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Kindle Fire: How to Install Google Chrome Via APK File

Kindle Fire: How to Install Google Chrome Via APK File

by 56 Comments

So you have an Amazon Kindle Fire and wish to install the Google Chrome web browser on it? Well, that’s going to take just a bit of work. Amazon makes it a bit difficult to install other browsers on their tablets since they want you to be forced to use their pre-installed Silk browser. You won’t find any web browsers in the Amazon store.

Google doesn’t make it easy either. They only make their Android version of Chrome available via the Google Play store. Fortunately, there are third-party websites that allow you to download it separately. Just follow these steps and you’ll be off and running with Chrome on your Kindle Fire in no time.

  1. From the Fire, go to:
    • HD8 & HD10 – “Home” > “Settings” > “Security” > “Apps From Unknown Sources” > “On“.
    • HD6 – “Apps” > “Settings” > “Applications” > “Apps From Unknown Sources” > “On“.
    • Kindle Fire 1 & 2 – “Settings” > “More” > “Device” > “Allow Installation of Applications” > “On“.
  2. Open the Silk browser on your Kindle and go to https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/chrome/.
  3. Select the download icon next to the version you wish to download. It should download right to the memory of your device.
  4. Open the notification area (top bar). It should show that the .APK file is downloading. Tap it once the download has finished.
  5. Select “Install“.

The Chrome browser should then install and be available to use on your Kindle Fire.

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.

Will this work on any version of the Kindle Fire?

Yes. It will work on the original Fire, as well as the HD and HDX models. Though if you have an older device, you may want to download an older version of Chrome as newer versions may not be as stable.

Can I trust this apkmirror website?

The site is run by the folks who created AndroidPolice. They are generally trusted by the Android community.

Will Chrome update automatically when new versions come out?

No. You will have to manually check the apkmirror website for updates and install them yourself.

Chrome crashes when I try to sign in. Why can’t I sign into Google Chrome on my Fire?

Unfortunately, this will be a problem without a workaround. You won’t be able to sign into Chrome using your Google account so you can sync all your stuff. However, you can still use the Chrome browser without signing in.

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Comments

  2. David J Wang says

    Would not let me install chrome for kindle without a “must cancel in 5 days to not activate a 40 USD monthly membership.

  3. houston user says

    I keep getting a parsing error with any of the links I try. Any idea why and how to get around it?

  4. Gordon Lachniet says

    I have the Chrome browser installed on my fire hd10 and the browser works but I cannot sync so I cannot use bookmark etc. It tells me that I need Google play services but it says that is not compatible with my fire I tried several of the apk and they will not install. Any idea on what to try? I tried to just copy bookmark from my PC but I have not been able to do that either

  5. Alana says

    I downloaded Google Chrome for my Kindle Fire HD 10 following your instructions and it worked perfectly the first time! Thank you very much!

  7. Lisa says

    Hi. I installed it at least once… Which seemed to go fairly smoothly but when i go to open the app on my home screen, the dang Fire only flashes Chrome open for a second, then back to home screen. Like it is playing April fools on me. Any thoughts? I do not like being manipulated by corporations.

  8. Deborah Silver says

    I just purchased on Amazon Prime Day an Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8 10th generation for only $54.99!

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WQ1VH72/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Now I want to install the google chrome search engine, and YouTube.

    Can I get specific instructions for the 2020 Kindle Fire HD 8 10th generation?

    Many thanks!

    Can I check and send email from my hotmail (outlook) account? Is there an Outlook App on this device?

  9. mbr8 says

    I’m redirected to create an account and add my credit card in order to download the APK file. Is there another way where I don’t have to do this?

  10. TJ says

    Thanks for this info. One does have to be careful where one clicks. The first time I tried downloading, I must have clicked in the wrong area because the site wanted me to create an account. The second time, I looked further down the page and selected a download without a $ next to it. No issues installing Chrome on my Kindle 10. I only wish I had found this site sooner!

  12. Frank Schersing says

    The workaround Travis posted worked like a charm! No problems whatsoever! Thank you!

  13. Lucinda says

    I just got Chrome installed on my Fire Tablet using the variants in the comments. Worked Fantastically! Thank you!

  14. Casey says

    The link Travis posted worked on both the my Amazon Fire HD 6 and 7 models. Use this link if you can’t get any of the others to work.

  15. Ralph Durham says

    Downloaded Chrome to my Fire. Wants the APK installer. The installer says I already have it. Click on installed. Says it is my phone. Can find no option for the device, Kindle Fire that I am using. Any clues?

  16. Monte says

    I hit download but it never installs, if I click the file it says cannot open, I have the security set right, so what’s up

  17. Dave Roberts says

    The following comment should be added to the instructions. Thank you, “K. McPhail”;

    “K. McPhail says
    January 4, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    Select 71.0.357899 Variants. Then download 357809901 for Android 5.0+. That’s what worked for me.”

    Worked first time for me also.

  19. Nita G says

    I got parsing error also but I did this and it worked.
    K. McPhail says

    January 4, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    Select 71.0.357899 Variants. Then download 357809901 for Android 5.0+. That’s what worked for me.

  21. Kip says

    I receive the parse error as well. So far, none of the variants have worked. Posting 1-11-19 after looking at previous comments.

