Best Antivirus for FireStick – Quick Installation & Setup Guide: This guide will walk you through the process of installing and using the best antivirus apps for Amazon FireStick devices. The steps outlined here are applicable for all FireStick models, including the Fire TV Stick 2nd/3rd Generation, FireStick 4K, FireStick Lite, and Fire TV Cube.

Why You Need Antivirus for Your FireStick

We rely heavily on gadgets like smartphones, laptops, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. But have you ever stopped to consider that these devices would be useless without the software that powers them? Software is the backbone of everything we do, from browsing the web to playing video games like Need for Speed. It’s safe to say that without it, the device wouldn’t function.

However, software isn’t always immune to threats. Devices that connect to the internet, including your FireStick, are vulnerable to evolving cyber risks like viruses, malware, Trojans, and ransomware. If you’re like me, you probably don’t want your personal data falling into the wrong hands, so it’s important to ensure your FireStick is well protected.

The Risk: Crypto-Mining Viruses

Just like computers and smartphones, streaming devices are also targets for malicious software. For example, a few years ago, Amazon FireStick devices were hit by a crypto-mining virus known as ADB.miner. This virus hijacked devices to mine cryptocurrency, causing slowdowns, crashes, and performance issues. Feeling concerned? Don’t worry! The antivirus apps covered in this guide will help protect your FireStick from such malicious threats. Read on to discover more about these protective tools.

What is Antivirus Software?

Antivirus software is a program designed to scan, detect, and eliminate viruses and other forms of malicious software such as Trojans, adware, worms, and more. These tools are essential for protecting your devices from cyber threats and keeping your personal information secure from cybercriminals.

Antivirus Apps for FireStick

Amazon FireStick devices support several antivirus apps that can help protect your device and its files from viruses and other threats. These include:

Disclaimer

• Webroot
• Bitdefender
• VirusTotal
• Malwarebytes

Since these are third-party apps, you’ll need to sideload their APK files using the Downloader app. As a reminder, the Downloader app is available directly from the Amazon App Store. I’ll guide you through how to install each of these antivirus apps on your FireStick, starting with the Downloader app, which is essential for installing APK files.

How to Install Downloader on FireStick

To install antivirus APK files and secure your FireStick, you’ll first need to install the Downloader app. If you’re new to the Fire TV ecosystem, the Downloader app will become your go-to tool for easily downloading third-party apps directly from the internet. It’s free and ad-free! Here’s how you can install it:

1. From your FireStick home screen, navigate to Find.
2. Scroll down and select Search.
3. Using the on-screen keyboard, start typing “Downloader”. Select Downloader when it appears in the suggested list.
4. Click Downloader under the APPS AND GAMES section.
5. Click Get or Download to install the app.
6. Press the Home button on your FireStick remote, then go to Settings (gear icon).
7. Select My Fire TV.
8. Click Developer Options.
9. Select Install Unknown Apps.
10. Find Downloader in the list and toggle it ON.

Now, you’re ready to install any third-party apps, including antivirus software!

How to Install Antivirus on FireStick

Now that you have the Downloader app set up on your FireStick, let’s go through the steps to install the antivirus apps we discussed earlier on your Amazon Fire TV Stick or Fire TV.

How to Install Webroot on FireStick

Webroot is an excellent choice to protect your FireStick from malware. It scans apps, files, and websites to determine what’s safe and what’s not, all while being lightweight and efficient on system resources. Here’s how to install it:

1. Open the Downloader app. If you can’t find it, navigate to the “View All Apps” section on your FireStick home screen.
2. Select the input box labeled Enter a URL or Search Term.
3. Type https://bit.ly/2SDLeVa and select Go. (Ensure there are no typos, as the URL is case-sensitive.)
4. Once the APK file is downloaded, click Install.
5. Select Done to complete the installation.
6. Click Delete to remove the APK file from your FireStick’s internal storage since it’s no longer needed.
7. Click Delete again to confirm.

