Amazon devices only allow you to download apps from the Amazon store by default; however, with a little effort, you can install Google Play on a Kindle Fire to exponentially increase the number of apps you have access to. The steps to set it up vary slightly depending on the version of the Amazon tablet you’re using.
Installing apps outside of the Amazon store can expose your device to viruses and malware. Consider downloading a security application like Malwarebytes Anti-Malware before you begin.
How to Install Google Play on Kindle Fire
If your tablet is running Fire OS 5.3.1.1 or later, you can install Google Play without rooting your Kindle. You just need to download and install some APK files. Follow these steps:
To see what version of Fire OS you’re running, go to Settings > Device Options > System Updates .
- On your Fire tablet, go to Settings > Security & Privacy , then tap Apps from Unknown Sources to enable it.
- Open the web browser on your Kindle and download the following files to your tablet:
- Google Account Manager APK
- Google Services Framework APK
- Google Play Services APK11.5.0.9(230); If you have a Fire HD 8 2017, download Google Play Services APK11.5.0.9(240).
- Google Play Store APK
- On each page, scroll down and tap Download APK . If a security warning appears, simply tap OK to start the download.
- Once you have the four necessary files, close your browser and open the Docs app on your home screen.
- Go to Local Storage > Downloads.
- Tap the APK files to install them in the following order:
- Google Account Manager APK
- Google Services Framework APK
- Google Play Services APK
- Google Play Store APK
You must install the APK files in the order specified above for Google Play to install successfully.
- The Google Play App icon should appear on the home screen. Tap it to open the Google Play store.
How to use Google Play Store on Kindle Fire
When you start Google Play for the first time, you will be asked to sign in with your Google account. You may have to wait a few minutes for updates to install before the app will work properly, and some apps may need more updates. Eventually, you’ll be able to browse and download apps just like you would on a regular Android device.
How to Install Google Play on an Older Kindle Fire
If you have an older Amazon tablet or if the steps above don’t work for you, you’ll need to “root” your device before you can install Google Play. You will also need a Windows PC and a USB cable like the one that came with your tablet. Since Fire OS is just a modified version of the Android operating system, the steps to root a Fire tablet are basically the same as rooting an Android device.
Rooting the Fire tablet will void the warranty. Carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of rooting your mobile device.
- On your Kindle Fire, go to Settings > Device Options .
- Tap on the Serial Number field repeatedly until “Developer Options” appears directly below it.
- Tap Developer Options .
- Tap Enable to enable Android Debugging Bridge (ADB). You may receive a security warning; ignore it to proceed.
- Connect your Kindle Fire to your computer. Your PC should detect your device and download the drivers it needs.
If your Kindle Fire is not automatically detected by your PC, you can install the USB drivers and Android Debug Bridge manually by following the steps in the Kindle Fire developer docs.
- Click OK to allow USB debugging. If this option does not appear automatically, you will need to install the appropriate drivers manually before continuing.
- Open your computer’s browser and download the installer app for Google Play:
- If your tablet is running Fire OS 5.3.0 or higher, download Amazon-Fire-5th-Gen-SuperTool-old.zip.
- If your tablet is running Fire OS 5.3.1 or later, download Amazon-Fire-5th-Gen-Install-Play-Store.zip.
- Extract the .zip file and double-click 1-Install-Play-Store.bat to open it.
- Type “ 2 ,” and hit Enter for the tool to install the Google Play Store on your Kindle Fire. This process can take several minutes; you will see a message in the window when it is done.
- Restart your tablet by turning it off and on. If successful, shortcuts to the play store and Google settings should appear on the home screen.