⚠️ STATUS DISCLAIMER
Current Status: ⚠️ Proceed with caution – Amazon actively blocks custom launchers
Last Verified: July 31, 2026
🚨 CRITICAL UPDATE – VEGA OS: Newer Fire TV models (Fire TV Stick 4K Select – Oct 2025, Fire TV Stick HD – Apr 2026) run Vega OS, which does NOT support sideloading or custom launchers at all. To check your OS: go to Settings > My Fire TV > About. If you see Fire OS 7 or 8, you can sideload. If it says Vega OS, custom launchers are impossible.
⚠️ Wolf Launcher Warning: Wolf Launcher is no longer being updated (last update v0.1.9 in 2022) and some features no longer work on updated devices. Consider Projectivy Launcher as your primary option instead.
🔒 Privacy Warning: Your IP address is exposed when using third-party apps. A VPN is strongly recommended for privacy and security.
What Are Android TV & Firestick Launchers?
A launcher (or home screen) is the first interface you see when you turn on your streaming device. The default launchers on Google TV and Amazon Fire TV have become increasingly cluttered with:
- 📢 Promotional ads for shows, movies, and Amazon services
- 📊 Algorithmic recommendations you never asked for
- 🐌 Performance slowdowns over time on aging hardware
Custom launchers replace these default interfaces with:
- ✅ Ad-free home screens
- ✅ Faster performance (especially on older devices like the Fire TV Stick 4K Gen 1)
- ✅ Fully customizable layouts, wallpapers, and app organization
- ✅ Cleaner, more intuitive navigation
- ✅ Visibility for sideloaded apps that the stock launcher refuses to show
📋 “No-Click” Quick-Reference Cheatsheet
For experienced users—skip the reading and install now.
| Launcher | Best For | Price | Play Store | Download Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projectivy Launcher | Ultimate customization | Free / Premium | ✅ Yes | Play Store / Sideload |
| Wolf Launcher | Legacy Firestick ad removal | Free | ❌ No | Sideload (Code: 730116) |
| ATV Launcher Pro | Widget support | Free / Pro ($4.99) | ✅ Yes | Play Store |
| FLauncher | Open-source minimalism | Free (FOSS) | ✅ Yes | Play Store / GitHub |
| HALauncher | Surfacing sideloaded phone apps | Free | ✅ Yes | Play Store |
| Sideload Launcher (SideApps) | Tiny utility for hidden apps | Free | ✅ Yes | Play Store |
| Aptoide TV | Store + launcher in one | Free | ✅ Yes | Play Store |
| AppStarter | Fire TV launcher alternative | Free | ❌ No | Sideload |
| Monet Launcher | Custom home screen | Free | ✅ Yes | Play Store / Sideload |
🟢 Launcher Status Report & Testing Log
| Launcher | Current Version | Android TV | Firestick | Ad-Free | Customization | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projectivy | v4.71 | ✅✅✅ | ✅ (with LMM) | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | July 13, 2026 |
| Wolf | v0.1.9 (legacy) | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2022 (No longer updated) |
| ATV Launcher Pro | Latest | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Active |
| FLauncher | Latest | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Active |
| HALauncher | Latest | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐ | Active |
| SideApps | Latest | ✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ⭐ | Active (Mar 2026) |
🔧 Prerequisite: Enable “Unknown Sources”
Before installing any sideloaded launcher, you must allow your device to install apps from third-party sources.
For Firestick / Fire TV (Fire OS 7 or 8):
- From the Firestick home screen, navigate to Settings (gear icon)
- Select My Fire TV
- Click About
- Quickly click on Fire TV Stick 7 times until you see “No need, you are already a developer“
- Press the back button. You will now see Developer Options in the menu
- Click Developer Options
- Select Apps from Unknown Sources (or Install Unknown Apps) and turn it ON
For Android TV / Google TV:
- Go to Settings
- Select Apps → Security & Restrictions → Unknown Sources
- Enable it for the app you’ll use to install (e.g., Downloader)
📥 Installation Tutorial: Sideloading a Launcher on Firestick
Part 1: Install the Downloader App
- From the Firestick home screen, go to Find → Search (magnifying glass)
- Type “Downloader” and search
- Select the Downloader app by AFTVnews from the Amazon Store
- Click Get or Download and wait for installation
- Click Open to launch Downloader
Part 2: Download & Install the Launcher
For Wolf Launcher / Projectivy Launcher / Launcher Manager Mini:
- In Downloader, click the URL/search bar at the top
- Enter the Downloader Code:
730116OR the URL:bit.ly/fsh-downloads - Click Go
- Navigate to your desired launcher (Wolf Launcher, Projectivy Launcher, or Launcher Manager Mini)
- Download the APK file
- Tap “Install” when prompted
- Wait for installation to complete
- Tap “Done”
For Projectivy Launcher (Alternative Method):
- Use Downloader Code:
250931 - Navigate to Projectivy Launcher from the toolbox
- Download and install
Part 3: Cleanup Phase (Crucial!)
