How to install apps on kindle fire

Amazon Kindle Fire tablets have their own Amazon App Store, but it falls short compared to the Google Play Store. The search giant has created the largest collection of apps and an intuitive, as well as familiar, interface. We know many of you are wondering if it’s possible to install Google Play on Kindle Fire devices, and the answer is yes, as your Kindle is an Android device too. Today we will show you how it’s done without rooting your tablet.

Also: The best Amazon devices you can buy today

Warning: Keep in mind you will need to do a bit of tinkering on your device to install Google Play on Kindle Fire tablets. Though the process isn’t extremely complicated, you want to make sure you know what you are doing and keep in mind only you will be responsible if anything happens to your device in the process. Take your time and do your research before doing this.

Quick answer

There is no quick way to install Google Play on Amazon Kindle Fire tablets. You can sideload apps manually, though, a much simpler alternative. To do this, download the APK file and launch it. After this, all you have to do is hit Install and let the tablet do its thing.


Get to your favorite method

Note: These steps were put together using an 11th-gen Amazon Fire HD 10 running Fire OS 7.3.2.4.

How to download and sideload apps on your Amazon Kindle Fire

How to install apps on kindle fire

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

You might want to consider simply sideloading Android apps on Kindle Fire tablets. This method doesn’t strictly require installing the Google Play Store, making it a simpler alternative. Sideloading Android apps essentially means installing them manually. The main downside is that your sideloaded apps won’t be automatically updated (unless you have the Google Play Store installed). Regardless, it is a helpful method to know, and you need it to install Google Play on Kindle Fire tablets.

First, you need to enable app installation from unknown sources

  1. Open the Settings app on your Amazon Fire device.
  2. Select Security & Privacy (some models may label it Security).
  3. Hit the Apps from Unknown Sources option. Some people see this as a toggle; flip it on.
  4. Otherwise, select the browser you will be using to download and install your files. Alternatively, you can use the Files app or any other file manager app. Regardless of your choice, you’ll have to tap on it and then toggle on Allow from this source.

Sideloading apps on your Amazon Kindle Fire

  1. Find and download the APK file for the app you want to install. You must get them from a third-party website, so you should be careful. We like websites like APKMirror for their reputation and security measures, but you should still be careful and stay safe.
  2. You can also download your APK file from a PC and transfer it using a USB cable.
  3. Open the APK file, and you will be asked if you are sure you want to install the app. Hit Install.
  4. Let the installation process finish, and then hit Done or Open.
  5. The app you installed is now ready to be used.

How to install apps on kindle fire

How to install apps on kindle fire

How to install Google Play Store on Kindle Fire devices

How to install apps on kindle fire

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Sideloading is helpful, but there is nothing like the comfort of using the Google Play Store and letting it handle all the hard work, as well as the updates. You need to sideload four apps to get the Google Play Store on Amazon devices.

Download and install these

  • Google Account Manager: 
  • Google Services Framework:
  • Google Play Services:
  • Google Play Store:

Once everything is installed, restart the tablet. Go ahead and open the Google Play Store app. You will be able to log into your account and start downloading apps using the Google Play Store. Enjoy!

Will any app work on my Amazon Fire tablet?

The short answer is no. Most apps should work just fine, but some won’t. Additionally, some essential features will be missing. These include Google Family Link capabilities, Amazon’s FreeTime, and more. Some apps may not even show up on your Fire tablet’s version of the Google Play Store, because Fire tablets aren’t SafetyNet-certified.

How do I get rid of the Google Play Store?

Uninstall the apps you’ve installed to get the Google Play Store. You can go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps. Find the app you want to uninstall and select it. Hit Uninstall.

Is installing apps or the Google Play Store on an Amazon Fire tablet safe?

We can’t stress this enough: Installing the Google Play Store and sideloading apps on an Amazon Fire tablet can be dangerous. You’re grabbing files from third parties and installing them on your device outside Amazon’s or Google’s protective arms. Even developers are left out of the picture, unless they directly give you the APK file, which rarely happens. You need to be very careful doing this. You can fall victim to scammers, hackers, viruses, malware, and more.

Why can't I download apps on my Kindle Fire?

Your Kindle Fire may be out of storage space, so it can't receive any new content. Clean it up by deleting all the content that you've already consumed and don't use anymore. Make sure that your Fire tablet gets connected to a Wi-Fi network. If not, you won't be able to access Amazon Appstore.

Can you install Android apps on Fire?

The Kindle Fire can install any app in the standard Android APK format, but I strongly suggest only installing apps you've moved over from a phone or downloaded from a major app store. You can find APKs downloadable from many pirate sites on the Internet, but I don't recommend that, even for free apps.