Let’s take you through everything you need to know about the Downloader app: how to install Downloader on Firestick and Android devices, what it can do, and whether it is safe to use. What is a Downloader, and why get one in the first place?
Well, the power of streaming devices such as Firestick and Android TV boxes lies in the ability to install a wide range of applications, letting users access pretty much any content. These devices come with app stores that allow users to get the apps they need. However, only a few streaming apps are available on the official stores, and sometimes you may need to learn how to sideload apps on your Firestick. This is where Downloader comes in.
Installing Downloader on Firestick only requires a few steps as it’s available on the official store. However, you will also need to configure a few settings on Firestick before using the app.
You can use the following instructions on how to install Downloader on Firestick.
You have successfully installed Downloader on Firestick by now! The last part is configuring the app to install APKs.
Like most devices, Firestick restricts installing third-party apps (those from unknown sources) to minimize the threat of malicious software. This means that to install apps using Downloader, you will need to grant it installation permissions.
Here’s how to do that:
If you are using Firestick Lite or Firestick Gen 3, click Install Unknown Apps, and you’ll see Downloader as an option. Click on it to turn the state to On.
You’re now all set to use Downloader on Firestick!
Downloader is also available for devices that run on Android TV, and it works pretty much the same way. The only difference is that you’ll need to install a browser plugin on the app.
Downloader is readily available on Play Store, so installing it should only take one minute.
Downloader should now be available, but just like on Firestick, you’ll need to grant it a few permissions.
Before you open Downloader, follow the instructions below to grant installation permissions.
Unlike Firestick, Android TV’s Downloader version doesn’t have built-in browser functionality. This means that you need to install the plugin separately.Â
Follow the steps below to do that.
The Downloader app is now fully set up!
After you’ve set up Downloader, you can now go ahead and install any third-party app you’d like.
Direct download links allow you to download a file without necessarily opening the website where the file is stored. When you enter such a link on the Downloader URL page, it will start downloading straightway.
If you are unsure where to get these links, we have a guide on how to install apps using APKs on Firestick and Android devices. For specific apps, you can search the VPNcheck blog section for that. Here’s an example:Â
How to Install ShowBox APK on Firestick and Android Devices
Meanwhile, here’s how to install APKs using direct download links. We’ll use CyberFlix for this guide, one of the best streaming APKs at the moment.
You can now enjoy your new app!
Warning: Before using third-party streaming apps, make sure you are anonymous by connecting to a reliable VPN. We’ll show you how to do that a bit later.
You may not always have a direct download link for an app you’d like, but you don’t have to. Downloader’s browser allows you to navigate to the app’s website thanks to its mouse-like cursor, and you won’t need a mouse or a keyboard.
Here’s how to install an app without a direct download link:
The installation file should start downloading.
Kodi should now be available in your apps section. You can also check out our streaming section for the best Kodi addons.
If you can’t find Downloader in the Amazon Store, that is most likely because the app is not available in your region. The Amazon app store usually restricts apps according to areas, so you will need to change your Firestick region to access Downloader and any other restricted app.
Changing your Firestick location only requires a browser.
A Change button will now appear. Click the button, and you’ll get a form where you can fill in your new address. Start by changing the country to the US, then fill out the rest (the details don’t have to be correct). After that, click Update.
If you have filled every box, you will get a notification that the operation was successful. The country of registration should change.To effect the changes on Firestick, you will need to re-register the device. Here’s how to do that:
Select Deregister.
After deregistering, the device will now prompt you to add an account. Re-enter your Amazon account information, and the device should now move to the new country you’ve selected. Go back and search for Downloader, and you should find it.
Besides the main page that allows users to enter a URL and download files, Downloader also comes with several other features that can be accessed using the sidebar.
The first of these is the browser. Downloader’s browser works pretty much like any other. You can open websites and search on Google using the browser’s built-in cursor. You won’t need a keyboard as you can type using your remote.
Next to the browser is a tab named “Files.” This tab shows the downloaded files that you have not yet deleted. You can open/install them or delete them using various remote buttons.
Downloader also has a Favorites tab that works just like the functionality on regular browsers. You can add bookmarks to make it easy to open pages that you visit frequently.
Under Settings, you can tweak a few things:
To ensure optimum functionality, we recommend that you leave these settings as they are.
Lastly, there’s a “Help” tab that provides information on Downloader and gives tutorials on using the app.
Although Downloader can be used to download pretty much anything, it is mostly used for sideloading third-party apps on Firestick and Android TV sticks/boxes. The problem with these apps is that most of them do not host the streams they provide. Rather, they scrape for sources from the internet, most of which are usually pirated.
Consumption of such content can easily land you in trouble with your ISP, government, and copyright authorities, as streaming pirated content is illegal in most countries. To avoid such, you need to use a reliable VPN that can guarantee your traffic is encrypted, your IP address doesn’t leak, and none of your logs are recorded.
At VPNcheck, we recommend that you go with ExpressVPN as it’s the best VPN for streaming. The VPN uses military-grade encryption, and it has been publicly audited and verified as a zero-log VPN. On top of that, ExpressVPN is super-fast, so you can stream in up to 4K without issues.
Here’s a quick guide on how to get started with ExpressVPN.
Creating an account with ExpressVPN is quite straightforward and should take you a few minutes.
After creating an account, we can now install ExpressVPN on Firestick. The VPN app is also available on the Google Play Store.
After the installation, you’ll get an option to open the app. Alternatively, go to the Apps & Games section and start it.
From there:
ExpressVPN also allows you to select your own server from a network of 3,000+ servers spread across 160 locations in 94 countries. To do so, click the highlighted server on the main page, and you’ll see the entire server list. 
You can also customize your connection by going to the settings option. To do so, click the hamburger menu icon on the top left side. This will give you options such as Auto-connection, Split Tunneling, Kill Switch, Protocol Selection, and Shortcuts.
After setting up everything, you can go back and click on a server or the connection button, and your traffic will be secured!
As the name suggests, Downloader is a utility app that enables users to install pretty much any file into their streaming devices. But it is primarily used to download from third-party sources. To do so, you only need to provide the file URL. The file will start downloading immediately if the link is a direct download link. If it is a page link, Downloader will open the web page and let you navigate to the download link.
Since the app is mostly used to sideload third-party apps, it can detect APK files and immediately prompt you to install them. There’s also an option for deleting a file after installation to save space, which comes in handy as streaming devices are often limited in storage.
Yes, Downloader is completely free. The app doesn’t feature any ads either, as it’s entirely donor-supported.
You can install Downloader on Firestick and all other devices that run Android, Android TV, and Fire OS.
Downloader is an app used to download and install third-party apps on Firestick and other Android-based streaming devices.
Yes. Although Downloader was originally meant for Firestick, it is also available on the Google Play Store.
The security of Downloader apps depends on the app you install and its source. Always ensure that the app you are about to install is from a legitimate website.
Downloader is easily the most popular utility tool on the Amazon App Store, and it is an app that every Firestick user should have. The app is also available for Android TV devices, and it comes in handy when sideloading apps. The guide above should have covered everything you need to know and show you how to install Downloader on Firestick and Android in just a few minutes.