How to Use Webroot Antivirus on FireStick

After opening the Webroot app, you’ll be prompted with some security-related questions. From there, you can choose either Fix this or Ignore, depending on your preference. Once you complete the initial setup, you’ll be taken to the home screen, where you can begin scanning for threats. To start a scan, click the Scan for Threats Now button. The scan duration depends on how many files and apps are on your device. After the scan is complete, click Finish.

At the bottom of the screen, you’ll find three sections: Security, Identity & Privacy, and Help.

• Security: Includes two subsections — Antivirus (to scan your device, quarantine any threats, or review ignored threats) and Secure Web Browsing (which blocks malicious websites, though this requires the separate installation of the SecureWeb app).
• Identity & Privacy: Lets you locate, lock, or wipe a lost device, though you’ll need to create a Webroot account to use this feature.

Overall, the Webroot interface is straightforward, lightweight, and easy to navigate, though it doesn’t offer many additional features.

How to Install Bitdefender on FireStick

Bitdefender is another excellent option to protect your FireStick from online threats. It can detect viruses, malware, spyware, and other malicious software. Here’s how you can install it:

1. Open the Downloader app.
2. Select the input box that says Enter a URL or Search Term.
3. Type https://bit.ly/3h4bJMA carefully using your FireStick remote (make sure it’s case-sensitive). After verifying the URL, click Go.
4. Wait for the download to finish. Once done, click Install.
5. Select Done after installation is complete.
6. Delete the Bitdefender APK file, as it’s no longer needed after the app is installed.
7. Hit Delete again to confirm.

How to Use Bitdefender on FireStick

Bitdefender is a simple, lightweight antivirus for FireStick. It doesn’t consume much storage and provides basic protection. Currently, you can only scan your device for threats using the app. There’s an option to upgrade for advanced protection, but this feature is somewhat unstable and often doesn’t work as expected.

How to Install Malwarebytes on FireStick

Malwarebytes is another great option to bolster your FireStick’s protection. It scans files and apps to detect viruses, malware, ransomware, and other threats. The app claims to block over 4 million threats daily. To install it, follow these steps:

1. Open the Downloader app.
2. Click on the URL box.
3. Using the on-screen keyboard, type https://bit.ly/35VTDGf exactly as shown (ensure there are no typos). Then select Go.
4. Once the download is complete, click Install.
5. After installation, click Done.
6. Delete the Malwarebytes APK from your FireStick’s internal storage.
7. Click Delete again to confirm.

How to Use Malwarebytes on FireStick?

Malwarebytes offers a range of features compared to Bitdefender. Its home screen provides a simple Scan Now button to check for potential threats. Below the button, you’ll find information such as the Last Device Scan, Database Version, and the status of Real-Time Protection.

The app’s hamburger menu in the top-left corner gives you access to settings, which are divided into sections for Security, App Manager, and General. While Malwarebytes can be used for free, premium features such as automatic scans and ransomware detection are available for $1.30/month.

How to Install VirusTotal on FireStick 2025

VirusTotal scans all the apps on your device to ensure they are free of malware. However, it does not offer real-time protection. To install VirusTotal on your FireStick, follow these steps:

1. Open the Downloader app and click the URL box.
2. Type https://bit.ly/3y15r65 (ensure there are no typos) and select Go.
3. Once the download is complete, click Install.
4. Click Done to finish.
5. Delete the VirusTotal APK from your FireStick’s storage.
6. Click Delete again to confirm.

How to Use VirusTotal on FireStick?

As mentioned earlier, VirusTotal is a free service that scans suspicious files and URLs. You can scan User Apps and System Apps, but only one at a time. To perform a scan, click the refresh icon (highlighted in the screenshot).

If you want to access the settings, click the three-dot button in the top-right corner, then choose Settings from the drop-down menu. Under settings, you can customize the theme, hide apps, and adjust notification preferences. However, if you’re seeking an antivirus with real-time protection, VirusTotal will not meet your needs.

