Amazon makes it very difficult to install unofficial apps on Fire TV and Stick. Understandably, this is mainly to protect their business. But it also protects consumers from malicious content. But sideloading unofficial apps or installing them from unknown sources can greatly enhance your AFTV experience and extend your Fire TV's applications. Previously, I compiled my list of best apps on Amazon Fire TV. The most famous one is Kodi for Fire TV.
Installing unofficial apps on Amazon Fire TV requires some settings changes. Since many of our Fire TV Guides require these prerequisite steps, I decided to write a separate guide on getting your Fire TV and stick ready for installing unofficial apps from unknown sources or sideloading them. This is an updated version of the original guide I published in May 2016. [Read:Beginner Blueprint: Complete Amazon Fire TV Kodi Guide]
There are essentially two things you will have to do to unlock your Amazon Fire TV: Enable ADB debugging and Allow Apps from unknown sources. Both settings can be found under Settings->Device->Developer Options. For those that want detailed instructions, please read on.
Doing these two things in itself does not void your warranty or increase the chances of breaking or bricking your device. So proceed without any fear.
1. Go to System Settings
First, from Amazon Fire TV homescreen go to Settings->Device, as shown in the picture below.
Fire Tv System Settings
2. Go to Developer Options
Under Device, scroll down, find and click Developer Options.
Amazon Fire Tv Developer Options
Under "Developer Options" you will see two options: ADB Debugging and Apps from Unknown Sources. Both of these options are OFF by default.
3. Enable ADB Debugging on Fire TV
ADB Debugging is used to connect to Fire TV using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Enabling ADB Debugging allows you to use apps such adbLink to manage your Fire TV remotely, including sideloading apps, install Kodi, backup/restore Kodi, and more.
Enable Adb Debugging And Unknown Sources On Amazon Fire Tv
Next, scroll down and enable Apps from Unknown Sources as shown in the image above. This will allow you to download APK files on to Fire TV or Stick and install them directly. For installing apps such Kodi and SPMC, this is much easier (if you have a good wireless keyboard and mouse) than sideloading through ADB because all you need is internet connection and AFTV device.
Apps from Unknown Sources is the same as what is found on many Android Phones under Developer Options. When you enable it, you will be presented with a warning message as shown below.
Installing malicious APK files can ruin your device. Therefore, ensure that you are only installing APK files known to be safe. Otherwise, that is all there is to unlocking Amazon Fire TV and preparing for sideloading. You are also all set for installing unofficial apps on Amazon Fire TV. Now, check out our list of best Fire TV Apps and install them.
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.
