How to Turn On Developer Mode on Your Firestick

Developer Mode Lets You Install Apps Outside the Amazon Appstore

Developer Mode on a Firestick opens the device to sideloading — installing apps that Amazon does not distribute through its official store. Once enabled, you can load apps from other sources using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool that communicates with your Firestick over a network connection.

The process takes about five minutes and requires only your Firestick remote and a computer on the same Wi-Fi network. Developer Mode does not void your warranty or break any core Firestick functions. You can turn it off the same way you turned it on.

Key Takeaways

Developer Mode is found in Settings > Device > Developer Options and toggled on with a single button press.
You must enable ADB (Android Debug Bridge) in the same menu before you can sideload apps from a computer.
Your Firestick and computer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for ADB to work.
Sideloading apps carries the same security risk as downloading from any untrusted source — only install apps you trust.

Step-by-Step: Turning On Developer Mode

Start on the Firestick home screen. Press the Menu button on your remote (the three horizontal lines). Scroll down and select Settings.

In Settings, scroll down to Device and select it. Then select Developer Options. You will see a toggle for ADB Debugging — press it to turn it on. A second toggle for Apps from Unknown Sources will appear below it. Turn that on as well.

Both toggles should now show as enabled. Your Firestick is now in Developer Mode. You can return to the home screen.

Finding Your Firestick's IP Address

To sideload apps, your computer needs to know how to reach your Firestick on the network. You will need the device's IP address.

Go back to Settings > Device > Developer Options. At the top of the screen, you will see a line that says something like "Fire TV IP Address: 192.168.1.XXX" (the last numbers will be different on your network). Write this down or take a screenshot.

If you do not see the IP address listed, your Firestick may not be connected to Wi-Fi. Check Settings > Network and make sure you are connected to the same network as your computer.

Installing ADB on Your Computer

ADB is a command-line tool that comes as part of the Android SDK (Software Development Kit). You do not need the full SDK — you can read ADB alone from several sources.

On Windows, read the ADB zip file from a trusted source (search "ADB read Windows"), extract it to a folder like C:\adb, and open Command Prompt in that folder. On Mac or Linux, you can install ADB through Homebrew or read it the same way as Windows.

Once extracted or installed, open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and type adb version to confirm it is working. You should see a version number printed back.

Connecting Your Computer to Your Firestick

In Command Prompt or Terminal, type the following command, replacing the IP address with the one you found earlier:

adb connect 192.168.1.XXX

Press Enter. If the connection works, you will see a message like "connected to 192.168.1.XXX:5555". If it fails, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that you typed the IP address correctly.

Once connected, you can sideload apps by typing commands like adb install appname.apk (where appname.apk is the app file on your computer). The app will install on your Firestick and appear in your apps list.

Turning Off Developer Mode When You Are Done

If you no longer need sideloading, you can disable Developer Mode the same way you turned it on. Go to Settings > Device > Developer Options and toggle off ADB Debugging and Apps from Unknown Sources.

Turning off Developer Mode does not remove apps you already sideloaded — they stay on your Firestick. If you want to remove a sideloaded app, go to Settings > Apps > Manage Installed Apps, find the app, and select Uninstall.

Security and Sideloading Risks

Sideloading apps from untrusted sources carries the same risk as downloading files from unknown websites. Malicious apps can access your personal data, watch your activity, or damage your device.

Only sideload apps from sources you trust. If you are sideloading an app because it is not available in the Amazon Appstore, research the app and its developer first. Read user reviews and check whether the app is available on other official app stores (Google Play, Apple App Store) as a sign of legitimacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a computer to use Developer Mode?

Yes. Developer Mode itself turns on through your Firestick remote, but sideloading apps requires a computer with ADB installed. Without a computer, Developer Mode is enabled but not useful.

Will turning on Developer Mode slow down my Firestick?

No. Developer Mode runs in the background and does not affect performance. You will not notice any difference in speed or responsiveness.

Can I sideload apps on a Firestick Lite or Fire TV Cube?

Yes. The steps are identical on all Firestick models and Fire TV Cube devices. The menu structure and Developer Options location are the same across all Fire TV devices.

What if my computer cannot find my Firestick?

Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that the IP address is correct. Restart your Firestick and try again. If the problem persists, disable and re-enable ADB Debugging on the Firestick and attempt the connection once more.

Can Amazon tell if I have Developer Mode on?

Amazon cannot remotely detect Developer Mode. However, if you sideload an app that violates Amazon's terms of service, that activity could be detected through your account. Using Developer Mode itself is not against the terms.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.