How To Sideload Apps on Firestick – Guide
How to load apps on Firestick
Prepare Your Fire TV for Sideloading
The Fire TV operating system comes with a built-in option to enable or disable external installations. It’s disabled by default, so if you try to sideload it, you’ll get an error. If you enable it, however, sideloading is very easy. Follow the quick steps below to prepare your Fire TV for the process.
There, you will find a list of devices that are connected to your Fire TV Stick.
To view your device’s battery level, scroll right to the “Device” section and choose “Battery.” ..
To enable Developer Options, go to Settings > General > Developer Options. There you will find a range of options that allow you to customize your device’s behavior. For example, you can enable or disable USB debugging, force the use of portrait or landscape mode, and more. ..
This tweak will set all apps from unknown sources to ON.
Some external applications may harm your computer. Before you install any new external applications, be sure to read the warning message about installing external applications. ..
How to Sideload apps on Fire TV
- sideload an app from the Google Play Store
- sideload an app from a website like App StoreMirror
- sideload an app from a file sharing service like Dropbox
Using the download app
To install the Downloader program, search for it on your computer and click on the download link. ..
While this installs, find the direct URL of the apk you want to install. Make sure it ends with .apk.
Open Downloader and enter the URL. You can also use the built-in browser to browse the web, but using a PC is much easier.
The file is available through Downloader. After completing the installation, you can access it by selecting “Files” on the interface.
Using adbLink
adbLink is a free third-party program for Windows, Mac and Linux that can be used to manage installed programs, add new content, or remove apps you no longer need. Setup can be a little more confusing for some people as you need to find IP address information before you start. Work through the initial steps and you will find that adbLink is by far the best way to load apps on your Fire TV. Requirements: A PC or laptop connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Fire TV.
To find your Fire TV Stick’s IP address, go to Settings > About – Network and write down the device’s IP address. ..
To install the adbLink program on your computer, visit the website and download the appropriate program for your operating system. ..
Install the adbLink app to allow you to easily connect to your Android device and run commands.
In adbLink, click “new” next to the device box and add your Fire TV Stick.
In the next window, enter a unique description and IP address of your Fire TV Stick.
- On your computer, download the apk files you want to add to your Fire Stick.
- Connect your Fire Stick to your computer using the USB cable.
- On the Fire Stick, open the Settings app and select System > Applications > Manage Applications.
- Select the apk files you downloaded in Step 1 and press OK. ..
In adbLink, install the APK file.
Navigate to the file you downloaded and click “ok”
adbLink will automatically install the app on your Fire TV device.
Using apps2fire
With an extra Android device around, you can install apps2fire, a simple app that lets you “push” content from an Android device to your Fire TV. Requirements: A separate Android device connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Fire TV.
Install apps2fire on your Android device to get the best performance.
On the Fire TV, you can find an app called “Install” that will allow you to install any app you want.
Run the app2fire app and let it create a list of your local installations.
When scanning is complete, slide the menu to the left and tap Setup.
To connect to the Internet, your Fire TV must have an IP address. The IP address is found on the right side of the About – Network screen. ..
In apps2fire, enter the IP address of your Fire TV from the step above and tap “Save”. You may also need to tap “Search Fire TVs” just below that.
Scroll down to the app and select it.
When you open the app, tap on the “Install” button. ..
The Fire TV app will automatically install on your device after a few minutes of waiting. This may take a few minutes depending on the size and speed of the app and your internet connection.
Using ES File Explorer
ES File Explorer is a powerful all-in-one utility that allows you to browse your Fire TV’s file structure, search for downloaded content, and manage some functions remotely. It’s also great for sideloading apps, although some users might find its interface more confusing than useful. Anyway, ES File Explorer is free and makes it easy to install third-party apps without running separate programs. Requirements: Fire TV, a PC with FTP software and a few minutes of your time.
On your Fire TV, find the app you want to load on your PC.
The app is available for download on the Google Play store.
ES File Explorer is a new app that you can find on the appstore. It’s a great app for managing your files and it’s free.
In the left menu, select “Remote Manager.” On the main screen, you will see a list of devices that are connected to your network.
The button in the background activates a FTP server. You will need to provide an FTP address in order to connect.
To connect to the FTP server, open Filezilla and enter the FTP address in the “Host” field. In the “User” field, enter your username and password. Click on the “Connect” button. ..
Your FTP program will now be able to access your Android TV’s file structure, making it easier to transfer files and folders between your computer and your Android TV.
In your FTP program, navigate to the Downloads folder.
Copy the app apk to this folder.
When the transfer is complete, go back to your Android TV. ..
Shut down the FTP connection by clicking the Shut Down button.
In ES File Explorer, navigate the left menu and choose the Downloads folder.
The new apk will be installed on your device.
I’m happy to grant permission requests, as long as you’re willing to follow through with them.
Final note
If you’re looking to sideload apps on your Firestick, this guide will show you how. In case you have any questions, feel free to ask us in the comments. Plus, share this guide with your friends to help them get started too! ..
