Android app files can come via an APK file. You can install APK files on the Amazon Kindle Fire tablet by enabling a setting. Just follow these steps.
Note: Be careful about where you have obtained the APK file. Files that come from non-legitimate sources may be corrupted or contain viruses. Please know what you are doing before you proceed.
- From the Fire, go to one of the following locations depending on your device:
- 5th to 8th Generation Devices – “Settings” > “Security” > “Apps from Unknown Sources“.
- 3rd and 4th Generation Devices – “Settings” > “Applications” > “Apps From Unknown Sources“
- First and Second Generation Devices – “Settings” > “More” > “Device” > “Allow Installation of Applications” and ensure it’s set to “On“.
- Open the Kindle Fire web browser and download the APK file. You can also transfer APK files from your computer by connecting the Kindle Fire to the computer with a USB cable.
- Open the notification area (top bar). It should show that the .APK file is downloading. Tap it once the download has finished.
- Select “Install“.
FAQ
Why is the “Install” button grayed out?
Amazon released an update that does this sometimes. You can usually get around it by pressing the square button next to the circle home button. Then go back to the install screen. Doing that will light up the Install button.
Some people say that using the “Back” button instead of square then returning to the install screen works to light up the Install button.
Riya says
Thank you really very very much! I didn’t know this about Kindle fire! It just changed my life!
JOHN says
When downloading APK files ensure that your memory card is not installed or parts of those files will be sent there.
Liz says
I have a 3rd gen. I’ve said OK to install from unknown sources, but when I go to download it has a problem with the page and just keeps rebooting it. Doesn’t matter what site I use. What am I doing wrong?
Steve says
Mine looks the same as other comments and I haven’t seen a comment on how to fix it. I have amazon kindle fire 8.5.1 and have downloaded apk to turn to android. Try and open apk and I get a parse error. I have downloaded from different sites and no luck. I’m using silk browser, if that helps.
I did this on a fire 10 and it was smooth as silk to do. So any advice would help.
CHARLENE B, says
I have an HD 8.9, purchased in 2013. When I look at device in the settings, it tells me it’s 8.5.1
How do I know which Google Chrome file to download?
Thanks.
Tilly says
I have problem downloading the Google play services when I try to install it
App doesn’t exit
What is the solution for that please
James says
Having the same issue here. Can’t install apk from different sources. I already applied the suggestion above and still doesn’t work
Crysi says
I tried to install Google play but it won’t install. I did it on another account on the same Kindle and it worked but on the other one it won’t work, am I doing something wrong? I have a Kindle fire 7 5th generation.
Roxane says
I get the “Parse error”. Anyone figured this one out already?
Thank you!
Anjie Krishnan says
I just get a message as “Can’t Open File” or parse error no matter when i try to install any app on my Kindle fire. Even changed the setting on my device to allow to download all app ….
Please a help on how to resolve this
Many thanks
Don says
After downloading, when I try to install I get:
Parse Error
There was a problem parsing the package
pinky says
I installed a reliable apk app and it installs just fine. However, after install it wont open. The Icon is there and when I tap it, it acts as if its going to open but then just crashes. What can i do to fix this?
Muriel says
I’m hoping someone can help…I lent my 8th generation Fire HD tablet to someone and when I got it back a message keeps coming up in notifications “Google Play Services won’t run unless you update Google Play Services”. Since Google isn’t on Amazon I asked this person “WTF”. Long story short…they downloaded some apk files thinking they were helping me because I can’t watch all my Vudu movies on My Movies. How do I get this crap off my tablet????
Isaiah says
I can’t find out how to get to the install page. When I click open file it says I cant even though I turned on the setting. I think I’m on Fire 6.
Shadow Boy says
When press the circle button and go back to open file manager and select the apk the installer button is lighting. That mean we are enable to install the apk file on the amazon tablet. My experience is running on amazon fire 7
Rick says
When I click the install button nothing happens
Jerome says
I think using popular sites like apkmirror, apknite and their apk downloader extension is good and safe. Anyway, tks for sharing. It helps
Bryan says
I had problems installing the new version of cinema apk and then I resolved the issue by uninstalling the older cinema apk app and reinstalling the new version!
This did the trick for me Kindle Fire.
Hope this may be of some use.
Bryan
Bri says
I can hit the install button, but after I do, the app tries to install and then says that the app wasn’t installed.
Paul says
Well, if I click on the install button, I am not able to do anything here, please help me regarding this.
Angel says
When I click the install button it just doesn’t do anything
Carter says
Im trying to download some app inventor files and it just wont let me press it
Sarah Sullivan says
So I downloaded an apk file on my 5th generation Kindle… I’m trying to get that app to work in the free time environment. Can’t figure out how to get this app to show up in the gotoapp app on the free time side. Help!!! Please!!!
Kendrick says
Mines just say “Can’t Open File” no matter what I do it’s a Fire HE 8 (7th gen)
Dennis Dyckman says
It worked but the file starting installing and then suddenly stopped and put an X App not installed.
I was trying to install KODI ver 17.6
Would appreciate knowing what to do next. I have ES File Explorer installed also.
Thanks
Mark says
Thanks. Your tip about pressing the square button did the trick for me when having trouble installing Mixplorer to replace ES File Explorer and all its malware.
iggy c says
great help wit apk that wouldn’t load
smabe says
Weird fix, but it worked! Thank you!