How to Sideload Apps on FireStick/Fire TV in 2023

Hello Everyone, I am Poppy and in this guide, you will learn how to sideload apps on FireStick, FireStick Lite, FireStick 4K, FireStick 4KMax, and Fire TV Cube. The methods discussed in this guide also work nearly the same on Android TV Box, Mi Box, Nvidia Shield, TiVo Stream 4K, Smartphones, and more.

Sideloading is a method that allows you to install third-party apps that are not available on the official Amazon app store. It lets you unlock the true potential of your FireStick device. In simple words, side-loading makes it exceptionally convenient for you to get unrestricted access to any app you want.

Now that you understand what side-loading is, let’s look at the ways we can sideload apps onto our FireStick devices.

How to sideload apps on FireStick/Fire TV

As mentioned earlier, apps that are not available on the official Amazon store need to be sideloaded; which means we need to install them from a third-party source.

In this guide, we are going to use the three easiest methods to sideload apps Fire TV device:

1. Via Downloader app
2. Via Aptoide
3. Via AppLinked

1) Sideload Apps on FireStick with Downloader App

In the first method, we will use the Downloader app to sideload apps on FireStick.

Downloader is the most popular sideloading tool for FireStick at this time, especially since Fire TV devices do not allow browsers to sideload apps.

The Downloader app is currently owned by AFTVNews.

The best part is that the Downloader app is available on the Amazon Store. So, here are the steps to get the app:

1. From the Home Screen, open Find > Search

2. Type Downloader on this window

💡 Use the FireStick Remote App for mobiles to type faster and easier

3. Click on the Downloader app

4. To begin the installation process, click Download or Get

5. Wait for the Downloader app to download and then install

6. When the app has been installed, you see the following screen.

But DO NOT open the Downloader app yet. We need to enable Downloader to allow it to sideload apps on FireStick

7. Press the Home button on your FireStick remote and go back to the home screen

Now, select Settings

8. Click My Fire TV

9. Open Developer Options

10. Click Install Unknown Apps

Note: If you see Apps from Unknown Sources, click it instead of Install Unknown Apps. Click Turn On on the prompt that appears. Skip the next step!

11. Select and enable the Downloader app on this window (make sure it is ON)

12. Press the Home button again to go back to the home screen

Select the Apps icon on the right (3 squares and +)

13. Scroll down and open the Downloader app

14. Click Allow to give necessary permission and after that, click OK (appears only on the first run)

15. Click on the URL field on top using the OK key on your FireStick remote

16. Enter accurately the following link to sideload apps on your FireStick:

https://www.toptvtricks.com/cft

You can also enter the short version of the URL: toptvtricks.com/cft

Note: For the demonstration purpose, I am using the APK link for CyberFlix TV, you can pretty much replace it with any other APK link for the app you would like to download

Hit GO

Now, if the URL points to an APK file, the file will begin to download on your device. If the URL points to a website, you will see the website in a built-in browser.

17. At this point, you should see the file getting downloaded.

18. Next, choose INSTALL

19. Wait until the APK is installed

20. You will see the pop-up window showing App installed notification

You have successfully sideloaded app on FireStick using Downloader

2) Sideload Apps on FireStick with Aptoide

Aptoide TV is a popular Google Play Store alternative that gives you access to a wide range of FireStick applications. It features several apps that aren’t available on the official Amazon Store. The app is compatible with a variety of devices such as Amazon FireStick, Mi box, Smartphones, Nvidia Shield, Android TV Box, and more.

For the step-by-step installation process, please visit our guide on How to install Aptoide on FireStick and Android TV Box.

Remember that Aptoide itself needs to be sideloaded onto FireStick first since it is a third-party app. However, once you get Aptoide on FireStick, you can sideload multiple apps from it in just a few clicks.

You can easily sideload Aptoide on FireStick with the Downloader app we installed earlier

1. Start Downloader and click the URL field 2. Enter the URL: toptvtricks.com/apt or just the Downloader code: 47257 3. Wait for the APK to download and then click INSTALL 4. Once Aptoide is installed, go back to the FireStick home screen and select Settings > My Fire TV 5. Next, go to Developer Options > Install Unknown Apps

Note: If you see Apps from Unknown Sources, click it instead of Install Unknown Apps. Click Turn On on the prompt that appears. Skip the next step!

6. Click Aptoide and enable it by turning it ON

7. Open your Apps drawer from the FireStick home screen

8. Open Aptoide

9. Grant any permission if asked and dismiss any other prompts

You must see the following home screen of the Aptoide app eventually

10. You will find a whole host of app categories including Social, Games, Education, Finance, Communication, Shopping, Entertainment, news, and more in Aptoide.

11. If you are looking for anything specific, you can use the Search option on the home screen

12. Click the text box to type the name of the app you wish to install

13. Type the name of the app you wish to install (I am going to install Kshaw media player for demonstration)

14. When you have found the app you wish to install, click the icon

13. Click INSTALL

14. Click INSTALL again to install the app

This is how you sideload apps on FireStick with Aptoide.

3) Sideload Apps on FireStick with AppLinked

AppLinked is another popular side-loading tool for FireStick and Fire TV devices. It offers you an extremely convenient way to download third-party apps.

All you need to do is, enter an AppLinked code or store number and you will be able to download and install multiple apps from one location.

AppLinked isn’t available on the Amazon app store. Therefore, we will use the Downloader app to first install the AppLinked App on FireStick first.

For detailed steps, check out our guide How to Install AppLinked on FireStick. Here, I am giving you the quick steps to install and use this app.

1. Open the Downloader app and click the URL field (steps to install Downloader provided in the first section)

2. Enter the following URL:

applinked.store

And click GO

💡 Use the FireStick Remote App for mobiles to type faster and easier

3. AppLinked official website will open. Click the Download link to download AppLinked APK

4. When the file has been downloaded, click INSTALL and wait for AppLinked to install on your device

5. Go back to the FireStick home screen. Go to Settings > My Fire TV

6. Now, go to Developer Options > Install Unknown Apps

7. Open the AppLinked app now from your apps

On the AppLinked home screen, click Add A Store

8. Enter the desired code and click Submit

I am using code 144 for demonstration

9. Next, click Saved Stores

10. Choose 144 or the store code you added earlier and click Open

11. Now, click the app you wish to install (Media Lounge for demonstration in this guide). You may use the Search option on the top to find the app you wish to install

12. Click Download on this popup

13. Wait a few seconds for the app to download

14. Click INSTALL to sideload the app on your FireStick

This is how you sideload apps on FireStick with AppLinked

FAQs

Conclusion

With Downloader, AppLinked, and Aptoide app, you can easily sideload apps on your FireStick. These three apps have quickly become popularly used tools to install third-party apps on FireStick. All these apps are exceptionally easy to use and are must-have apps on every FireStick device. You can unlock a whole new world of streaming possibilities with them.

You can use whichever option you find most suitable. Let us know which app you prefer to sideload apps on your Fire TV devices.