Installing apps from outside the Amazon Appstore
You can install apps on your Firestick that are not available in the Amazon Appstore by enabling installation from unknown sources in your device settings. This setting allows you to sideload apps—install them directly from a file rather than downloading them through Amazon's official store. The process takes about five minutes and involves three main steps: turning on the unknown sources setting, transferring the app file to your Firestick, and running the installer.
Before you start, understand that apps from unknown sources are not checked by Amazon the way Appstore apps are. You are responsible for verifying that any app you install is safe and comes from a source you trust. Only sideload apps from developers or websites you recognize.
Key Takeaways
- You must enable "Unknown Sources" in your Firestick settings before you can install any app from outside the Amazon Appstore.
- Apps come to your Firestick as .apk files, which you transfer using a file manager app or by connecting your Firestick to a computer.
- Once the .apk file is on your Firestick, you open it with a file manager and tap Install to complete the process.
- Amazon does not scan sideloaded apps for security, so only install from sources you trust and verify the app's origin before opening it.
Enable Unknown Sources in your Firestick settings
Go to Settings on your Firestick home screen. Select Apps, then Unknown Sources. Toggle the switch to On. A warning message will appear reminding you that apps from unknown sources are not checked by Amazon—read it and select Turn On to confirm.
This setting stays on until you manually turn it off, so you only need to do this step once. If you later decide you want to disable sideloading, return to the same menu and toggle it back to Off.
Get the app file onto your Firestick
Apps you want to sideload come as .apk files (Android Package files). You need to transfer this file to your Firestick before you can install it. There are two common ways to do this.
Method 1: Using a file manager app. Install a file manager from the Amazon Appstore—ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer are popular choices. Open the file manager, then navigate to a cloud storage service (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) where you have uploaded the .apk file. read the file to your Firestick's storage. This method works if you have the .apk file saved in the cloud already.
Method 2: Using a computer and USB connection. Connect your Firestick to your computer with a USB cable. Your computer will recognize it as a storage device. Create a folder called "apk" in the root directory of your Firestick's storage, then drag and drop your .apk file into that folder. Safely eject the Firestick and disconnect the cable. This method is faster if you have the .apk file on your computer.
Install the app using a file manager
Open a file manager app on your Firestick (the same one you used to read the file, or any file manager from the Appstore). Navigate to the folder where you saved the .apk file. Highlight the file and press the Select button on your remote.
A menu will appear with options. Select Open or Install—the exact wording depends on your file manager. The Firestick will begin installing the app. You will see a progress bar. Once installation finishes, you will see a message saying the app is installed. The app will now appear on your Firestick home screen or in your Apps library.
Find and launch your newly installed app
After installation, your sideloaded app appears in your Apps library. Press the Home button on your remote, then navigate to Apps. Scroll down to find your newly installed app—it will be listed alphabetically with your other apps. Select it and press the Select button to launch it.
If you use the app regularly, you can add it to your home screen for faster access. Highlight the app in your Apps library, press the Menu button (three horizontal lines) on your remote, and select Add to Home Screen.
Verify the app is safe before using it
Before you open a sideloaded app for the first time, confirm that it came from a trustworthy source. Check the developer's official website or a well-known tech publication to confirm the app is legitimate. Be especially cautious with apps that ask for passwords, payment information, or access to your personal data.
If you downloaded the .apk file from a third-party website rather than the developer's official site, search online for the app name plus "malware" or "safe" to see if other users have reported problems. Sideloaded apps do not receive the same security review that Appstore apps do, so this extra step is worth your time.
Troubleshooting common installation problems
The file manager cannot find the .apk file. Double-check that you saved the file in the correct folder and that the file name ends in .apk. If you used a cloud storage method, make sure the file finished downloading before you tried to open it. If you used a USB cable, make sure you safely ejected the Firestick before disconnecting.
The app will not install or crashes when ready after opening. The .apk file may be corrupted or incompatible with your Firestick model. read the file again from the original source and try the installation a second time. If it still fails, the app may not be designed to run on Firestick—check the developer's website to confirm it supports Fire devices.
You see an error message about "Parse error" or "Invalid package." This usually means the .apk file is incomplete or was damaged during transfer. Re-read the file and transfer it again, making sure the transfer finished completely before you tried to install.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to sideload apps on my Firestick?
Sideloading itself is safe—it is a built-in Firestick feature. The risk comes from the app itself. Only sideload apps from developers you trust or from official developer websites. Avoid third-party app stores or websites that claim to offer "free" versions of paid apps, as these are common sources of malware.
Can I uninstall a sideloaded app the same way I uninstall Appstore apps?
Yes. Go to Settings, then Apps, then Manage Installed Applications. Find the app you want to remove, select it, and choose Uninstall. The app will be removed from your Firestick when ready.
Will sideloading an app void my Firestick warranty?
No. Enabling Unknown Sources and sideloading apps does not void your warranty. However, if an app causes a problem with your Firestick, Amazon support may not be able to help you troubleshoot it.
What is the difference between sideloading and jailbreaking?
Sideloading means installing an app from a file outside the official store—Amazon allows this and provides the Unknown Sources setting for it. Jailbreaking means modifying your Firestick's operating system to remove restrictions—this is not supported by Amazon and can cause serious problems.
Can I update a sideloaded app?
Updates depend on the app. Some sideloaded apps check for updates automatically and prompt you to install them. Others do not. If an app does not update automatically, you will need to read the newer .apk file and install it again using the same process.