Fire TV Stick users are advised to be cautious when installing new apps due to a recent incident involving the suspension of the popular tool “Downloader” from Amazon’s Appstore. The removal of Downloader has paved the way for a fraudulent copycat app aimed at defrauding users.
The problem arose when Downloader disappeared from Amazon’s online marketplace over the weekend. This tool, available for nearly a decade, has allowed Fire TV owners to search for and install apps not found in official stores.
Despite its long-standing popularity, Downloader faced a temporary suspension, as confirmed by its developer, Elias Saba. Amazon flagged Downloader as a full web browser due to a recent update, breaching its policy against third-party browsers on Fire TV devices.
Saba, also the operator of the Fire TV site AFTVnews, clarified that the issue stemmed from Downloader’s mistaken identification as a browser rather than its functionality. A new update, v2.0.2, has rectified this by removing the browser registration, awaiting Amazon’s approval for reinstatement on the Appstore.
In the interim, users are cautioned about a fake version of Downloader attempting to deceive Fire TV owners into paying a weekly fee. Saba advises against installing this scam app and encourages reporting it to Amazon.
For existing legitimate Downloader users, it is recommended not to uninstall the app as reinstallation will be impossible until Amazon restores it. Additionally, users should disable Auto Offload in Settings to prevent automatic removal.
Pending Amazon’s approval, Downloader may return to Fire TV devices soon, but users should monitor the situation closely to stay informed.