Before you learn how to enable apps from unknown sources on Firestick, you should know what it means.
“Turn on apps from unknown sources” on your Firestick 4K max means that you can install and run apps downloaded from outside the Amazon Appstore.
Generally, if you buy any streaming device, it only allows you to install apps from its app store. The Fire TV device also allows you to install apps only from the Amazon App Store, which are verified by Amazon.
When you “enable apps from unknown sources,” you are bypassing this security feature and allowing you to install apps from any source on your Fire TV Stick.
What does enabling it mean?
- More Freedom: You can install apps that are not available on the Amazon App Store, such as Kodi, Cinema HD, or other streaming apps made by third parties.
- Sideloading: This process is called “sideloading,” where you download and install apps directly from APK files.
Warnings and Risks:
- Security risks: Enabling apps from unknown sources increases the risk of malware or viruses getting onto your device. You should only download apps from sources you trust.
- Instability: Non-official apps may not work properly on your Firestick or cause instability.
- No support: Amazon will not provide any support for apps that are not from their app store.
In short, it’s a setting known as “jailbreak Firestick” that allows you to install apps from outside the Amazon App Store on your Firestick, giving you more app options but also increasing security risks.
How To Enable Apps From Unknown Sources: Unlock Your FireStick 4K Max
To “enable apps from unknown sources” on your Firestick 4K Max, you must first unlock “Developer Options”, as it is hidden by default. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
- Go to Settings: Scroll down and select the gear icon at the top or right of your Fire TV home screen.
- Select My Fire TV: In the Settings menu, scroll down and select the “My Fire TV” option.
- Select About: In the “My Fire TV” menu, select the “About” option.
- Click Fire TV Stick 4K Max 7 Times: In the “About” section, you’ll see your device’s name, “Fire TV Stick 4K Max” (or whatever your specific model name is). Press the “Select” button on your remote 7 times in quick succession.
- When you do this, you will see a small message at the bottom of the screen that will say something like “You are x steps away from being a developer”. After pressing 7 times, it will say “No need, you are already a developer”.
- Go Back: Once you see that message, go back to the “My Fire TV” menu by pressing the ‘Back’ button on your remote. You will now see the “Developer Options” under “About”.
Step 2: Enable Apps From Unknown Sources
- Select Developer Options: In the “My Fire TV” menu, now select “Developer Options”.
- Enable Apps from Unknown Sources: Inside “Developer Options”, you will see the “Apps from Unknown Sources” option. Select it and turn it “ON”.
- You may see a warning message that installing apps from unknown sources may be risky for your device. Understand it and select “Turn On” to continue.
Additional Tips:
- Install Downloader App: To easily sideload apps from unknown sources, you can install an app called “Downloader” from the Amazon App Store. It allows you to download and install APK files directly from websites.
- Be Careful: As mentioned in the previous answer, there is always some security risk in installing apps from unknown sources. Make sure you only download apps from sources you trust.
By following these steps, you can successfully enable apps from unknown sources on your Firestick 4K Max and install apps from outside the Amazon App Store.