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Normally, FireStick users would sideload an app by adding the Downloader code of its APK file in the Downloader app. But if the app you want isn’t available in APK format?
Lately, we have seen more and more apps (e.g., RTE Player & DAZN) coming in APKM or XAPK formats. These are “split-APK” or extended package formats that Fire OS doesn’t install like a regular APK.
To sideload these apps on FireStick, you will have to use a file manager to extract the APK from the APKM/XAPK file.
Please note that when installing an XAPK or APKM file for a third-party app, be sure to use a VPN to avoid ISP throttling and any security issues. Surfshark is our #1 choice.
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How to Install APKM/XAPK File on FireStick [Video]
How to Install APKM/XAPK File on FireStick [Screenshots]
While the process is slightly different from installing an APK on FireStick, it’s quick and simple. Here’s how to set up APKM or XAPK files on your FireStick:
P.S. Since XAPK/APKM files are sourced from third-party sources, we highly recommend you install and use SurfShark VPN on FireStick before proceeding with the following steps.
Step 1: Turn ON your FireStick device and Go to FireStick Home
Step 2: Click on the Settings icon
Step 3: Select the My Fire TV option
Step 4: To enable the Developer Option, click About.
Note: If you have already enabled the Developer Option, then proceed to Step 10
Step 5: Click on the Fire TV Stick option quickly at least 7 times
Step 6: Now you will see this message at the bottom saying "No need, you are already a developer". So stop clicking then
Step 7: Now the Developer Option will appear in the menu so click on it
Step 8: Choose Apps from Unknown Sources to turn it ON
Step 9: Simply click Turn On
Step 10: Now return to the FireStick Home menu by pressing the "Home" icon on the remote and click on Find
Step 11: Now select the Search icon
Step 12: Type Downloader and press search
Step 13: Select the Downloader App icon from the list available in the Amazon Store
Step 14: Tap Get/Download
Step 15: Wait for a while until the installation process is completed
Step 16: Now click Open
Step 17: You will see a popup about Downloader app latest update. Click "OK".
Step 18: Click OK again
Step 19: This is the Downloader App interface, Click the Search Bar on top
Step 20: Enter the FireStickHacks Downloader Code 730116 in the search box OR enter this URL bit.ly/fsh-downloads and click Go.
Note: The referenced link is the official URL of this app/website. FIRESTICKHACKS does not own, operate, or re-sell any app, streaming site, or service and has no affiliation with its developers.
Step 21: Scroll down and click select any app with “XAPK/APKM” format. I’m selecting the UVOtv app.
Note: If the app doesn’t start downloading, then clear the Downloader App cache using this article.
Step 22: The downloading process will start. Wait until it ends.
Step 23: Now tap “Done”.
Step 24: Now go to the FireStick home screen and click the “Find” icon and then tap “Search”
Step 25: Type “Xplore File Manager” and select it from the results.
Step 26: Choose the “X-Plore File Manager” App.
Step 27: Click “Download”.
Step 28: Once the downloading ends, go back to the FireStick home screen.
Step 29: Click “Settings”.
Step 30: Tap “My Fire TV”.
Step 31: Choose “Developer Options”.
Step 32: Select “Install Unknown Apps”.
Step 33: Navigate to “X-Plore” and turn “ON” installation from unknown sources.
Step 34: Now launch X-Plore File Manager and navigate to “Download” and then select “Downloader”
Step 35: Choose “UVOtv”.
Step 36: Tap “Install Split APK”.
Step 37: Click “Install”.
Step 38: You will see “Success” pop-up once the app is installed. The UVOtv XAPK file has been successfully extracted on FireStick!
Step 39: After the app is installed, delete the APKM/XAPK file to free up space. Select the file and long-press the “Select” button on FireStick remote.
Step 40: Scroll down and select “Delete”.
Step 41: Tap “OK”.
How to Identify Safe and Unsafe APKM/XAPK Files
A quick way to check an APKM/XAPK file’s safety is to scan it through a free online tool, such as VirusTotal. It analyzes files with multiple antivirus engines and flags any potential risks or malware.
When I scanned UVOtv’s XAPK file, VirusTotal didn’t find any security issues in it (as you can see in the picture above). This means the app is safe to install and use.
FAQs – XAPK/APKM on FireStick
What is an APKM or XAPK file?
APKM and XAPK are “split APK” formats used by some Android apps to include multiple resources and configurations.
Why can’t I install APKM/XAPK files directly on FireStick?
Fire OS only supports regular APK files, so split APK formats need to be extracted using a file manager.
Is it safe to install APKM or XAPK files on FireStick?
Yes, but only if you download them from trusted sources and use a VPN like Surfshark for privacy and security.
What’s the best file manager to install XAPK/APKM?
X-Plore File Manager is one of the best options to install XAPK/APKM files. It’s also completely free.
Can I delete the APKM/XAPK file after installation?
Yes, once the app is installed, you can delete the APKM/XAPK file to free up storage.
Conclusion
Installing APKM or XAPK files on FireStick is a great workaround for apps that aren’t directly available through APK files or the Amazon Appstore.
These files are simply “split APK” packages that bundle multiple resources together. Using X-Plore File Manager, you can extract and install them in just a few minutes, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Since XAPK and APKM files come from third-party sources, it’s best to use Surfshark VPN on before installing them.
