Once they’re installed they’ll automatically update in the background. But it takes 4 apps for the Play Store to work.įortunately, xda-developers forum member Gilly10 has put together a list of the 4 APKs you need.Ī few things to keep in mind: you may be downloading old versions of some of these apps, but don’t worry.
In order to install most apps, you only need to download and install a single APK file. The workaround shouldn’t be necessary if you’re running the updated version Fire OS 5.6. Updated note: Amazon rolled out an update in early December, 2017 that fixes the grayed-out install button problem. This should make the install button turn orange. Note: If you’re using a tablet running Fire OS 5.6.0 and the “install” button is grayed out when you try to load an app from an unknown source, there’s a simple workaround: hit the power button to turn off the display and then hit it again to turn the screen on again. For example, I installed the Nova launcher app, the Solid Explorer file browser, and the Mobizen screen recorder before proceeding to the next step. So make sure that any apps you do install come from sources you trust.Īt this point you could just start grabbing apps from APKMirror, F-Droid, or other third-party app stores. Keep in mind that enabling installation of apps from unknown sources does make it a bit easier to accidentally install malware on your device. In the Advanced section, tap the item that says “Apps from Unknown Sources” and then click “OK.” Scroll down until you see an option called Security and tap it. Swipe down from the top of the screen to bring up the Quick Settings panel, then choose the Settings icon. But it’s my understanding that the steps are nearly identical for the Fire 7 (2017) and for devices running Fire OS 5.3. Note that these instructions were tested with an Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) running Fire OS 5.4.
Here’s how to add a bit of Google to an Amazon tablet. But you don’t need root access to install the Play Store or even to replace the home screen launcher (sort of). You may not be able to root the 2017 models of the $50 Amazon Fire 7 tablet or the $80 Amazon Fire HD 8. While Amazon has developed a custom user interface for the operating system, featuring tight integration with the Amazon Appstore, Kindle, Music, and Movies apps, it’s surprisingly easy to install the Google Play Store on Amazon’s most recent tablets.
How long will my Fire Tablet get security updates?Īmazon’s tablets run an Android-based operating system called Fire OS.How to use an SD card with Amazon’s Fire tablets.
Though they offer customizations, they don’t deviate significantly from the general Android template.Įnter Smart Launcher 5 (opens in new tab), which takes things a little differently.
One theme key to the choices on this list thus far is that none of them attempt to reinvent the wheel when it comes to user experience. (Image credit: TechRadar / Smart Launcher Team)