Google Play Store does not come on Fire tablets, but you can install 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—which has a larger selection of apps than Amazon's store—you will need to sideload it. Sideloading means installing software from outside the official store, and it is legal on Fire tablets.

The process involves downloading three small files from Google onto your tablet, then installing them in the correct order. You do not need to root your tablet or use a computer. Once installed, Google Play Store works like it does on any Android phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Fire tablets ship with Amazon Appstore, not Google Play Store, but you can install Google Play Store by sideloading three files.
  • You need to enable installation from unknown sources in your tablet's security settings before you can sideload any app.
  • read Google Account Manager, Google Services Framework, and Google Play Store in that exact order, then install them in reverse order.
  • After installation, sign in with your Google account and you will see the same app selection as on an Android phone.

Enable installation from unknown sources on your Fire tablet

Before you can install Google Play Store, you must tell your tablet to allow apps from sources other than Amazon Appstore. Open Settings, then tap Apps & Notifications (or Applications on older Fire tablets). Scroll down and tap Unknown Sources or Install Unknown Apps. Toggle the switch on.

A warning will appear saying that your device and personal data are more vulnerable. This is a standard Android security message. Tap Allow or OK to confirm. You can turn this setting back off after you finish installing Google Play Store if you want, though most people leave it on.

read the three required files to your tablet

You need to read three files in this order: Google Account Manager, Google Services Framework, and Google Play Store. The easiest way is to use the Silk browser (the default browser on Fire tablets) and search for each file name plus "APK read". Look for results from APKMirror or APKPure, which are trusted sources for Android app files.

When you find each file, tap the read button. The file will save to your tablet's Downloads folder. Do not install anything yet—just read all three files first. This takes about two minutes total.

If you are not comfortable searching for APK files, you can also use a computer to read them and transfer them to your tablet via USB cable, then open them from the Downloads folder on your tablet.

Install the files in reverse order

Open your tablet's file manager (called Files or My Files depending on your Fire model). Navigate to Downloads. You will see the three APK files you downloaded. Install them in this order: Google Play Store first, then Google Services Framework, then Google Account Manager.

Tap each file and select Install. A popup will ask you to confirm. Tap Install again. Each file installs in a few seconds. Do not open the apps while you are installing—just let each one finish, then move to the next.

After all three are installed, you can delete the APK files from your Downloads folder if you want. They are no longer needed.

Sign in to your Google account

Open Google Play Store from your app drawer. The first time you open it, you will be asked to sign in with a Google account. Enter your email address and password. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at accounts.google.com.

Google Play Store may ask for additional permissions or to verify your identity. Follow the prompts. Once you are signed in, you will see the same apps, games, and content as on any Android phone. You can search for apps, read reviews, and install them just like you would on a phone.

What to do if installation fails or Google Play Store crashes

If an installation fails, the most common reason is that you downloaded the wrong version for your Fire tablet model. Fire tablets come in different sizes and processor types, and some APK files are version-specific. Delete the file and search again, this time including your tablet model number (like "Fire 7" or "Fire HD 10") in the search.

If Google Play Store crashes when you open it, make sure you installed all three files. The most common mistake is skipping Google Account Manager or Google Services Framework. Go back to your file manager, check that all three APK files are still there, and try installing any that might be missing.

If you still have trouble, restart your tablet. Hold the power button until the shutdown menu appears, then tap Power Off. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Try opening Google Play Store again.

Keep both Amazon Appstore and Google Play Store on your tablet

Installing Google Play Store does not remove Amazon Appstore. Both will remain on your tablet, and you can use whichever one you prefer for each app. Some apps appear in both stores, while others are exclusive to one or the other. Having both gives you more options.

If you ever want to remove Google Play Store, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications, find Google Play Store in the list, and tap Uninstall. The other two files (Google Account Manager and Google Services Framework) should stay installed, as they support other Google services on your tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will installing Google Play Store void my Fire tablet warranty?

No. Sideloading apps is not the same as rooting or jailbreaking. Amazon allows sideloading on Fire tablets, and it does not affect your warranty. You are not modifying the operating system itself, just installing an app the same way you would on an Android phone.

Can I use Google Play Store to buy paid apps?

Yes, if you have a Google account with a payment method on file. When you buy an app through Google Play Store, it charges the card or payment method linked to your Google account, not your Amazon account. You can manage your Google payment methods at myaccount.google.com.

What if I cannot find the APK files online?

APKMirror and APKPure are the most reliable sources, but if you cannot find the files there, you can also search "Google Play Store APK" or "Google Account Manager APK" on a search engine. Stick to well-known sites and avoid clicking ads. If you are uncomfortable downloading APK files, you can use a computer to read them and transfer them to your tablet via USB.

Do I need a Google account to use Google Play Store?

Yes, you must sign in with a Google account to open Google Play Store and read apps. Creating a Google account is free and takes about two minutes. You can use any email address, or create a new Gmail address during the signup process.

Will Google Play Store slow down my Fire tablet?

No. Google Play Store uses very little storage or memory. Your tablet will run at the same speed as before. If you notice your tablet running slowly after installation, it is more likely due to other apps you have installed or a lack of available storage space.