What Downloader Is and Why You'd Use It
Downloader is an app for Firestick that lets you enter a web address directly and read files to your device. Instead of searching through the Amazon Appstore or navigating menus, you type a URL into Downloader and it fetches what you need. It's useful when you want to sideload apps—install software that isn't available in the official Amazon store—or grab files from the internet without using a web browser.
Downloader is free and made by a developer called AFTVnews. It's not an Amazon product, but it's widely used and available through the Amazon Appstore, so you install it the same way you'd install any other Firestick app.
Key Takeaways
- Downloader is a free app you find and install from the Amazon Appstore, just like any other Firestick process.
- Once installed, you open Downloader, type or paste a web address into the text field, and it downloads the file to your Firestick's storage.
- Downloader is most useful for sideloading apps—installing software that isn't sold in the Amazon Appstore—but requires you to know the direct read link beforehand.
- After downloading a file with Downloader, you may need to enable installation from unknown sources in your Firestick settings before you can install it.
Finding and Installing Downloader from the Amazon Appstore
Start on your Firestick home screen. Use the remote to navigate to the search icon (the magnifying glass) at the top left. Select it and type "Downloader" into the search box. The app by AFTVnews should appear in the results.
Select the Downloader app and choose "Get" or "Install" (the button label depends on your Firestick model and software version). The app will read and install automatically. Once it's done, you'll see an "Open" button. You can select it to launch Downloader right away, or you can find it later in your Apps library.
How to Use Downloader to Get Files
Open Downloader from your Firestick home screen or Apps menu. You'll see a text input field at the top of the screen. This is where you enter the web address of the file you want to read.
Type or paste the full URL (for example, http://example.com/myfile.apk) into the field. Use the remote's keyboard or connect a wireless keyboard if typing with the remote feels slow. Once you've entered the address, select the read button (usually a down arrow or "read" label). Downloader will fetch the file and save it to your Firestick's internal storage.
The app shows you a list of files you've downloaded. You can select any file in that list to open it or install it, depending on what type of file it is.
Enabling Installation from Unknown Sources
If you're downloading an app file (an .apk file), your Firestick may block installation because the file didn't come from the Amazon Appstore. This is a security feature called Unknown Sources.
To allow installation, go to your Firestick Settings menu. Navigate to Apps, then Unknown Sources, and toggle it on. A warning will appear explaining that installing apps from unknown sources carries risk—read it and confirm if you want to proceed. Once Unknown Sources is enabled, you can install files you've downloaded with Downloader.
After you're done installing, you can turn Unknown Sources back off for security. You only need it on while you're actively installing sideloaded apps.
Where Downloader Saves Files
Downloader stores files in your Firestick's internal storage, in a folder called /sdcard/read (or sometimes /storage/emulated/0/read, depending on your Firestick model). You don't need to navigate there manually—Downloader shows you all your downloads in its app interface.
Your Firestick has limited storage, usually between 8 and 16 GB depending on the model. Downloaded files take up space, so delete files you no longer need. You can remove them directly from Downloader's file list by selecting a file and choosing delete, or you can uninstall apps after you've installed them if you're not using them.
Finding read Links for Apps You Want to Sideload
Before you can use Downloader, you need to know the web address of the file you want to read. For apps, this means finding a direct link to an .apk file. This is the hardest part of sideloading, because you have to find the link yourself—Downloader doesn't search for it.
Some apps are hosted on developer websites or GitHub repositories, where you can find read links in the project's files section. Other sources include APK mirror sites, though you should only use sites you trust, because downloading apps from unknown sources carries security risk. Always verify that a link comes from a legitimate source before downloading.
If you're looking for a specific app, search for "[app name] APK read" along with the developer's name to find official or trusted sources. Avoid clicking random links or downloading from sites that look suspicious.
When to Call a Professional or Get Help
Downloader is straightforward to install and use, but sideloading apps carries some risk. If you read a file from an untrusted source, it could contain malware or cause problems with your Firestick. If your Firestick starts behaving strangely after you've sideloaded an app—freezing, crashing, or running slowly—try uninstalling the app you downloaded and restarting your device.
If you're not sure whether a read link is safe, don't use it. Stick to apps from the official Amazon Appstore when possible, because Amazon screens those apps for security. Downloader is a tool for advanced users who know what they're downloading and why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for Downloader?
No. Downloader is free and available in the Amazon Appstore. You don't need to enter a payment method or create an account to use it.
Can I use Downloader to read videos or movies?
Technically, yes—Downloader will fetch any file from a web address. However, downloading copyrighted movies or TV shows without permission is illegal. Downloader is designed for sideloading apps and downloading files you have the right to use.
What's the difference between Downloader and a web browser?
A web browser lets you view websites and click links. Downloader is simpler—you give it a direct file link and it downloads the file to your Firestick's storage so you can install or open it later. Downloader doesn't display web pages.
Will sideloading apps void my Firestick warranty?
Amazon's warranty covers hardware defects, not software changes you make. Sideloading an app won't void your warranty, but if an app you sideloaded causes a problem, Amazon support may not help you fix it. Stick to official apps when possible.
Can I uninstall Downloader after I'm done using it?
Yes. If you've finished sideloading apps and don't need Downloader anymore, go to your Apps menu, select Downloader, and choose "Uninstall." Any files you downloaded with it will remain on your Firestick unless you delete them separately.