Amazon Fire: How to Install APK Files

Don’t know how to install APK files on Amazon Fire devices? Learn the top methods of APK file installation that anyone can apply.

Even if you’re an Amazon Fire user, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the apps and games that friends use on their Android tablets. I mean, who wouldn’t want to try the vast range of Android apps?

However, a Fire HD tablet doesn’t allow you to directly download and install Android apps from platforms like Google Play Store. But you can always try the workaround of downloading APK files and installing them on your device. Read this article to learn how to install APK files on an Amazon Fire device.

What Is an APK File?

APK stands for Android Package Kit. These files are basically Android Application Packages used for distributing apps on Android OS. Users can download these files from Google Play Store and other third-party websites.

Though mainly targeted at Android devices, APK files can be used on other operating systems, such as Fire OS. Therefore, if you want to run Android apps on your Amazon Fire tablet, Downloading and installing APK files are the best options for you,

How to Install APK Files: Top 2 Methods

APK files can be run on Amazon Fire devices, but for that, you need to change your device settings to allow installing apps that are not from known sources (Amazon Appstore, in this case). This step is mandatory, no matter which method you want to follow for APK file installation.

From the Amazon Fire device, go to one of the following options, depending on your device model. Make sure the option is enabled or turned on.

• • 12th Generation and Other Recent Devices – Settings > Security & Privacy > Apps from Unknown Sources
  • 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

After making the necessary changes to this setting, you can proceed with one of the following approaches to install the APK files.

Method 1: Download and Install from Third-Party Websites

The most common and popular method of installing APK files on Kindle devices is to download the files from different third-party websites. There are lots of websites out there that let you download the APK files of Android apps. Thus, you can use Android apps on your device even if that app isn’t on the Google Play Store or you aren’t using any Android device.

Before you download an APK file from any website, make sure the file doesn’t contain any virus or malware. I recommend using APKMirror website for downloading any APK files for your Amazon Fire device without getting worried about downloading malicious software. Now, let’s move to the steps that you need to follow to download and install APK files on a Kindle device.

• Visit APKMirror or other third-party APK file websites from the web browser of your device.
• Search with the name of your preferred app and tap on the app name from the results.
• Visit the app page to tap on the Download button.
• Tap OK when you see a message saying that this type of download can harm your device.
• The APK file will be downloaded in a few seconds.
• When the download is complete, tap on the downloaded APK file.
• Now, the app will show you things it can access after installation.
• Keep hitting Next till the end.
• Tap on the Install option when it appears.

That’s it. The APK file will get installed on your Kindle device in no time. When done, you’ll be able to use the Android app or game on Amazon Fire without any difficulty.

Method 2: Transfer APK Files From Computer with USB Cable

Since the Amazon Fire tablets support USB cables, on-the-go file transfer is possible with it. If you already have APK files downloaded on your PC or prefer using the computer over the Kindle device for downloading APK files, you can always go for this option.

In this approach, you need to have the APK file downloaded on your computer that can be seamlessly transferred to your Amazon Fire device. Later, you can install that on your tablet and start using the app or game. Here are the steps for applying this technique.

For the quickest APK file transfer, I suggest you save the APK files on your desktop instead of downloads or any other locations.

Move APK Files to Amazon Fire

• First, take a compatible USB cable, and use it to connect the Amazon Fire and your computer.
• As soon as it becomes connected, you’ll see a notification on your Kindle device.
• Check out the notification about the USB connection by swiping it down from the top.
• Now, tap twice on the System notification about USB preferences.
• Choose the File transfer option from the list to confirm what you want to do with the USB.
• Go to the connected computer and navigate to This PC.
• Under the Devices and drives section, you’ll find your Kindle Device listed.
• Double-click on that device name to go to its Internal Storage.
• Again, double-click on the Internal Storage to open the Download folder.
• Copy the downloaded APK file from its original location and paste it into the Download folder.
• Safely disconnect the Fire tablet from your computer.

Install APK Files on Tablet

• Now, move back to the Amazon Fire tablet, and tap on Files.
• From the left side, tap on Downloads.
• You’ll easily find the transferred APK file in that location.
• Tap on the APK and wait, as the file will get installed in a few moments.

FAQs on How to Install APK Files on Amazon Fire

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’ll light up the Install button.

Some people say that using the Back button instead of the square and then returning to the install screen works to light up the Install button.

How Do I Install Android Apps on My Kindle?

If you want to install Android apps on Amazon Kindle tablets, you need to download APK files from APKMirror or any other reliable website. Then, you need to install that APK file, and the app is all set to run on your Amazon Fire device.

Conclusion

Many Amazon Fire users complain about the limited number of apps they get on Amazon Appstore. They can easily install APK files on their devices and use Android apps.

Now that you know how to Install APK files on Amazon Fire, you can seamlessly use Android apps on your Kindle device. Don’t forget to share this article on social media and with your friends who use Amazon Fire devices.

If you have any trouble implementing the methods mentioned here, let us know in the comment section. As an Amazon Fire user, you may also like to read articles on Silk browser alternatives and how to turn Kindle Fire on and off.