Install Downloader from the Amazon Appstore in three steps
Downloader is a file manager and sideloading tool available directly from Amazon's official Appstore, so you do not need to enable developer mode or change any settings on your Fire Stick 4K Select. Open the Appstore, search for Downloader by AFTVnews, and install it like any other app. The whole process takes about two minutes.
Downloader lets you read files from the internet directly to your Fire Stick and install apps that are not in the Amazon Appstore. It is commonly used to install streaming apps, media players, and other tools that Amazon does not distribute through official channels.
Key Takeaways
- Downloader is available in the Amazon Appstore and installs without enabling developer mode or changing Fire Stick settings.
- The app appears in your Apps library after installation and launches from the home screen like any other app.
- Once installed, Downloader can read and install files from web links, which is why it is used for sideloading.
- You will need a working internet connection and enough storage space on your Fire Stick for the files you read.
Step-by-step installation from the Appstore
Start on your Fire Stick home screen. Press the home button on your remote if you are in another menu. Move to the top menu bar and select Apps.
Select Your Apps & Channels or Search — the exact label depends on your Fire Stick software version. If you choose Search, type "Downloader" and skip to the search results. If you choose Your Apps & Channels, select the magnifying glass icon at the top to open the search box within the Appstore.
Type "Downloader" in the search field. The app by AFTVnews will appear at the top of the results. Select it, then select Get or Install. The button label varies by software version. The app will read and install automatically — you will see a progress bar, then a notification when installation is complete.
Once installation finishes, you can select Open to launch Downloader when ready, or close the Appstore and find Downloader in your Apps library later. The app will remain installed until you uninstall it manually.
What to do if Downloader does not appear in search results
If you search for Downloader and the AFTVnews version does not show up, your Fire Stick software may be out of date. Go to Settings > System > About and check whether an update is available. If one is, select Install Update and wait for the Fire Stick to restart.
After the update completes, return to the Appstore and search again. Downloader should now appear. If it still does not, your region or account may have restrictions — Downloader is available in most countries where the Amazon Appstore operates, but not all.
How to launch Downloader after installation
Downloader appears in your Apps library automatically after installation. From the Fire Stick home screen, go to Apps and select Your Apps & Channels. Scroll through the list until you find Downloader, then select it to open the app.
You can also add Downloader to your home screen for faster access. While viewing the app in Your Apps & Channels, press and hold the select button on your remote. A menu will appear with the option to add the app to your home screen. Select that option, and Downloader will appear as a tile on your main home screen.
Storage and internet requirements
Downloader itself takes up about 5 to 10 megabytes of storage space on your Fire Stick 4K Select. However, the files you read through Downloader can be much larger — streaming apps often range from 50 to 200 megabytes each. Check your available storage before downloading large files by going to Settings > System > Storage.
You will also need a stable internet connection. Downloader works over Wi-Fi or ethernet if your Fire Stick is connected to a wired network. Downloads will pause if your connection drops and can usually resume when the connection returns, depending on the file size and the server hosting the file.
Uninstalling Downloader if you no longer need it
If you decide to remove Downloader, go to Apps > Your Apps & Channels, find Downloader in the list, and select it. Press and hold the select button on your remote. A menu will appear with the option to uninstall. Select Uninstall, and the app will be removed from your Fire Stick.
Uninstalling Downloader does not remove any files you downloaded with it — those remain on your Fire Stick unless you delete them separately. If you want to remove those files as well, you can use Downloader itself before uninstalling, or use the Fire Stick file manager to delete them manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to enable developer mode to install Downloader?
No. Downloader is in the Amazon Appstore, so it installs like any other app without changing any Fire Stick settings or enabling developer mode. You can install it directly from the home screen.
Is Downloader safe to use?
Downloader is a file manager tool developed by AFTVnews and distributed through Amazon's official Appstore. The safety of files you read depends on where you get them — only read from sources you trust, as Downloader itself does not filter or check files before installation.
Can I use Downloader to install apps that are not in the Amazon Appstore?
Yes. Downloader can read and install APK files (the app format for Android devices) from web links. This is called sideloading. You provide Downloader with a direct link to an APK file, and it downloads and installs the app on your Fire Stick.
What happens if a read fails or gets interrupted?
Downloader will usually pause the read when your connection drops. When your connection returns, you can resume the read from where it stopped. If the read fails completely, you can try again by providing the link to Downloader once more.
Will Downloader slow down my Fire Stick?
Downloader runs only when you open it, so it does not affect your Fire Stick's performance when you are not using it. Once you close the app, it uses no resources. The performance impact of apps you install through Downloader depends on those apps themselves, not on Downloader.