Most of the streaming devices are intended to do tasks within the limit. To make the most use of the device than intended, we need to change the built-in settings. Sideload is one such way to change the settings, but it is not a higher-level. Firestick has got its own app store (Amazon App Store) in which you can download the apps. But in order to download the apps that are not available officially, we need to use a third-party source, which is called sideloading. Now, let us discuss “how to sideload apps on Amazon Firestick.”
Sideload Apps on Amazon Firestick
We have more than one way to sideload apps on Amazon Fire TV Stick. Sideloading is safe when you use a reliable source and a reliable APK file. The following are the four different ways to sideload an application on Amazon Fire TV Stick.
- Downloader app
- ES File Explorer
- Apps2Fire
- adbLink
Sideloading in Firestick is safe and doesn’t require any jailbreaking or rooting. It is a very straightforward process that only requires minor changes in Fire TV settings.
Prepare Firestick to Sideload Apps
There are two things you need to enable in Firestick, ADB Debugging and Apps from Unknown Sources. Or else you wouldn’t be able to sideload apps.
1). Press the home button on the Amazon Fire TV remote.
2). From the home screen, hover to the Settings.
3). On the Settings screen, choose My Fire TV or Device.
4). Then choose the Developer Options.
5). Now enable the ADB Debugging and Apps from Unknown Sources.
6). On the confirmation pop-up, click on the Turn On option.
Download Third-party Apps
Remember, if you are going to use “Downloader” or “ES File Explorer” to sideload the apps first, you need to download those apps on your Firestick. The two apps are available in the official Amazon App Store.
1). From the Firestick home screen, hover to the Search.
2). With the on-screen virtual keyboard, type Downloader or ES File Explorer, whichever you prefer.
3). Navigate to the app installation page by selecting the app.
4). On the app installation page, click on Get or Download tab.
5). Once the Downloader app is installed, you can launch the app. The app will be available in the Apps section of the home screen.
You can also get our guide on how to install Downloader for Firestick with detailed guidelines.
Sideload Apps on Amazon Firestick
Now your device is ready for sideloading. Use any of the following ways to sideload apps on Amazon Fire Stick. For downloading any files using Downloader or ES File Explorer, you would require the APK file of the particular app. You can get the APK file from the app’s official website or from reliable third-party sources.
Sideload Apps on Firestick: Using Downloader App
1). Open the Downloader app on your Amazon Firestick. On the left side panel, select Settings.
2). On the Settings page, check the box near the Enable JavaScript. Enabling this will make sure that all the sites and APKs are downloaded properly.
3). In the warning pop-up, click the OK button.
4). Highlight the field by using the Select button. On the provided text bar, type the APK link. Then click Go. The file will be downloaded.
5). Once the file is downloaded, click Install on the pop-up window. Then choose Done.
6). Select the Delete button on the next screen as we don’t need the APK file anymore.
7). After that, you can open the sideloaded apps on your Fire TV.
Sideload Apps on Firestick: Using ES File Explorer
This particular app has got multiple purposes. You can use the app to manage the local files, organize the Fire TV structure, and manage remote functions. To get full-access, you need to buy the premium version of ES File Explorer, which costs $9.99 per month.
1). Launch the ES File Explorer app on Firestick. On the left side panel, choose the Tools option.
2). Then choose the Download Manager. On the bottom of the screen, click on the New (+) icon.
3). On the pop-up, enter the apk download link in the Path field.
4). Then, type the name of the file and click Next.
5). Then click on the Download Now button. After the download click Open File.
6). Now click Install. On the next screen, also click Install. Once done, click Done or Open the app.
Sideload Apps on Firestick: Using Apps2Fire
There is a way to sideload apps on Fire Stick that are installed on your Android smartphone using the Apps2Fire app. This method is not available for iPhone users. Make sure that the app you want to sideload is compatible with Firestick. Else you will get an error message.
1). On your Firestick, go to Settings > My Fire TV > Network. Note down the IP address.
2). Download and install the Apps2Fire app from the Play Store on your Android device,
3). Open the app and tap the three-dotted menu icon. Then choose Setup > Network.
4). Make sure to connect the phone and the Firestick to the same WiFi network. Choose your IP address from the list. Then, select Save.
5). Then choose Local Apps and select the app you want to install. Select Install.
6). A pop-up will appear on your Fire TV. Select the OK button. On your phone, select the OK button. The app will be sideloaded on Firestick.
Sideload Apps on Firestick: Using abdLink
You can use this method to sideload apps from Windows, or Mac, or Linux PC. You can directly sideload apps from your PC to your Firestick easily.
1). On your Firestick, go to Settings > My Fire TV > Network. Note down the IP address.
2). From your PC, go to the adbLink site and download the app on your PC. Run and install the app.
3). Launch the app. Click on the “New” option and add the Firestick’s IP address.
4). Now on your PC, download the APK file of the app you wish to sideload. Then click Install APK.
5) Select the apk file you want to install on Firestick and click the OK button.
6). The file will be downloaded on your Firestick.
You can use any one of the above four methods to sideload apps on your Firestick. With the Downloader and ES File Explorer app, you can handle all the sideloading tasks on the Firestick device alone. But ES File Explorer will cost you subscription money. With Apps2Fire, you can use your Android smartphone to sideload the apps on Firestick. If you prefer PC to sideload apps, you can use the abdLink app. Don’t forget to share your choice and reason to choose in the comment section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you install APK on Firestick?
Yes, you can. With the Downloader and ES File Explorer app, you can install any Android apk file on your Firestick.
2. How do you sideload apps on Firestick?
There are four different ways to sideload apps on Firestick. You can use any one of the four methods mentioned above.