This step-by-step guide will show how to install the Downloader App on Firestick/Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, and other devices.
The Downloader app is used by millions of cord-cutters across the world for sideloading apps (APKs) to their streaming device with the click of a button.
The feature component of this tool is the ability to side-load applications not available in official app stores like Amazon or Google Play. You can side-load apps by entering long URLs or short codes.
The Version 2 update of Downloader just dropped in March 2026 with the biggest overhaul in years. The update brings a full-width browser, numeric keypad for codes, improved cursor tracking, and one-tap file cleanup.
The Downloader app is available for installation on any device that runs the Android operating system (OS). Variations of Android OS include Android TV, Google TV, Fire OS, Stock Android, and more.
Popular streaming devices that run Android OS include the following:
- Amazon Firestick (all models except the Firestick Select)
- Fire TVs & Fire TV Cubes
- Certified Android TV boxes (NVIDIA Shield)
- AOSP Android TV boxes (BuzzTV boxes)
- Google TV boxes (onn 4K boxes)
- Android phones & tablets
- Windows PC and Mac (via Android emulator)
- Raspberry Pi
Note: Roku and Apple devices run their own operating systems and are NOT compatible with the Downloader app. We recommend using one of the devices listed above instead.
Below we have included step-by-step screenshot instructions for installing Downloader on each type of Android operating system.
Table of Contents
How To Install Downloader on Firestick/Fire TV
We suggest watching the video tutorial as this provides important details not found in the screenshot guide.
Video Tutorial
Get Free TROYPOINT Secret App Guide
Get #1 Ranked VPN Surfshark with Huge Discount +Free Months
Screenshot Guide
The steps below will show you how to install the Downloader app on the Firestick, Fire TV, Fire TV Cube, and any Fire TV device that runs on Android OS.
Important Note: We are using the Fire TV Stick 4K Max in this instance. Any newer Amazon devices like the Fire TV Stick Select running on “Vega OS” will not be able to side-load apps with Downloader.
1. From the home screen of your Fire TV device, hover over the Search button on top.
2. Search for ‘downloader’ and select the option that appears.
3. Choose the official Downloader app from AFTVNews.
4. Click Download.
5. Wait for the app to install.
6. The app will automatically launch. Click OK when you see this welcome message.
7. You have successfully installed Downloader app on your Firestick/Fire TV device. But next we need to enable permissions for installation.
8. Return to the Fire TV home screen and click Settings on the bottom left.
9. Click My Fire TV.
10. Click Developer options.
11. Click Install unknown apps.
12. Click Downloader to turn it ON.
13. You can now side-load apps with Downloader! I recommend visiting the TROYPOINT Toolbox by entering the code 250931 and install apps from there.
How to Install Downloader on Android TV/Google TV
In this example, I am using an onn 4K Plus to install Downloader but this process works for any device running the Android TV/Google TV operating system.
This includes devices like NVIDIA Shields, BuzzTV, MECOOL boxes, Google TV Streamer, Tivo Stream 4K, Forumler boxes, Ugoos boxes, and more.
1. Hover over the search icon from the home screen.
2. Enter in ‘downloader’ and click the search icon.
3. Choose the official Downloader by AFTVnews under Apps.
4. Click Install.
5. Wait for the app to install.
6. After the Downloader app has installed click Open.
7. Click OK when you see this welcome message.
8. You have successfully installed Downloader app on your Android TV/Google TV device.
But next we need to enable permissions for installation. Click the search box on top.
9. Enter the code 250931 and click the checkmark icon.
10. You are now on the TROYPOINT Toolbox.
11. Scroll down to install any third-party application you prefer. In this instance we are installing SmartTube. Click Download.
12. A message will appear, click Settings.
13. Click the toggle for Downloader to turn on unknown apps.
14. Click Install.
15. Click Open or Done.
16. You have successfully side-loaded an app with Downloader on your Android TV/Google TV device!
Downloader App Features
AFTVnews is the original creator of the Downloader App and has made it very successful to this day.
In 2019, TROYPOINT purchased the Downloader application from AFTVNews along with a few other subsidiary apps. However, AFTVNews has since bought back the application and currently owns it.
The V2 redesign puts the browser front and center on the Home screen. Gone is the old tabbed layout, replaced by a single address bar that handles URLs, short codes, and Google searches all in one place. Best of all, you won’t need a keyboard as the app has a built-in mouse cursor to scroll and select with ease.
A pound sign icon now sits to the right of the address bar. Tapping it opens a number pad, making it faster to enter short codes.
Another key feature is the Favorites tab that lets you bookmark any pages you visit and access them with a click. The new sidebar menu auto-hides to give you maximum screen space while browsing.
Within the settings are options to enable APK Auto-Install, JavaScript, and more. We suggest leaving these settings to default for the most part.
The Files tab will compile any APK file you install. With V2, you can now wipe all files at once using the “Delete All Files” button, saving you time when cleaning up after sideloading sessions.
If you experience a message saying an “unknown error has occurred” check out our troubleshooting guide.
The Help section inside provides troubleshooting tips and direct contact with the developer.
Protect Yourself When Using Downloader
Most applications that we install through Downloader aren’t verified and will track us through our identifying IP Address.
We suggest installing a VPN on your Firestick or Android TV/Google TV device to protect yourself online.
Troy’s Final Thoughts on DownloaderÂ
The Downloader App remains the go-to sideloading tool for Firestick, Android TV, and Google TV owners, and the V2 update makes it better than ever with its full-width browser, numeric keypad, and bulk file cleanup.
Once installed, be sure to grant unknown source permissions on your device so you can start loading apps right away. This app is 100% free and supported by donations, so consider giving back if you find it useful.
Are you a fan of the Downloader App? Let us know in the comments below!
