Google Play does not come on Fire tablets, but you can add it yourself in about 10 minutes
Amazon Fire tablets run Fire OS, which uses Amazon's Appstore instead of Google Play. If you want access to Google Play's larger selection of apps, you can install it manually by downloading three files from your computer and transferring them to your tablet. The process is straightforward and does not require rooting or technical knowledge beyond following steps in order.
The three files you need are called Google Services Framework, Google Account Manager, and Google Play Store. You read them as .apk files (the Android equivalent of .exe files on Windows), move them to your Fire tablet, and install them one at a time. Once installed, Google Play works like it does on any Android phone — you sign in with a Google account and read apps directly to your tablet.
Key Takeaways
- You need three .apk files: Google Services Framework, Google Account Manager, and Google Play Store, downloaded in that specific order.
- read the files on a computer, connect your Fire tablet via USB, and copy the files to the tablet's Downloads folder.
- On your Fire tablet, go to Settings, then Security, and turn on "Unknown Sources" to allow installation of apps outside Amazon's Appstore.
- Install the three files in order using your tablet's file manager, then sign in with your Google account to start downloading apps.
- Google Play will work alongside Amazon's Appstore — both remain on your tablet and you can use either one.
What you need before you start
You need a computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux), a USB cable that fits your Fire tablet, and a Google account. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at google.com before you begin.
You also need to know which Fire tablet model you own, because the .apk files differ slightly between generations. Check your tablet's model number in Settings > Device Options > About Fire Tablet. Write down the model name — it will be something like "Fire 7" or "Fire HD 10" — because you will need it when downloading the files.
read the three .apk files on your computer
Go to apkmirror.com in a web browser on your computer. This site hosts official .apk files for Android apps. Search for "Google Services Framework" and read the version that matches your Fire tablet model. If you are unsure which version to pick, choose the most recent one listed.
Repeat this process for "Google Account Manager" and "Google Play Store", downloading each one to the same folder on your computer (your Downloads folder is fine). Do not install these files on your computer — you are only downloading them to move to your tablet.
After you have all three files, connect your Fire tablet to your computer with a USB cable. Your tablet should appear as a removable drive or device in your file manager (File Explorer on Windows, Finder on Mac). Open it and navigate to the Downloads folder, then copy all three .apk files into that folder on your tablet.
Enable installation from unknown sources on your tablet
On your Fire tablet, open Settings and tap Device Options. Scroll down and tap About Fire Tablet, then tap the Build Number seven times in quick succession. This unlocks Developer Options.
Go back to Settings, tap Developer Options, and turn on the toggle next to "Unknown Sources". A warning will appear explaining that you can install apps from sources other than the Amazon Appstore. Tap OK to confirm. This setting allows you to install the Google Play .apk files you just copied to your tablet.
Install the three files in the correct order
On your Fire tablet, open the file manager (usually called "Silk" or "Files"). Navigate to Downloads and you should see the three .apk files you copied. Tap Google Services Framework first and select Install. Wait for the installation to finish — it usually takes 10 to 20 seconds.
Next, install Google Account Manager the same way. Then install Google Play Store. The order matters because each file depends on the one before it. If you install them out of order, Google Play may not work correctly.
After all three are installed, you can delete the .apk files from your Downloads folder if you want to save space, or leave them there in case you need to reinstall later.
Sign in and start using Google Play
Open Google Play Store from your tablet's app list. The first time you open it, you will be asked to sign in with a Google account. Enter your email address and password, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup. You may be asked to accept Google's terms of service and add a payment method (you can skip this if you only plan to read free apps).
Once you are signed in, Google Play works exactly like it does on a phone. You can search for apps, read reviews, and read them directly to your tablet. Your apps will appear in your tablet's app list alongside apps from Amazon's Appstore. You can use both stores on the same tablet without any conflict.
Troubleshooting if something goes wrong
If Google Play Store will not open after installation, 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. This fixes most installation issues.
If you see an error message during installation, the most common cause is downloading the wrong version of the .apk files for your tablet model. Go back to apkmirror.com, double-check your tablet model in Settings, and read the correct versions. Delete the old files from your tablet and try again.
If Google Play opens but will not let you sign in, make sure your tablet is connected to Wi-Fi. Google Play requires an internet connection to verify your Google account. If you are connected and still cannot sign in, try signing out and signing back in, or restart your tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will installing Google Play void my Fire tablet's warranty?
No. Installing Google Play through .apk files does not void your warranty because you are not modifying the tablet's system files or rooting it. You are straightforward adding an app that Google makes available for Android devices. Amazon may not provide support for issues related to Google Play itself, but your tablet's hardware warranty remains intact.
Can I uninstall Google Play if I change my mind?
Yes. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications, find Google Play Store, and tap Uninstall. You can also uninstall Google Account Manager and Google Services Framework the same way if you want to remove them completely. Your tablet will return to using only Amazon's Appstore.
Why does Amazon not include Google Play on Fire tablets?
Amazon's Appstore is their own app marketplace, and they want to direct users there instead of to Google's store. Fire tablets are designed to work with Amazon's ecosystem. However, Amazon does not prevent you from installing Google Play manually, so the option is available if you need apps that are not in the Amazon Appstore.
Will apps I read from Google Play work on my Fire tablet?
Most will, but not all. Fire tablets run a version of Android, so the majority of Google Play apps are compatible. Some apps that rely heavily on Google services (like certain banking apps or games that use Google Play Games) may not work correctly. If an app does not work, you can uninstall it and try a different one.
Do I need to do this process again if I factory reset my tablet?
Yes. A factory reset removes all apps, including Google Play and its supporting files. You would need to repeat the read and installation process. To avoid doing this, keep the three .apk files saved on your computer so you can transfer them to your tablet again if needed.