How to Install Google Play on a Kindle Fire

Get the apps you want on your Amazon tablet

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on June 11, 2022
Reviewed by
Christine Baker
Reviewed by Christine Baker
Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
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What to Know

  • Determine the Kindle Fire OS at Settings > Device Options > System Updates.
  • Download four APK files to your Kindle.
  • Open the Docs app. Go to Local Storage > Downloads to install the APKs. Tap the Google Play app icon.

This article explains how to install Google Play on a Kindle Fire. If your tablet has Fire OS 5.3.1.1 or later, you can install Google Play without rooting your Fire tablet. You just need to download and install some APK files. Information is also provided on how to root an older Kindle to install Google Play.

How to Install Google Play on a Kindle Fire

To see which version of Fire OS you're running, go to Settings > Device Options > System Updates. Then:

Installing apps outside the Amazon store can expose your device to viruses and malware. Consider downloading a security app such as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware before you begin.

  1. On your Fire tablet, go to Settings > Security & Privacy. Tap Apps from Unknown Sources to enable it.

    Security & Privacy settings on Kindle Fire

  2. Open the web browser on your Kindle and download the following files to your tablet:

  3. On each page, scroll down and tap Download APK. If a security warning pops up, tap OK to start the download.

    Security notice for downloading the APK.

  4. After you have the four necessary files, close the browser and open the Docs app on the home screen.

  5. Go to Local Storage > Downloads.

  6. Tap the APK files to install them in the following order:

    1. Google Account Manager APK
    2. Google Services Framework APK
    3. Google Play Services APK
    4. Google Play Store APK

    You must install the APK files in the specified order for Google Play to install properly.

  7. Tap the Google Play app icon on your home screen to open the Google Play store.

Launching Google Play

When you launch Google Play for the first time, you are prompted to sign in with your Google account. You may have to wait a few minutes for updates to install before the app functions properly, and some apps might require further updates. Eventually, you should be able to search and download apps just as you would on a regular Android device.

How to Install Google Play on an Older Kindle Fire

If you own an older Amazon tablet or if the steps above don't work for you, then you must root your device before you can install Google Play. You need a Windows PC and a USB cable like the one included with your tablet to do this. Since Fire OS is a modified version of the Android OS, the steps for rooting a Fire tablet are basically the same as rooting an Android device.

Rooting your Fire tablet voids the warranty. Carefully consider the pros and cons of rooting your mobile device.

  1. On your Kindle Fire, go to Settings > Device Options.

  2. Tap the Serial Number field repeatedly until Developer Options appears directly below it.

  3. Tap Developer Options.

  4. Tap Enable ADB. In the pop-up screen, select Enable to activate Android Debug Bridge (ADB). You may get a security warning; ignore it to proceed.

    Developer Options showing Enable ADB

  5. Connect your Kindle Fire to your computer. Your PC should detect your device and download the drivers it needs.

    If your PC doesn't automatically detect your Kindle Fire, install the USB drivers and Android Debug Bridge manually by following the steps outlined in the Kindle Fire developers docs.

  6. Tap OK to Allow USB debugging. If this option doesn't pop up automatically, you need to install the appropriate drivers manually before you can proceed.

    Confirmation screen to allow USB debugging

  7. Open your computer's browser and download the installer app for Google Play:

  8. Extract the .zip file and double-click 1-Install-Play-Store.bat to open it.

  9. Type 2 and press Enter to have the tool install the Google Play Store on your Kindle Fire. This process may take several minutes. You'll see a message in the window when it's done.

    The number 2 entered to install Google Play to your Kindle Fire.

  10. Reboot your tablet by turning it off and on. If successful, shortcuts to the Play Store and Google Settings should be on your home screen.

FAQ
  • How do you reset a Kindle Fire?

    To reset your Fire tablet, go to Settings > Device Options > Reset to Factory Defaults > Reset.

  • How do you delete books from a Kindle Fire?

    To delete a book, go to Your Library on the Kindle Home screen. Press and hold the book you want to remove and select Remove From Device.

  • How do you take a screenshot on a Kindle Fire?

    To take a screenshot, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time for a second. The screenshot will be automatically saved to your device’s internal storage.

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