How to Sideload Apps on FireStick (March 2024)

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This is a step-by-step guide on how to sideload apps on FireStick, Fire TV, and FireStick 4K.

Installing and using different apps on FireStick is not a big deal for FireStick users. But what if you are trying to install an app or APK file on your FireStick device and it is not available on the official Amazon Store?

2 Ways to Sideload Apps on FireStick

The apps that are not available on Amazon Store can be sideloaded with third-party apps. You can sideload apps using 2 methods. These are:

Most of the apps you sideload on FireStick are third-party apps and are not official. Hence, they might contain malware or viruses that could harm your FireStick. That is why it is strictly advised that you use a VPN on your FireStick device.

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Sideload Apps on FireStick With Downloader

Sideloading apps on FireStick using Downloader is one of the easiest and most popular methods. Downloader is a free app and is available on Amazon App Store. You don’t have to pay any subscription charges to use Downloader.

You just have to install the Downloader app on your FireStick device and enter the URL of the desired app in the URL bar. The app will be sideloaded without any inconvenience.

Now, follow these steps:

Step 1: Turn ON your FireStick device and Go to FireStick Home

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Step 2: Click on the Settings icon 

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Step 3: Select the My Fire TV option

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Step 4: To enable the Developer Option, click About.

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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

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Step 6: Now you will see this message at the bottom saying "No need, you are already a developer". So stop clicking then

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Step 7: Now the Developer Option will appear in the menu so click on it

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Step 8: Choose Apps from Unknown Sources to turn it ON

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Step 9: Simply click Turn On

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Step 10: Now return to the FireStick Home menu by pressing the "Home" icon on the remote and click on Find

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Step 11: Now select the Search icon

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Step 12: Type Downloader and press search

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Step 13: Select the Downloader App icon from the list available in the Amazon Store

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Step 14: Tap Get/Download

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Step 15: Wait for a while until the installation process is completed

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Step 16: Now click Open

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Step 17: Select Allow to give access to the downloader app

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Step 18: Click OK here

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Step 19: This is the Downloader App interface, Choose the Home tab and click Search Bar

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Step 20: Enter the URL tv.aptoide.com in the search bar and click Go

Note: The referenced link is the official URL of this app/website. FIRESTICKHACKS do not own, operate, or re-sell any app, streaming site, or service and has no affiliation with their developers.

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Step 21: Click the Download Aptoide TV option

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Step 22: Wait for the app to be downloaded

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Step 23: Click the Install button

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Step 21: Once the app is downloaded, click Done

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Step 24: Click Delete to discard the APK file as it is no longer needed on your device

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Step 25: Click Delete again for confirmation

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This is how you sideload apps on FireStick using Downloader. I have downloaded Aptoide TV as an instance. You can download any app that is not available on the official store by following the same steps.

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How to Sideload APK Using ES File Explorer

The second method to sideload apps on FireStick is by using ES File Explorer. However, ES File Explorer is not free anymore. You have to pay $9.99/month as subscription charges which is ridiculous, to say the least.

ES File Explorer allows you to install, manage, and transfer your files. Same as Downloader, you can install it from the official Amazon App Store.

If you are not able to do so, use a VPN such as ExpressVPN to bypass geo-restrictions or use alternate methods to install it on your device.

Follow the below-mentioned steps to sideload apps on your FireStick using ES File Explorer.

Step 1: From the home screen of your FireStick device

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Step 2: Click on the Find tab and then Click on Search Icon

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Step 3: Type ES File Explorer in the search bar and click relevant search results

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Step 4: Click the ES File Explorer icon from the list

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Step 5: Hit the Download button

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Step 6: Wait while the app is being downloaded

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Step 7: Click Open once the app is downloaded

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Step 8: Click the option Tools from the left menu of the app

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Step 9: Now select Download Manager

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Step 10: Click the +New icon from the bottom menu bar

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Step 11: Enter the URL bit.ly/aptoide-apk-firetv in the path field and Aptoide in the name path. Then click Download Now

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Step 12: Wait for a few minutes. The app will be downloaded

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Step 13: Click Open file once the app is downloaded

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Step 14: Click the Install button now

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Step 15: Click Install again

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Step 16: The app is now successfully installed. Click Open to use it

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FAQs – Sideload FireStick Apps

What is sideloading?

Sideloading is the process of installing those apps that aren’t available on the official platform such as the Amazon Store. Some apps are geo-restricted or not available on Amazon Store so they are sideloaded on the device.

Is it legal to sideload apps on FireStick?

Yes, sideloading apps on FireStick is legal. The reason is you are not doing hacking or any sort of changes in the software. You are just doing minor changes in the settings and installing. So the process is not illegal.

But if you want the process to be more secure and legal, always use a VPN. It will give you added security by hiding your IP and assigning you a new IP address. Our top choice is ExpressVPN.

How do I sideload apps on FireStick?

Well, there are several ways of sideloading apps on FireStick devices. I have discussed three methods in this guide. You can sideload apps on FireStick by using the Downloader app and ES File Explorer app.

All of these methods are safe and easy to use. Follow the few steps mentioned in the guide and you will be able to enjoy your favorite apps and content.

Conclusion

Some good apps are not officially available on Amazon Store to download. But that doesn’t mean you can’t install and use those apps. The best and safest method to install such apps is to sideload them.

There are various ways to sideload apps on FireStick and I have explained three of them in detail in this guide. You can follow the steps and successfully sideload any app you want to.

I have described the method of sideloading using the Downloader app and ES File Explorer. You can go for any method but the Downloader method is the most used and recommended.

Never forget to use a VPN connection while sideloading any app. It will make sure your connection is secure and your anonymity is maintained. A VPN will hide your IP, therefore, save you from legal concerns.

A worthy VPN will make you able to access geo-restricted content and channels without any inconvenience. Our top pick VPN is ExpressVPN.

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