Setting up sideloading
You’ll likely have to head to Settings > Applications (or Security) and check the Unknown Sources box before you can successfully install the store. Open the Appstore on your phone, and search for AKG Fire, from developer Gopi Adusumilli. This is a free app that lets you wirelessly sideload any apps from your Android phone, and this is far easier than sideloading through a Windows PC or Mac. On your Fire TV, head to Settings > System > About > Network and find its IP address. Now, open AKG Fire on your phone (the app name will actually appear as AFTV Side Loader), where you’ll be prompted to enter an IP address. Just type in the same address that appears on your Fire TV screen. All that’s left is to choose which apps to sideload. Scroll through your app list in AKG Fire until you find an app you want, then tap on it and select the “Install on…” option. The install process can take a couple minutes (and there’s a pop-up ad you’ll have to dismiss), so be patient.
Launching sideloaded Fire TV apps
One problem with sideloaded Fire TV apps is that they don’t appear anywhere in the main menu. To find them, you must head to Settings > Applications > Manage All Installed Applications. Click on the app you want, then hit “Launch Application.”
Touchscreen, meet big screen
Here’s the other problem with sideloaded apps: In most cases, they’re designed for touchscreens and don’t play nicely with the Fire TV remote. Fortunately, the $2 Remote Mouse for Fire TV app gives you all the flexibility of touch controls on the big screen. It’s well-worth the money for all the extra video and music you’ll be getting. I love how this app is clearly designed for sideloading: If you hit the three-dot menu button in the top-right corner, and then hit “apps,” it’ll take you straight to the section of the Settings menu that has all your sideloaded apps in it.
