Can you install Google Play on Fire TV Stick?

The Amazon Fire TV Stick range is fantastic. Many people prefer them to the Google Chromecast. However, the Amazon App Store is limited in comparison to Google Play Store. So you might wonder if you install Google Play on Fire TV Stick?

 

While you can, it’s not the easiest app to install. Amazon and Google are competitors, so, understandably, Amazon doesn’t want you to use a Google App. To install Google Play, you need to side-load the app.

 

After side-loading the Google Play app, you might find you have limited access to the Google Play Store, and not all Android apps are compatible with the Amazon Fire TV Stick. So you might not be able to use your favourite app with whatever Fire TV Stick you have.

 

With that cleared up, let’s look at how to install Google Play on Fire TV Stick devices and enjoy a wider range of apps and games.

 

 

What apps does the Amazon Fire TV Stick come with?

The Amazon Fire TV Stick comes with thousands of apps pre-installed, including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video (FREE 30-day Trial), Now, Disney+, ITV Hub, All 4, My5 and more. With some services, subscription fees may apply.

 

You can even install and use Alexa skills to improve your life and viewing. Depending on your TV and AV equipment, you might be able to control it using Alexa!

 

You can also access many other features, such as a web browser, music streaming apps, and can download additional apps from the Amazon App Store.

 

 

Can you install Google Play on Fire TV Sticks?

You can install the Google Play on Fire TV Sticks. However, Amazon doesn’t officially support the process, and it could void your device’s warranty.

 

Also, installing the Google Play Store on an Amazon Fire TV Stick may not provide the same experience as using it on an Android device, and not all apps may be compatible with your Amazon Fire TV Stick.

 

To install the Google Play Store on an Amazon Fire TV Stick, you’ll need to use a process called “side-loading,” which involves installing the app manually. We’ll outline the steps you need to follow shortly.

 

Be careful when following these instructions, as side-loading apps can potentially introduce security risks to your device.

 

 

 

 

What apps are available on the Google Play store?

The Google Play Store offers a wide range of apps and games, including productivity tools, entertainment apps, and games of all types.

• Social media apps: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
• Communication apps: WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom
• Music and audio apps: Spotify, SoundCloud
• Productivity apps: Microsoft Office, Google Docs
• News and information apps: CNN, BBC News
• Navigation and travel apps: Google Maps, Waze, Airbnb
• Entertainment apps: Netflix, YouTube
• Games: Thousands of games are available, including puzzle games, action games, sports games, and more.

 

Plus, hundreds of new apps and games are added to the store each week.

 

 

Comparing Google Play Store vs Amazon App Store

There are some key differences between the two stores:

 

Store availability

The Google Play Store is the default app store for most Android devices. It’s available on all devices running the Android operating system. The Amazon App Store is only available on certain devices, including Amazon Fire tablets and the Amazon Fire TV Stick.

 

Selection of apps

The Google Play Store has a larger selection of apps and games, as it is available on a wider range of devices. You’ll find that the Amazon App Store offers some exclusive apps and deals that aren’t available on the Google Play Store.

 

App Pricing

The pricing of apps and games can vary between the two. You’ll find a larger selection of free apps and games on the Google Play Store. However, Amazon App Store often has paid apps and games on sale at discounted prices.

 

Payment methods

Both allow users to purchase apps and games using a credit card or other payment methods. You can also use gift cards or credit.

 

 

 

 

How to side-load apps on your Amazon Fire TV Stick

To side-load apps onto an Amazon Fire TV Stick, you’ll need to follow these steps.

 

#1 Enable app side-loading

On the Fire TV Stick, go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options and turn on the “Apps from Unknown Sources” option. This will allow you to install apps from sources other than the Amazon App Store.

 

#2 Download the app

Find the app you want to install and download it to your computer. The app should be in the form of an Android Package Kit (APK) file.

 

#3 Transfer the app to the Fire TV Stick

Connect the Fire TV Stick to your computer using a USB cable. Transfer the APK file to the Fire TV Stick by dragging it from your computer and dropping it onto the device.

 

#4 Install the app

On the Fire TV Stick, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications and select the app you transferred. Select the “Install” option to begin the installation process.

 

#5 Launch the app

Once the installation is complete, the app should appear in the app list on the Fire TV Stick. Select the app to launch it.

 

Please note

Side-loading apps onto an Amazon Fire TV Stick isn’t officially supported by Amazon and may void the device’s warranty. Also, side-loading apps can potentially introduce security risks to the device, so be careful when installing apps from sources other than the Amazon App Store. 

 

Only install apps from trusted sources and carefully review the permissions that an app is requesting before installing it.

 

 

Should you buy a Google Chromecast in addition to your Fire TV Stick?

You might prefer to buy a Chromecast and use it in addition to your Fire TV Stick. They have enough differences to merit owning both.

 

Plus, buying and setting up another device is far simpler than having to side-load apps or install Google Play on Fire TV Stick, particularly if you’re not techy!

 

A major difference between the Chromecast and Fire TV Stick is how they’re controlled. The Chromecast uses a separate device for control, such as a smartphone or tablet, while the Fire TV Stick has a remote control that allows you to navigate and select content directly on the TV.

 

The Chromecast is more convenient for users who prefer to use their phone or tablet as a remote, while the Fire TV Stick may be a better choice for users who prefer a traditional remote control.

 

Another difference between them is the types of content they support. The Chromecast is more geared towards streaming content from multiple sources, including Netflix, YouTube, web pages and video files from a phone or computer.

 

The Fire TV Stick also supports streaming from these sources but also includes a built-in library of content from Amazon Prime Video and other sources. They also have more robust support for streaming live TV.

 

 

 

 

Does the Google Play store work on Amazon Fire TV Stick?

You can install Google Play on Fire TV Stick devices using side-loading. However, it can be risky, and you might not have access to the same features as the version on other Android devices.

 

Also, not all Android apps may be compatible with the Amazon Fire TV Stick. So it may not be possible to download and use all of the apps that are available on the Google Play Store on other Android devices.

 

It might be better to purchase a Google Chromecast and use both devices for different situations. At least you now know how to install Google Play on Fire TV Stick.