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How to sideload apps on a Firestick

Updated:

This tutorial will explain all the steps you need to take to sideload an application onto your Firestick device successfully.

 

Here are the steps that we will go through:

 

You will need a Firestick device and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on our pricing page.

 

 

Allow installation

 

  1. From the Fire TV or Fire TV Stick’s home screen, scroll to Settings.

    firestick_background_blur_netflix__1_.png

  2. Next, please navigate to the right and select My Fire TV. It may be listed as Device or System on older models.

    enable2.jpg

  3. Then, scroll down and select Developer options.

    enable3.png

  4. Afterwards, select Apps from Unknown Sources to turn the option ON.

    enable4.jpg

  5. Lastly, select Turn On on the popup message that appears.

    enable5.jpg

 

 

Install the downloader

 

  1. The next step is to install the Downloader application. Go to the Firestick home screen and use your remote to navigate the Search icon in the menu bar.

    downloader1.png

    Type in Downloader.

    downloader2.png

  2. Suggestions for Downloader apps will show up. Choose and install the one as in the screenshot below. 

    downloader3.png

  3. When the installation is complete, click Open.

    downloader4.png

 

Download your application

 

  1. When you open this app, you will find a line to enter a URL address. Here you will need to type in the web address of the file you wish to download.

    sideload1.png

  2. Type in the URL address which leads directly to the download into the URL field. Then click Go. 

    Note: keep in mind that the link is case-sensitive, so you should write it down exactly how it's written in the screenshot below.

    sideload2.png

    This link is for the Surfshark application: https://downloads.surfshark.com/android/Surfshark.apk
  3. Wait until Firestick downloads the file.

    sideload3.png

  4. A suggestion to install the downloaded file will pop-up. Click Install.

    sideload4.png

  5. Wait until the installation finishes and go back to the Home screen. Then go through the list of your apps until you find the See All button, click on it.

    sideload5.png

  6. At the end of this list, you will find your application.

    sideload_firestick_no_netflix_blurred.png

 

Congratulations! Now you know how to sideload applications on your Firestick!

 

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