Tips to Protect Your FireStick From Viruses

In addition to installing antivirus software, here are some key steps to help secure your FireStick from online threats:

• Download only Amazon-approved apps when possible.
• Disable ADB debugging after installing third-party apps to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
• Keep your Fire TV firmware up to date for better security.
• Use a VPN (like ExpressVPN) to add an extra layer of protection while streaming.

A VPN helps mask your IP address, keeps your browsing private, and allows access to geo-restricted content.

How to Stream Anonymously on FireStick 2025

Once you’ve installed the necessary apps, your FireStick is ready to stream your favorite content. However, before you start, it’s important to note that everything you stream online is visible to your ISP and potentially the government. This means streaming free movies, TV shows, or sports content could lead to legal complications.

Fortunately, there’s a foolproof way to keep your streaming activity hidden from your ISP and government surveillance: using a reliable VPN. A VPN masks your real IP address (e.g., 2401:4900:8819:8ba7:e48d:9c0a:41a2:337e), allowing you to bypass online surveillance, avoid ISP throttling, and access geo-restricted content. I personally recommend ExpressVPN. It’s one of the fastest and most secure VPN services, fully compatible with all streaming apps, and easy to install on Fire TV/Stick.

Please note: We do not encourage or endorse violating copyright laws. However, if you unknowingly stream from an illegitimate source, a VPN can help protect your privacy. It’s not always easy to tell the difference between legitimate and illegal content.

How to Use ExpressVPN on FireStick Safely

Follow these simple steps to start using ExpressVPN and keep your streaming activities anonymous:

1. Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN here. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If you’re not satisfied with the service (though it’s highly unlikely), you can request a full refund.
2. Step 2: Power on your Fire TV Stick and go to Find, then select the Search option.
3. Step 3: Type “ExpressVPN” into the search bar, and select ExpressVPN when it appears in the results.
4. Step 4: Click Download to install the ExpressVPN app on your Fire TV/Stick.
5. Step 5: Open the app and sign in using the credentials you created when subscribing to ExpressVPN.
6. Step 6: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. Your connection is now secure, and your streaming is fully anonymous.

That’s it! You’ve successfully set up ExpressVPN to keep your streaming activity safe and private on your FireStick.

FAQs

Can a FireStick get infected with malware?

Yes, FireStick devices can get infected with malware, especially when sideloading third-party apps from unofficial sources. Past incidents like the ADB.miner crypto-mining virus show that FireStick is not immune to cyber threats.

Do I need real-time protection on FireStick?

Real-time protection is ideal but not always available on antivirus apps for FireStick. Apps like Malwarebytes offer real-time scanning in premium versions, but many free tools focus on on-demand scanning only.

Is it safe to sideload antivirus apps on FireStick?

Sideloading antivirus apps is generally safe if you’re downloading from trusted sources using tools like the Downloader app. Always verify URLs and turn off “Install Unknown Apps” access once installation is complete.

Can I scan all apps on my FireStick for viruses?

Yes, you can scan all apps using tools like VirusTotal or Malwarebytes. Some apps let you scan both user-installed and system apps, though you’ll need to scan them one by one in most cases.

What should I do if my FireStick is running slow?

If your FireStick is sluggish, it could be due to malware or background apps. Running a full antivirus scan and clearing cache or unused APKs can help boost performance.

Are free antivirus apps enough for FireStick security?

Free antivirus apps offer basic protection like malware scans and threat detection. However, for added security features like real-time monitoring and ransomware protection, consider upgrading to a premium plan.

Final Words

With the right antivirus apps and VPN in place, you’ve taken important steps to enhance your FireStick’s security. The antivirus apps mentioned in this guide will provide basic protection, and if you’re looking for more advanced features, you can explore premium antivirus software. Thank you for reading, and I hope you found this guide helpful! If you think I missed any useful apps or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.