- After installation, click “Delete” to remove the APK file
- Tap “Delete” again to confirm
🚀 How to Install Wolf Launcher on Firestick (Detailed)
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
- Go to Settings → My Fire TV → About
- Click on Fire TV Stick 7 times to enable Developer Options
- Go back and select Developer Options
- Turn on Apps from Unknown Sources
Step 2: Install Downloader
- Go to Find → Search → Type “Downloader”
- Select and install the Downloader app
Step 3: Download Wolf Launcher
- Open Downloader and enter the code
730116 - Select Wolf Launcher from the list
- Download and install the APK
Step 4: Set as Default (Optional)
- Install Launcher Manager Mini using the same Downloader code
730116 - Open Launcher Manager Mini and set Wolf Launcher as default
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Wolf Launcher is no longer being updated (last update v0.1.9 in 2022). Some features may not work on updated devices. Projectivy Launcher is the recommended alternative.
🚀 How to Install Projectivy Launcher on Firestick
Projectivy Launcher is the most flexible third-party launcher on Fire TV. The grid is configurable down to the row level, recommendations can be hidden entirely, app icons stay where you put them, and a custom background replaces Amazon’s promotional images.
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
- Follow the same steps as above to enable Developer Options and Unknown Sources
Step 2: Install Downloader
- Install Downloader from the Amazon Store
Step 3: Download Projectivy Launcher
- Open Downloader and enter the code
730116OR250931 - Navigate to Projectivy Launcher
- Download and install the APK
Step 4: Install Launch on Boot / Launcher Manager Mini
- Using the same Downloader code, install Launch on Boot or Launcher Manager Mini
- This utility lets you set Projectivy as the default launcher on boot
Step 5: Enable Projectivy
- Open Projectivy Launcher
- Grant Accessibility permission when prompted
- Use Launcher Manager Mini to set Projectivy as default
💡 PRO TIP: Projectivy Launcher is actively maintained with the latest version v4.71 released on July 13, 2026. The developer ships fast — bug reports on the XDA thread often see fixes in days.
🎮 Post-Installation UI/UX Walkthrough
Projectivy Launcher
- Home Screen: Grid-based layout with custom rows, custom backgrounds, and per-row sorting
- Customization: Hide recommendations entirely, keep app icons where you put them
- Sideloaded Apps: Show alongside store apps without separate handling
- Premium Version: Unlock advanced features like theme support and enhanced customization
Wolf Launcher
- Home Screen: Phone-style grid on a TV
- Customization: Resize app icons, rename apps, hide unwanted apps, apply custom wallpapers
- Folders: Organize apps into folders (e.g., “Sports Apps”) with PIN protection
- ⚠️ Note: No longer updated – some features may not work
SideApps (Sideload Launcher)
- Ultra-Lightweight: Under 2MB – the fastest app drawer for Firestick
- Remote Friendly: Fully optimized for D-pad navigation
- Offline: Completely offline gateway to see every single app you’ve installed
🧰 Troubleshooting: Common Launcher Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| App won’t install | Ensure “Unknown Sources” is enabled. Re-download the APK if corrupted. |
| Launcher doesn’t appear as default | Install Launcher Manager Mini and set the launcher as default |
| Home button goes to stock launcher | Use Launcher Manager Mini or ADB commands to override |
| Firestick reverts to stock after update | Amazon updates may break launcher settings. Re-apply using Launcher Manager Mini |
| Wolf Launcher features not working | Wolf Launcher is no longer updated. Switch to Projectivy Launcher |
| Device on Vega OS | Custom launchers are not supported. No workaround exists |
| App crashes on launch | Clear cache: Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > [Launcher Name] > Clear Cache |
| Launcher not showing all apps | Use SideApps to see every installed app, including sideloaded ones |
🔒 Safety & Security: Launcher Considerations
- Download from Official Sources: Whenever possible, download launchers from the Google Play Store or official GitHub repositories.
- Scan Sideloaded APKs: Upload any APK to VirusTotal before installing.
- Use a VPN: Third-party launchers and sideloaded apps expose your IP address. Surfshark is recommended for Firestick users.
- Vega OS Warning: Newer Fire TV models (4K Select, Stick HD) run Vega OS which does not support sideloading at all.
- Check Permissions: If a launcher requests unnecessary permissions (access to contacts, SMS, etc.), don’t install it.
🔄 Recent Technology Evolutions
1. Vega OS – The End of Sideloading?
Amazon’s new Vega OS (shipping on Fire TV Stick 4K Select and Fire TV Stick HD) represents a major shift. It offers faster boot times in exchange for a more locked-down platform where sideloading is impossible. This means custom launchers are not possible on these devices.
2. Amazon Blocks Third-Party Launchers
Amazon released an update to Firestick and Fire TV devices that blocks third-party launchers. While workarounds like Launcher Manager Mini exist, Amazon keeps blocking them, making the process increasingly difficult.
