Fire TV Stick users should exercise caution when adding new apps to their devices due to a recent development. The popular tool “Downloader” has been removed from Amazon’s Appstore, leading to the emergence of a fraudulent copycat app aimed at defrauding users.
The issue arose when Downloader vanished from Amazon’s marketplace over the weekend. For nearly a decade, Downloader has enabled Fire TV owners to search for and install apps not found in official stores, making it a valuable tool for accessing various applications.
However, the app faced a temporary suspension following a recent update that categorized it as a full web browser, violating Amazon’s policy against third-party browsers on Fire TV devices. The app’s developer, Elias Saba, clarified the situation and submitted an update removing the browser feature in hopes of reinstating the app on the Appstore soon.
In the meantime, users are advised to steer clear of a fake version of Downloader that has surfaced, attempting to deceive Fire TV users into paying a weekly fee. Saba warns against installing this fraudulent app and encourages users to report it to Amazon.
If users already have the legitimate Downloader, they are instructed not to delete it as reinstallation will be impossible until Amazon resolves the issue. Additionally, users should disable Auto Offload to prevent automatic removal of the app by the device.
Pending approval of the fix by Amazon, Downloader may make a comeback to Fire TV devices in the coming week. Users are advised to stay vigilant and monitor updates on the situation closely.