices are not compatible with the Downloader app.
Q3: Can I install Downloader on Firestick/Fire TV?
A: Yes! You can easily install the Downloader app on your Firestick or Fire TV by searching for it on the Firestick’s search bar and clicking “Get” or “Download.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Q4: How do I install Downloader on Android TV or Google TV?
A: To install Downloader on Android TV or Google TV:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for “Downloader” and select the app.
- Click Install to complete the process. For Android TV, this will work on devices like NVIDIA Shield, MECOOL Boxes, and others.
Q5: Can I use the Downloader app to install apps from the internet?
A: Yes, the Downloader app allows you to download and install APKs from any website by entering the URL directly in the app’s built-in browser. You can also save frequently visited sites in the Favorites tab for easier access.
Q6: How does the built-in browser work in the Downloader app?
A: The browser tab in the Downloader app lets you navigate any website directly within the app. It also features a built-in mouse for easy scrolling and selection, which is helpful when downloading APKs from a webpage rather than a direct link.
Q7: Are there any special features in the Downloader app?
A: Some of the key features of the Downloader app include:
- Favorites tab to save URLs for quick access.
- Files tab to manage downloaded APKs.
- Settings to enable features like APK Auto-Install and JavaScript.
Q8: What should I do if I see an “unknown error” message?
A: If you see an “unknown error” message while using the Downloader app, refer to the official troubleshooting guide to resolve the issue.
Q9: Is the Downloader app free to use?
A: Yes, the Downloader app is completely free to use, making it a popular choice for sideloading apps on various Android-powered devices.
Q10: Why is Downloader so popular for sideloading apps?
A: Downloader is popular because it simplifies the process of sideloading apps, particularly on devices like the Amazon Firestick, where users often want to install apps not available in the official app stores. It’s a reliable and user-friendly tool for installing APKs from external sources.
