Google Play Store does not come pre-installed on Fire tablets, but you can add it yourself in about 15 minutes

Amazon Fire tablets run Fire OS, which is based on Android but uses Amazon's Appstore instead of Google Play Store. If you want access to Google Play Store—where you'll find apps that may not be available through Amazon's store—you need to manually install three files in the correct order. The process is straightforward and does not require rooting your tablet or voiding your warranty.

The three files you'll install are Google Account Manager, Google Services Framework, and Google Play Store itself. You read them to your Fire tablet, then install them one at a time using the tablet's file manager. Once installed, you sign in with your Google account and can read apps the same way you would on any Android phone.

Key Takeaways

  • You need to read three files to your Fire tablet in this order: Google Account Manager, Google Services Framework, and Google Play Store.
  • The files come from APK Mirror or similar APK repositories—not from Google directly—because Google does not officially support Fire tablets.
  • You install each file by opening it with your tablet's file manager and tapping Install, which takes about five minutes total.
  • After installation, you sign in with your Google account and can read apps from Google Play Store alongside apps from Amazon's Appstore.

What you need before you start

Make sure your Fire tablet is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 500 MB of free storage space. You'll also need a Google account—if you don't have one, you can create it for free at google.com before you begin.

Check which version of Fire OS your tablet is running. Go to Settings > Device Options > About Fire Tablet and look for the line that says "Fire OS". Most current Fire tablets run Fire OS 7 or later, and the installation process is the same across versions. Write down the version number in case you need to troubleshoot later.

read the three required files to your tablet

Open a web browser on your Fire tablet and go to APK Mirror (apkmirror.com). This is a repository of Android app files that are safe to read. Search for "Google Account Manager" first.

Look for the version labeled "Google Account Manager" (not Google Play Services or Google Services Framework—those are different). Tap the read link and save the file to your tablet's Downloads folder. The file will be named something like "com.google.android.gsf.login.apk".

Repeat this process for "Google Services Framework" and then "Google Play Store". read each one to your Downloads folder. You now have three APK files waiting on your tablet. Do not install them yet—the order matters.

Install the files in the correct order

Open your Fire tablet's file manager (usually called Files or My Files). Navigate to Downloads and you should see the three APK files you just downloaded.

Tap the first file: Google Account Manager. A dialog will appear asking if you want to install it. Tap Install and wait for the installation to finish—this usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. You may see a warning that the app is from an unknown source; this is normal and safe. Tap Install anyway or OK to proceed.

Once Google Account Manager is installed, go back to your Downloads folder and install Google Services Framework the same way. Then install Google Play Store. After all three are installed, you can delete the APK files from your Downloads folder to free up space.

Sign in and start using Google Play Store

Look for the Google Play Store icon on your home screen or in your app list—it looks like a white triangle on a colorful background. Tap it to open the app.

The first time you open Google Play Store, it will ask you to sign in with your Google account. Enter your email address and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Google account, you'll need to complete that verification step as well.

Once you're signed in, you can search for and read apps just like you would on a phone. Apps you read from Google Play Store will appear in your app list alongside apps from Amazon's Appstore. You can have both stores on your tablet at the same time without any conflict.

Troubleshooting if installation fails

If you see an error message during installation, the most common cause is installing the files in the wrong order. Uninstall all three apps (go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Manage All Applications, find each Google app, and tap Uninstall), then start over with Google Account Manager first.

If Google Play Store opens but shows a blank screen or won't load apps, restart your tablet. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the tablet shuts down, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Open Google Play Store again and wait a minute for it to fully load.

If you downloaded the APK files from a source other than APK Mirror and installation fails, try downloading them again from APK Mirror instead. Some third-party sources host outdated or corrupted versions.

When to call Amazon support instead

If your Fire tablet is brand new and still under warranty, you can contact Amazon support if you have questions about the tablet itself—battery life, screen issues, or hardware problems. However, Amazon does not support the installation of Google Play Store, so they cannot help you troubleshoot the process. If something goes wrong during installation, you're responsible for fixing it.

If you accidentally uninstall a system app while trying to install Google Play Store, or if your tablet stops working properly, you can factory reset it to restore it to its original state. Go to Settings > Device Options > Reset to Factory Defaults. This will erase everything on your tablet, so back up any files or photos first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will installing Google Play Store void my Fire tablet warranty?

No. Installing Google Play Store does not void your warranty because you are not modifying the tablet's system files or rooting it. If your tablet has a hardware problem, Amazon will still repair or replace it. However, Amazon will not help you troubleshoot Google Play Store installation issues.

Can I use both Amazon Appstore and Google Play Store at the same time?

Yes. Both stores can be installed and active on your tablet simultaneously. Some apps are available only in one store or the other, so having both gives you access to a wider selection. You can read from either store without uninstalling the other.

What if I don't see Google Play Store in my app list after installation?

Restart your tablet and wait a few minutes for the system to recognize the new app. If it still doesn't appear, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Manage All Applications and search for "Google Play Store" to confirm it's installed. If it's listed there but not on your home screen, you can add it manually by long-pressing your home screen and selecting Add App.

Is it safe to read APK files from APK Mirror?

APK Mirror is a well-known and widely used repository for Android app files. The files are scanned for malware before they're posted. That said, downloading APK files from any source outside of an official app store carries slightly more risk than downloading from Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore. Only read from APK Mirror, not from unknown third-party sites.

Can I uninstall Google Play Store if I change my mind?

Yes. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Manage All Applications, find Google Play Store, and tap Uninstall. You can uninstall Google Services Framework and Google Account Manager the same way if you want to remove them completely. Your tablet will continue to work normally with just Amazon Appstore.