With the Amazon Firestick device, you can turn any TV into a smart one and access streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, etc. However not everyone can afford the subscription fees for these platforms as some of them could be a little pricey. Fortunately there are third-party and unverified apps that allow you to stream movies, music, TV shows and sports for free. The only problem is that you need to jailbreak your Amazon Firestick to access them. Let’s show you how to jailbreak Amazon Firestick.
Preparing Your Firestick for Jailbreak
Before you can jailbreak your Firestick, you need to adjust its settings to enable sideloading and ensure a smooth installation process for third-party apps. Follow these steps carefully to prepare your device:
1. Enable Developer Options
1. From the home screen, select the gear icon located on the right side of the screen.
2. Scroll down and click on “My Fire TV.” Depending on your device model, this option might appear as “Devices & Software.”
3. Within the “My Fire TV” menu, select “About.”
4. Activate Developer Mode: Highlight your device name (e.g., Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube) and press the center button on your remote seven times rapidly.
5. A notification will appear stating, “No need, you are already a developer,” confirming that developer mode is enabled.
6. Access Developer Options: Return to the “My Fire TV” menu, where “Developer Options” will now be visible.
4. Turn on ADB Debugging to allow advanced debugging features.
5. Enable Install Unknown Apps to permit installations from sources outside the Amazon Appstore.
2. Adjust Privacy Settings
1. Return to the Settings menu and select Preferences.
2. Open Privacy Settings and disable:
- Device Usage Data
- Collect App Usage Data
This step ensures that Amazon does not collect data about your activity after jailbreaking.
3. Turn Off Data Monitoring
In the Preferences section, locate Data Monitoring and switch it off. This prevents unnecessary tracking of your data usage.
Once you have completed this step your Firestick will be ready for sideloading third-party apps.
Step 3: Installing the Downloader App
The Downloader app was especially created for sideloading or installing third-party apps that can’t be found on app stores, and you can use it on your Firestick as well. It
1. From your Firestick Home Screen, press the Home Button on your remote and navigate to the Find option.
2. Select Search and type “Downloader” into the search bar. The app should auto-populate below.
3. Click on Downloader to access its app page.
4.On the app page, click on the Download or Get button to begin installation.
5. Wait for the app to download and install. This typically takes only a few moments, depending on your internet speed.
6. Once installed, open the Downloader app.
7. A pop-up will appear asking for permissions; click Allow, then select OK to proceed.
Step 4: Sideloading Third-Party Apps
1. Once you are done with the installation, launch the Downloader app from your Firestick’s home screen.
2. In the app’s main interface, locate the URL input field.
3. Type in the direct URL of the APK file for the app you want to install or search for the app by typing its name. Ensure you are downloading from a trusted source to avoid malware risks.
4. Click Go, and the app will start downloading the APK file.
5. Once the download is complete, an installation prompt will appear automatically.
6. Select Install to begin installing the app on your Firestick.
7. After installation, click Done or Open depending on whether you want to launch the app immediately or return to Downloader.
8. To access your sideloaded app, navigate to your Firestick’s home screen and open the Apps & Channels section.
9. Scroll through your installed apps to find your newly sideloaded application.
Enhancing Privacy with a VPN
Jailbreaking your Firestick opens up access to third-party apps, but it also increases your exposure to online tracking and potential security risks. Make sure you always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to safeguard your privacy, encrypt your data, and unlock geo-restricted content. You can download a VPN using the Downloader app you just installed.
Final Thoughts: Tips for Safe Sideloading
1. Always use reputable APK sources to minimize security risks.
2. Consider using Downloader shortcodes for popular apps, as they simplify URL entry4.
3. Avoid streaming copyrighted content to ensure compliance with legal regulations.
4. Always use a VPN
