Downloader has temporarily (I hope) been removed from the Amazon Appstore for Fire TVs and Fire Tablets

Update:

Downloader is back in the Fire TV appstore.

Amazon has suspended my Downloader app from the Amazon Appstore for Fire TVs and Fire Tablets. I expect that this is a temporary suspension and that the app will soon be restored.

Amazon’s reason for suspending Downloader was given as: “Amazon restricts the publication of third-party browser apps on Fire tablets and Fire TV devices.” Since Downloader on Fire TVs has had a built-in browser for over 9 years, I suspect the issue isn’t the browser itself, but that the app now registers itself as a browser since the v2 release earlier this month, so that it can open links from other apps.

I’ve submitted a v2.0.2 update for Downloader to Amazon that no longer registers itself as a browser, which matches the behavior it previously had. I’m hopeful that Amazon will approve this version and restore Downloader in the Amazon Appstore. The update was submitted this morning, and it usually takes Amazon a few days to test and approve submissions.

I will update this post and write a new article once Downloader is available again. If you already have Downloader on a Fire TV device, you may continue using it, but do not uninstall it or you will not be able to reinstall it. You should also turn off “Auto Offload,” under Settings > Applications, so Downloader does not get uninstalled automatically.

Update

Do NOT install the app named “Downloader for Fire, Browser…“. That app is a SCAM that tricks you into paying $6.99 PER WEEK. Please help get it removed by reporting it as a scam to Amazon.

I strongly urge everyone to be patient for my real Downloader app to return and not install alternative apps, since many of them are fake clones that try to scam you. I will post as soon as the real Downloader is back up.

Update #2

Downloader is back in the Fire TV appstore.