  22. Wendi Kaiser says

    Your instructions are not idiot proof and do not contain each and every step. Obviously there are non mentioned steps that need to be done since following your instructions exactly does not work. For example, how do you get to the version that you want even before you can download it? Way too complex for a beginner

  23. K. McPhail says

    Select 71.0.357899 Variants. Then download 357809901 for Android 5.0+. That’s what worked for me.

  24. Madelyn says

    I’m sorry confused. All the downloads won’t install because it says “there is a problem parsing the package”. Is my kindle too old? 8.5.1_5159720

  25. Michael W says

    The version for 5.0+ (ending in 001) worked for me too (however, it took a while for me to find) it is under the additional apks.

  27. S says

    Just bought Fire 10 HD yesterday. The versions for Android 7.0+ (ending in 002 and 052) results in the parsing error. The version for 5.0+ (ending in 001) works just fine however. Thanks !

  28. John Wilson says

    New Kindle Fire HD-10. APK downloads fine, then when I open it I get “Parse Error–There was a problem parsing the package.” No option but to click OK. Have tried three times, and receive the same error.

  29. Ethan says

    Ok I don’t have an “install” option anywhere. I can download it then it shows up in my browser downloads with only the option to delete it.

  30. Megan says

    I’m having the same problem as Roy. I click to install the app, give it permission to install, and then it says “App not installed” and won’t do anything else.

    I can’t get CNN-10 (educational news site) to load and play videos for my kids using Silk, so I’m trying to figure out how to install Chrome!

  31. Roy says

    I have downloaded the android chrome useing the mirror.com.apk on to my Fire HDX 8.9 ( 2013 3rd generation ) via ES FILE.
    When I click on the open, the install option appears. I then click on install.
    Chrome – Do you want to install this application etc. Appears.
    Click on INSTALL ( at bottom of page ).
    Says installing then x App not installed.
    Please help I’m 76 years old and really struggling with this.
    Thanks.

  32. Mitch Bartlett says

    It sounds like you might be selecting ads on the site. Just go to the link I have in the post, then scroll down and select the icon with an arrow pointing down to download the app, select the variant, then the DOWNLOAD APK link.

  33. Michael says

    Have been trying for 45 minutes. No matter which download I choose, I get nothing but Ads wanting me to log into their sites. Never a sign that the actual download or install has started. Is there really a way to get Google Play Store on the new Kendle Fire 7, or am I just wasting my time?

  34. Victoria l Riggle says

    I had no idea which version to select so I guessed. It downloaded then gave me an error msg:. Couldn’t parse. What the heck does that mean?

  35. GEE says

    Nope…on step 2
    “It should download right to the memory of your device.”

    Where is this?? I saw no notice.
    How to find file?

  38. Ashley says

    I have three Amazon Fire Tablets and downloaded chrome on all of them. Only ONE of the three has a “homepage” button and “home screen on” option. The other two do not show this option. Any ideas why this would happen? I tried to delete and reinstall the app… I downloaded the app separately so would one apk have the homepage options and another not?

    Thakns!

  39. Alan Scott says

    Having problem getting file to install… getting message that says “There is a problem parsing the package.”
    I get the same response with other versions of Chrome installs for Android 4.1 as well.

    Any ideas?

  40. Jeremey says

    The link worked great, but the file keeps stopping and failing. Thanks for the information.

  46. MarkF says

    I have an early version 4 Kindle Fire HD. The download worked but there is a parsing error when the OS attempts to run the installer.

  47. Brigid Fitch says

    Mike & Gary GW Hicks: Try downloading different versions of Chrome until you can get one to install correctly. You can always update the version once it’s on the tablet. I have an HD8 and it took me 5 versions to get one to load. Now it works like a charm!

  48. Gary GW Hicks says

    I have tried and tried but when I click install it seems to start then but I get an ‘X app not installed’ message and I’m stumped
    I’m a Fire HD.8 Newbie trying to get the tablet set up.

  49. Kim Staack Read says

    Easy peasy downloading chrome onto my husbands Kindle Fire 10…my problem…I can’t get the play store to recognize the device. How do I do that?

  50. Brigid Fitch says

    File downloaded but won’t let me click the install button. Cancel works just fine, though.

  53. Netmeetme says

    I have installed other apps on my Fire 8 using apk mirror and have had no problem. But I am having a problem with the chrome one. It downloads and seems to be installing correctly until the end when it says. Did not Install. I know it is installed because at a time I am able to click a choice to open with chrome or with silk. My problem is the app is not showing on my home screen or in the apps list. Is there a way to get the app button.

  54. Caleb says

    HD8 & HD10 – “Home” > “Settings” > “Security” > “Apps From Unknown Sources” >

    OR

    Fire 8 gen “Home” > “Settings” > “Device” > “Allow Installation of Application From Unknown Sources” >

    For Kindle 8th Gen

  56. Lawrence says

    No, it did not help. The instructions, “You can usually get around it by pressing the square button next to the circle home button.” does not help those with a 7th generation device. I have also seen it suggested you put the device to sleep and then turn it back on and the INSTALL button is not greyed out. Neither works. Thanks for trying, but I’d like to seem something that just does work not usually get around it.

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