How to Install and Use the Downloader App on a Firestick

Downloader is a free app by AFTVnews, in the Amazon Appstore, that lets a Fire TV download files from the web. It's the standard way to install apps that aren't in the Appstore, such as TiviMate. To use it you install it from the Appstore, switch on Developer options, allow Downloader under Install unknown apps, and then type an app's download address from its official website. It only works on Fire TV devices running Fire OS.

Step 1: Check your device can sideload

Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About. If the software version says Fire OS, carry on. If it says just "OS" with a version starting 1, it's a Vega OS device (the Fire TV Stick 4K Select or the 2026 Fire TV Stick HD), and Downloader can't install apps on it. See which Fire TV sticks can sideload.

Step 2: Install Downloader

Search the Amazon Appstore for Downloader and install the one published by AFTVnews (AFTVnews). Lookalikes exist, so check the publisher. It includes a simple browser, a number pad for codes, and a file list so you can delete installers after use.

Step 3: Turn on Developer options

1. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About.
2. Highlight your device name and press select seven times.
3. A message confirms you're a developer, and Developer options appears under My Fire TV.

This is Amazon's documented method (Amazon developer docs).

Step 4: Allow Downloader to install apps

Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer options > Install unknown apps and switch Downloader on. Leave everything else off.

If Downloader isn't in the list: a bug in Fire OS 7 and 8 in 2026 made the list show up incomplete. Amazon fixed it with an automatic update (AFTVnews). Restart the Fire TV, wait a minute on the home screen, and try again.

Step 5: Install apps safely

1. Open Downloader and type the download address from the developer's official website. For TiviMate, that's the address shown on tivimate.com.
2. When the download finishes, choose Install.
3. Back in Downloader, delete the installer file to free space. Fire TV sticks have little storage.

About Downloader codes

Downloader can turn short number codes into web addresses. They're handy, but anyone can create one, so a code from a video, forum or seller could point anywhere. Modified apps installed this way are a common route for malware on TV sticks, which sit on the same network as your phone and laptop. Type official addresses yourself. More in Is IPTV safe?

Keeping things tidy afterwards

After installing what you need, delete installer files in Downloader to free space, and consider switching Install unknown apps back off for Downloader until you next need it. That reduces the chance of something being installed without you noticing.

Updating sideloaded apps

Apps installed outside the Appstore don't update automatically. Check the developer's official site periodically, or use the app's own update prompt if it has one, and install the new version the same way.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Typing a download code from a video instead of the developer's official address.
• Allowing every app under Install unknown apps rather than just Downloader.
• Leaving old installer files on the stick until storage runs out.
• Trying to sideload on a Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which runs Vega OS and can't.

What to install next

For IPTV, TiviMate is the usual choice: see how to set up IPTV on a Firestick. And remember many free, legal live TV apps don't need Downloader at all; see free live TV on Firestick.