sideload

or side-load

[ sahyd-lohd ]

verb (used without object)

1. to transfer software, data, etc., from one local system or device to another, typically from one's computer to a mobile device.

verb (used with object)

1. to transfer (software, data, etc.) by this process:

   It'll take two more minutes to sideload my podcasts to my phone.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sideload¹

First recorded in 1995–2000; in the sense “off to the side,” i.e., not over the internet; patterned after upload and download

Example Sentences

Apple also issued a report Wednesday morning outlining what it sees as the perils of letting consumers “sideload” apps, a process enabling apps to be downloaded on iOS devices without going through the company’s App Store.

From Washington Post