Downloader App for Firestick: Install It and Use It Safely (2026)

Downloader is the free app most people use to install apps on a Firestick that aren’t in the Amazon Appstore, such as the TiviMate IPTV player. You type a web address or a short code, and Downloader fetches and installs the app. This guide shows how to install Downloader, set it up, use codes safely and fix the most common problems.

What is Downloader?

Downloader is an app from AFTVnews that downloads files onto a Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV, Android phone or tablet, or Fire tablet. You can enter the address of a file or website, search with its built-in Google search, or enter a numeric short code created with the AFTVnews URL shortener. When the file is an Android app, Downloader offers to install it.

Downloader itself doesn’t contain any apps or content. It’s a tool, and what matters is where your download comes from.

Check that your Fire TV can use it

Amazon now sells Fire TV devices with two systems. Fire OS models, such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Fire TV Cube and TVs with Fire TV built in, can install apps with Downloader. Newer Vega OS models, such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, can’t, so they’re limited to Appstore apps. To check, open Settings > My Fire TV > About; our Firestick guide has the full model list.

Install Downloader

1. From the Fire TV home screen, open Find > Search.
2. Type Downloader and choose the app whose developer is AFTVnews. Look-alikes with similar names exist, so check the developer name.
3. Select Get or Download. It’s free.

On Google TV and Android TV, install Downloader by AFTVnews from Google Play instead.

Allow Downloader to install apps

1. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About and select your device name, for example “Fire TV Stick 4K”, seven times, until a message says you’re already a developer.
2. Press Back. Developer Options now appears in the My Fire TV menu.
3. Open Developer Options > Install unknown apps, select Downloader and switch it On.

On Google TV and Android TV the setting is usually under the apps or security settings as “unknown sources”, and the exact path depends on your device.

Download an app with a URL or code

1. Open Downloader and choose Allow if it asks for access to your files.
2. In the address box, type the app’s official download address or its official Downloader code, then select Go.
3. When the download finishes, select Install, then Done.
4. Select Delete to remove the installer file and free up storage.

Fire TV Sticks have limited storage, so deleting installer files helps prevent slowdowns and buffering later.

Downloader codes: use official ones only

A Downloader code is a short number that points to a web address. Anyone can create one, so a code is only as trustworthy as the person who made it. Codes shared on random websites and videos can point to modified apps that carry malware or steal logins. Use codes that the app’s own developer publishes:

Developers can change these, so check them on the developer’s website before you use them. For any other app, get the download link from the developer’s website or from your IPTV provider. SubscribeIPTV customers can ask us for a safe way to install the player they prefer.

Fix common Downloader problems

• You can’t find Developer Options: select your device name seven times in Settings > My Fire TV > About to show it.
• There’s no “Install unknown apps” setting: your device may run Vega OS, which can’t install apps from outside the Appstore. Use an Appstore player instead.
• The download fails or stops: check the address for typos, make sure it points straight to the app file, and restart your Fire TV.
• The installed app won’t open or keeps crashing: delete it, free up storage and install the latest version from the official source.
• Storage is full: delete old installer files in Downloader and uninstall apps you don’t use in Settings > Applications.

Once your IPTV player is installed, sign in with our Firestick IPTV guide. Need a login? Start a free 24-hour trial.

Downloader FAQ