3. Projectivy Launcher – The New Standard
Projectivy Launcher has emerged as the most popular and actively maintained launcher. Version 4.71 (July 2026) features:
- Completely revamped User Interface
- Updated Wallpaper System
- Improved Customization Options
- Theme Support
4. Arc Launcher & Kyu Launcher – New Entrants
Arc Launcher (Apple tvOS-inspired) and Kyu Launcher (Roku-style) are gaining popularity, though they are primarily for Android TV/Google TV rather than Firestick.
5. FLauncher / LTvLauncher – Open-Source Options
FLauncher and its fork LTvLauncher offer open-source alternatives with builds optimized for both ARMv7 (older devices) and ARM64 (newer devices like NVIDIA Shield).
📊 Launcher Comparison Summary
| Launcher | Android TV | Firestick | Ad-Free | Customizable | Open Source | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projectivy | ✅✅✅ | ✅ (with LMM) | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | Free/Premium | 🟢 Active |
| Wolf | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | Free | 🔴 Discontinued |
| ATV Launcher Pro | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | Free/Pro | 🟢 Active |
| FLauncher | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Free | 🟢 Active |
| HALauncher | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐ | ❌ | Free | 🟢 Active |
| SideApps | ✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ⭐ | ❌ | Free | 🟢 Active |
| AppStarter | ❌ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | Free | 🟢 Active |
| Monet Launcher | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | Free | 🟢 Active |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Best launchers for Firestick?
The best launchers for Firestick in 2026 are Projectivy Launcher (most customizable, actively maintained) and Wolf Launcher (legacy favorite, but no longer updated). For a lightweight option, try SideApps (under 2MB)[reference:74][reference:75].
Best launchers for Firestick free?
All the launchers mentioned in this guide are completely free. Projectivy Launcher, Wolf Launcher, FLauncher, HALauncher, SideApps, and AppStarter all offer free tiers with no subscription required[reference:76].
Wolf Launcher Firestick – does it still work?
Wolf Launcher still works on many devices, but it is no longer being updated (last update v0.1.9 in 2022)[reference:77]. Some features no longer work on updated devices[reference:78]. Projectivy Launcher is recommended as the modern alternative.
Projectivy Launcher – what makes it the best?
Projectivy Launcher (v4.71, July 2026) offers grid-based layouts with custom rows, custom backgrounds, per-row sorting, zero ads, and sideloaded apps show alongside store apps without separate handling[reference:79][reference:80]. The developer ships fast updates — bug fixes often appear within days[reference:81].
Launcher Manager Firestick – what is it?
Launcher Manager Mini is a free utility tool that lets you set a default app to launch automatically every time FireStick restarts[reference:82]. It replaces the default Fire TV homescreen with custom launchers like Wolf Launcher or Projectivy Launcher[reference:83].
Fire TV Launcher APK – where to download?
The default Fire TV Launcher APK (KFTV Launcher) can be found on APKMirror[reference:84]. However, if you’re looking for a custom launcher, use Downloader Code 730116 to access Wolf Launcher, Projectivy Launcher, and Launcher Manager Mini[reference:85].
Projectivy Launcher Firestick – how to install?
Install Downloader from the Amazon Store, enable Unknown Sources, open Downloader, enter code 730116 or 250931, select Projectivy Launcher, download and install. Then install Launcher Manager Mini to set it as default[reference:86][reference:87].
How to install Wolf Launcher on Firestick?
Enable Developer Options (click Fire TV Stick 7 times in About), turn on Unknown Sources, install Downloader, open Downloader, enter code 730116, select Wolf Launcher, download and install[reference:88][reference:89]. Optionally install Launcher Manager Mini to set as default[reference:90].
Can I use custom launchers on new Fire TV models?
NO. Newer Fire TV models (Fire TV Stick 4K Select – Oct 2025, Fire TV Stick HD – Apr 2026) run Vega OS, which does NOT support sideloading at all[reference:91][reference:92].
✅ Conclusion
Replacing your default Android TV or Firestick launcher with a custom alternative is one of the best upgrades you can make to your streaming experience. It removes intrusive ads, improves performance, and gives you full control over your home screen.
Top Recommendations:
- Best Overall: Projectivy Launcher – unmatched customization, actively maintained (v4.71, July 2026)
- Best for Firestick Legacy: Wolf Launcher – classic ad-free experience (but no longer updated)
- Best Lightweight: SideApps – under 2MB, shows every app
- Best Open-Source: FLauncher – no tracking, no telemetry
- Best for Sideloaded Apps: HALauncher – surfaces phone apps the stock launcher hides
Remember these key points:
- ✅ Check your device – Vega OS devices cannot sideload (Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Fire TV Stick HD)
- 🔓 Enable Unknown Sources before installing
- 📥 Use Downloader Code:
730116for Wolf Launcher, Projectivy Launcher, and Launcher Manager Mini - 🗑️ Delete the APK after installation to save space
- 🔒 Use a VPN (Surfshark recommended) to protect your privacy
- 🔄 For Firestick, install Launcher Manager Mini to set default
- 🛡️ Scan with VirusTotal before installing any APK
- ⚠️ Wolf Launcher is discontinued – use Projectivy Launcher instead
Happy streaming, and enjoy your clean, ad-free home screen!
