One of the first things I do while setting up my AFTV device is to install ES File Explorer on Amazon Fire TV or Stick. Why do I need to install ES File Manager on Fire TV you may ask. Well, it is in my list of best Apps for Amazon Fire TV for a reason. It used to be that sideloading Kodi on Fire TV required ADB work. Sideloading any app for that matter required configuring adbFire, which was a hit or miss especially for Fire Stick owners. The new method to install unofficial apps such Kodi and FireStarter uses ES File Explorer on the AFTV device and active internet connection. Nothing else. This simplifies the installation of unofficial apps significantly. So I strongly suggest that you setup ES File Explorer on AFTV. [Read:Beginner Blueprint: Complete Amazon Fire TV Kodi Guide]
Before you install ES File Manager on Fire TV or Stick, follow my prep guide to enable ADB debugging and apps from unknown sources on your device. For downloading and installing ES File Explorer, "Apps from Unknown Sources" must be enabled. Once that is done, proceed to install ES File Explorer on Fire TV. There are multiple ways to do this. You may follow whichever method is convenient to you. [Read:20 Best Kodi Addons for 2016: Updated, working list]
Method 1: Install ES File Manager on Fire TV using Browser
The first ES File Explorer installation method uses the Web browser. You can login to your Amazon account, search for and open ES File Explorer on Amazon App Store, and deliver it to your Fire TV device as shown in the picture below.
Install Es File Explorer On Amazon Fire Tv
Within minutes, ES File explorer should be delivered to your Fire TV device.
Method 2: Install ES File Manager on AFTV using Search
The second method uses the built in search feature to install Fire TV or Fire TV Stick File Manager. There are two ways to search for ES File Explorer.
Fire Tv - Text Search Es File Explorer
Text Search
Text search is the default type. Just type "ES File Explorer" and select to do a text search as shown below.
Alternatively, from search screen, press and hold the voice button and do a voice search.
Fire Tv - Voice Search Es File Explorer
When Fire TV is listening, say "ES File Explorer" and select to view the results.
Fire Tv - Voice Search Results
Whether you use text search or voice search, you should see ES File Explorer in the search results as shown below.
Es File Explorer On Amazon App Store
Open ES File Explorer result and hit "Download" to install ES File Explorer on Amazon Fire TV or Stick.
Download And Install Es File Explorer On Amazon Fire Tv
Once the installation completes, ES File Manager should appear in the Apps menu on your Fire TV's homescreen, as shown in the picture below.
Es File Explorer In Fire Tv Apps Menu
There you have it. Go ahead, setup ES File Explorer on AFTV device. You can then install SPMC on AFTV, add Kodi to your Amazon Fire device, or hook your Amazon box with FireStarter, as well as getting any other unofficial apps on your device.
Anand is a self-learned computer enthusiast, hopeless tinkerer (if it ain't broke, fix it), a part-time blogger, and a Scientist during the day. He has been blogging since 2010 on Linux, Ubuntu, Home/Media/File Servers, Smart Home Automation, and related HOW-TOs.
