Fire TV is based on Android, so it can install apps from outside the Amazon Appstore. That process is called sideloading. It is useful for apps Amazon does not list, but it carries more responsibility because Amazon has not reviewed the app for you.
Only install APK files from sources you trust, preferably the developer’s own site or a reputable APK repository. Be extra cautious with apps that ask for account logins or payment details.
Does this affect you?
Use this guide if an app you need is not available in the Amazon Appstore and you want to install it manually on a Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, or Fire TV Edition smart TV.
Enable apps from unknown sources
- From the Fire TV home screen, open Settings.
- Select My Fire TV. Some models call this Device.
- Open Developer Options.
- Turn on Apps from Unknown Sources or enable permission for the installer app you will use.
- Confirm the warning.
This setting lets Fire TV accept installs from outside the Amazon Appstore. You can turn it off again after installing the app.
Install with Downloader
- From Fire TV search, look for Downloader.
- Install Downloader from the Amazon Appstore.
- Open Downloader.
- Enter the direct URL to the APK file.
- Choose Go and wait for the download.
- When prompted, choose Install, then Done.
Downloader needs the direct APK file link, not just a webpage that contains a download button. If installation fails, check unknown-source permissions and available storage under Settings > My Fire TV > About.
Sideload from a computer with ADB
ADB is better if the APK is already on your computer or you manage several Fire TV devices.
- On Fire TV, enable ADB Debugging under Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options.
- Find the Fire TV IP address under Settings > My Fire TV > About > Network.
- Install Android Debug Bridge tools on your computer.
- Connect to the Fire TV over your network using ADB.
- Run the ADB install command for the APK file.
This is more technical than Downloader, but it avoids typing long URLs on the TV.
After sideloading
Sideloaded apps do not update through the Amazon Appstore. Install newer APK versions manually or use the app’s own updater if it includes one.
Turn unknown-source installs back off when you are finished if you do not plan to sideload regularly. This does not remove installed apps; it only blocks future outside installs until you re-enable it.
Sources
- Amazon Developer – Sideload apps on Fire TV devices (2025)
- Amazon Support – Enable Apps from Unknown Sources on Fire TV (2025)
- Amazon Appstore – Downloader app listing (2025)