Amazon wants as many Kindle Fire users to use their Silk browser as it can get. They haven’t made any browser alternatives in their App Store. You can find a way to install Google Play on your Fire to gain access to more browser options. But unless you are technically skilled, you’re likely not going to bother with such a process just to install a browser.
Personally, I can’t stand the Silk browser. It’s slow, choppy, and constantly crashes. Since I didn’t want to mess with rooting or any of that other stuff, I had to find some alternatives that were easy to install on my Fire.
The apps in this list meet these qualifications:
- They don’t require rooting.
- They don’t require additional software to install.
- They are available as an APK file download from the developer’s official website.
Before using any of the steps in this tutorial, you will have to allow installation of applications from unknown sources by going to on of the following locations:
- “Settings” > “Security” > “Apps from Unknown Sources” > “On“
- “Apps” > “Settings” > “Applications” > “Apps From Unknown Sources” > “On“
- “Settings” > “More” > “Device” > “Allow Installation of Applications” > “On“
Firefox Mobile
Yes, good ol’ Firefox is available as a simple APK download for your Kindle Fire or any other Android device. The app has a lot of “bells and whistles”. It supports add-ons such as Adobe Flash, and ad-blocker.
To install Firefox Mobile on the Kindle Fire, follow these steps:
- Open the Silk web browser and go to the Mozilla FTP. Use this link for newer Fire devices or pick an older version for older Fire devices.
- Select the file that ends with the extension of “.apk“.
- A notification should appear at the top of the screen that says “Downloading”. This should switch to “Download complete”. Tap the notification area at the top of the screen.
- Tap the “Download complete” selection.
- Select “Install“.
Naked Browser
The name says it all. Naked browser is very basic, but it’s also a very speedy and easy to use browser on the Kindle Fire. The ability to quickly switch from desktop to mobile views of a web page is my favorite feature.
To install Naked Browser on the Kindle Fire, follow these steps:
- Open the Silk web browser and visit “http://nakedbrowser.com/android“.
- Select the link to download the APK file, located in the area that says “Cannot install from the Play Store“.
- A notification should appear at the top of the screen that says “Downloading”. This should switch to “Download complete”. Tap the notification area at the top of the screen.
- Tap “nakedbrowser.apk“.
- Select “Install“.
UC Browser
A browser that adapts to the speed of your connection. It will actually trim down web pages if your connection is weak. It also supports special modes for your favorite social network.
- Open the Silk web browser and visit “http://www.ucweb.com/“.
- Select the Download button.
- A notification should appear at the top of the screen that says “Downloading”. This should switch to “Download complete”. Tap the notification area at the top of the screen.
- Tap “UCBrowser.apk“.
- Select “Install“.
Maxthon Cloud Browser
One of the fastest browsers you can get on an Android device. Users consistently rate Maxthon as fast, fast, fast. It has all of the features you would expect in a browser along with the ability to access news and your favorite websites quickly using the “Quick Access” and “NewsBites” features.
- Open the Silk web browser and visit “http://www.maxthon.com/“.
- Select the Android link where offers downloads for “More Devices“.
- Select the .apk download link.
- A notification should appear at the top of the screen that says “Downloading”. This should switch to “Download complete”. Tap the notification area at the top of the screen.
- Tap “Maxthon.apk“.
- Select “Install“.
Well, that’s the list. Do you have a browser you prefer on your Kindle Fire? Please share your experience in the comments section.
FAQ
How do I get updates to these apps?
If you install apps from outside an app store, you will not receive automatic updates or update notifications. You will have to check the app developer’s website to see when updates were made to the software, then download the APK file again.
Do I have to uninstall previous versions of the app before I install a newer version?
No. If you install the APK file, it should replace the previous version automatically.
Will these options work on all versions of the Kindle Fire?
Yes. They should work on the original Kindle Fire, as well as the HD, and HDX versions.
I’m getting an error when I install these via APK file?
Be sure that you have installed the correct APK file for the processor in your Kindle Fire. Some will be x86 (32-bit) while others are 64bit.
Gautam says
Dear Mitch,
Thank you so much for this! I managed to get Firefox Browser straight onto my Kindle Fire in seconds. Very easy, very helpful – much appreciated. Thanks again.
[Kindle Fire 7″]
Krissy says
Thanks for this.
Catherine Rachel says
When I click on the link for Maxthon it does not give an “other devices” choice. I’m trying to download to a Kindle Fire HD. I tried to download from Google Play but it only recognizes my phone, not the Kindle.
Ray says
‘Open the Silk web browser and go to the Mozilla FTP. Use this link for newer Fire devices or pick an older version for older Fire devices.”
Can you explain the above statement?
I do not understand how to choose the correct file for my older file from your link.
Thank you.
A Silk hater.
Thelma says
So helpful! Thank you!! =) I was unable to sign into my Colornotes app through Google to sync with the notes on my phone. Now I can…SO helpful! So glad to be done with that horrible Silk browser once and for all!! =) My Kindle just become infinitely more useful, thanks to you!! =)
Mac ClrH20 says
Can adobe flash be downloaded with these browsers? Also most post i am findiing recommend the dolphin browser, is there a reason why it isnt recommended in this article?