What is Downloader for?
Downloader is a free app from Amazon’s Appstore. It contains a small browser and a field where you type an address or a short code. If the link leads to an APK file, Downloader downloads it and offers to install it. This is the most common method for installing an app that is not in Amazon’s store.
First of all: use the Appstore if you can
An app installed from the Appstore updates itself and has been checked by Amazon. Before using Downloader, look for the app in the store. AICKO IPTV, for example, is available directly in Amazon’s Appstore: no extra steps are needed.
Installing Downloader
- From the home screen, open Find (the magnifying glass).
- Type “Downloader” and choose the app with the orange icon.
- Select Download.
Allowing the installation of unknown apps
- Open Settings → My Fire TV.
- If Developer Options does not appear, open About and click seven times on the device name: the menu is unlocked.
- In Developer Options, open Install unknown apps and enable Downloader only.
Do not enable any source other than the one you need, and remember to turn the permission off once the installation is finished.
Using an address or a code
- Address: type the full address of the file, preferably starting with
https://, then Go. - Code: a numeric code is a shortcut to an address. Downloader converts it itself. Type only codes given by the app’s official publisher.
After the download, choose Install, then Delete the APK file to free up space.
The risks to know about
| Risk | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Modified APK containing malware | Download only from the publisher’s official website |
| Codes shared on social networks | Never type a code of unknown origin |
| Pirate content apps | They expose you to penalties and scams |
| No automatic updates | Prefer the Appstore when the app is available there |
See also Fire TV Stick apps and securing your credentials.
In short
- Downloader downloads a file onto Fire TV from an address or a code.
- You must allow “Install unknown apps” for Downloader in the developer options.
- The developer menu is unlocked by clicking seven times on the device name in “About”.
- Always prefer the Appstore, and type only codes given by the official publisher.
Frequently asked questions
Is Downloader legal?
Yes, it is a free app from Amazon’s Appstore. Legality depends on what you download with it.
I cannot find the developer options on my Fire TV
Open Settings, My Fire TV, About, then click seven times on the device name: the menu appears.
What is a Downloader code?
It is a numeric shortcut to a web address. Downloader opens it as if you had typed the full address.
Do I need Downloader to install AICKO IPTV?
No, AICKO IPTV is available directly in Amazon’s Appstore on Fire TV Stick and Fire TV televisions.
