How to Sideload Apps On The Kindle Fire
Nov 14, 2011 08:02 PM EDT by 
The built-in App store on the Kindle Fire offers a decent selection, but it doesn’t have everything. For example, you can’t download Tweetdeck or TripIt, or alternate browsers like Opera Mini or Firefox. While Google’s Android Market is off limits to Kindle Fire owners, you can install apps that aren’t available on Amazon’s store by transferring them via USB (also known as sideloading).
Here’s how to sideload apps on the Kindle Fire.
- Download and install ES File Explorer
- Navigate to Settings > Device
- Turn On the “Allow Installation of Applications From Unknown Sources” option.
- Connect the Kindle Fire to your PC via USB. An AutoPlay alert will appear on your PC.
- Select Open folder to view files. A directory listing of the Kindle Fire’s memory will appear.
- Copy the APK files for the apps you wish to install onto the Fire’s internal memory.
- Launch ES File Explorer on the Fire. A list of files and folders will appear.
- Tap icons for the files you wish to install.
- Tap the Install button to confirm your choice.
Finding APK Files to Install
In order to sideload any app, you’ll need to get a copy of its APK file and save it to your PC for transfer to the Kindle Fire. You can download APKs directly from handango.com, a store that has a really strong selection and makes its wares available via any web browser.
If you have another Android device that has access to the Android market, you can use Astro File Manager, another free app, to create APK backups of any app you have installed. Then you can copy them from your device to your PC for transfer to the Fire.
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November 16th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
I downloaded the Tweetdeck APK file from handango.com and followed the instructions, however, it keeps telling me the application was not installed. Any suggestions?
November 17th, 2011 at 2:50 am
…or you can simply click the link to “Download to PC” on Handango using the Fire’s built in browser, wait for the download to finish, then click that downloaded file’s entry in the Fire’s notification area (tap the number in the upper left). It will ask you if you want to install the download. Boom. Done.
You only have to jump through hoops with your PC as middle man if you can’t obtain an. apk file from a direct download. Even then, you can probably just email it to yourself from your phone. Gmail’s mobile interface via the web renders awesomely in Silk.
November 17th, 2011 at 9:51 am
Nope, that didn’t work either. I can download the file without problems. It attempts to install the file, but then it just says “Application Not Installed”. (image: http://bit.ly/uWdJ8q)
November 17th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Nice ! .. I took most of my Apps off my Atrix and loaded them .. Some forced closed right away (Bummer) … other then the low rez icons on the book shelf some worked perfect
November 19th, 2011 at 2:38 am
I am in oz so how do i actually download es file explorer to the fire
November 24th, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Similar situation as above…I migrated my .apk files to Kindle. Then attempted to install them. All failed with message: “Application Not Installed”. Noteably this occured with TripIt, one of the apps mentioned in the article’s opening paragraph… Did I just have bad luck with the three apps I tried? Or is there a bigger obstacle?
November 25th, 2011 at 12:51 am
I think things that have a deeper hook to the OS may have some problems. We were able to install alternative browsers, benchmark tests, and a few other things we tried.
November 29th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
I’m with Julian, I tried to install TripIt but got the “Application Not Installed”. I was excited to see TripIt referenced in the article title, because I use it weekly and bought my Fire specifically for travel.
I guess we have to wait for the application developers to catch up with the Fire’s popularity.
December 16th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
Is it possible to just download the .apk file from Marketplace? It’s the only legitimate place that has Blackboard Mobile Learn. Amazon doesn’t have it.
December 16th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
Nope. However, handango lets you download apks directly if they have your app.
December 26th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
hi im an international user of kindel and unfortunately amazon will not let me download free apps games or other utilities due to the fact that i do not have a US credit card. any suggestions on how to side load?
January 2nd, 2012 at 11:13 am
I was able to download the apk file but when trying to install I get the message Parse error. There is a problem parsing the package.
what does this mean and how to I install the apps.
March 23rd, 2013 at 6:49 am
Anybody managed yet to successfully install tweetdeck on kindle fire ? I have the .apk on board but it stops install 1/3 way thru and I get “application not installed” error message