How to Enable Apps from unknown sources: Firestick 2023

Maximizing your Firestick’s capabilities often entails activating the “Unknown Sources” feature. With this enabled, you can install apps from sources beyond the official Amazon App Store. Follow this easy guide to learn how to turn on “Apps from Unknown Sources” on your Firestick, granting access to a wider variety of apps and elevating your streaming experience. Let’s begin!

This step of opening an unknown source is also important in the process we call “Jailbreak Fire Stick“.

Related: Android unknown sources

Is It Safe To Allow Apps From Unknown Sources?

Allowing apps from unknown sources can pose potential risks to your device’s security.

When you enable this feature, you open the door to installing apps from sources that are not verified or approved by official app stores like Amazon or Google Play.

These apps may contain malware or malicious code that can harm your device, compromise your data, or lead to privacy breaches. To ensure the safety of your device and data, it’s generally recommended to keep the “Unknown Sources” option disabled and stick to downloading apps from trusted and reputable app stores only.

It is generally recommended that you install a VPN when using unidentified third-party sources, and installing a VPN on a Fire Stick is also a good option. Read VPN for IPTV.

Why Enable Apps from Unknown Sources on Firestick?

Before we get into the tutorial proper, let’s understand the significance of unknown sources on a fire stick. By default, Amazon disables the installation of apps from the Internet on the Firestick to ensure the security and integrity of the device.

But, enabling the “Unknown Sources” setting on your Firestick has its merits, including accessing third-party apps and expanding your streaming options. With this feature enabled, you can explore a broader selection of apps that may not be found in the official Amazon app store, enhancing the customization and flexibility of your Firestick experience.

However, installing unknown-source apps can also pose a security risk, so always proceed with caution. It is recommended to download apps only from trusted sources to ensure the safety of your device and personal data.

How to allow unknown sources on Firestick?

Enabling this setting on a Firestick is often perceived as a difficult task, but in reality, it is quite straightforward and easy. Use the steps below to allow Unknown Sources on your Amazon Firestick or Fire TV device.

We first suggest installing the Downloader App on your device. If you don’t see the Downloader app on this screen that means you need to install it from the Amazon App Store.

1. From the home screen of your Firestick or Fire TV, hover over the Settings icon.

2.Click My Fire TV.

3.Click Developer options.

4.Click Install unknown apps.

5.Find the Downloader app and click it.

6.This will turn Unknown Sources to On for the Downloader app. You will now be able to sideload apps on your device!

Note: Please see the notes below if you don’t see Developer Options on your screen.

How to Enable Unknown Sources – Video

You can watch a tutorial video on Youtube to learn how to find and turn on the Unknown Sources option on the Fire Stick.

How to turn off unknown sources on Firestick?

Disabling unknown sources on Firestick is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can turn off this setting:

• Go to the home screen of your Firestick.
• Navigate to the “Settings” option using the remote control.
• Select “My Fire TV” or “Device” (depending on your Firestick model).
• Scroll down and choose “Developer Options.”
• Inside the Developer Options, you will find the “Apps from Unknown Sources” toggle switch.
• Toggle the switch to the “Off” position to disable the unknown sources.

By following these steps, you can easily turn off the unknown source setting on your Firestick and restrict the installation of apps from external sources.

You can observe the process of downloading a third-party application after opening an unknown source in the Fire Stick with these examples:

• How to install Live Net TV on FireStick?
• How to install GTV IPTV APK on Firestick?
• How to Install STBEmu Pro on FireStick – STB Emulator

Why Can’t I Find Developer Options on My FireStick?

As mentioned previously, if you are unable to find developer options within the settings follow the instructions below to allow Unknown Sources.

1. Hover over the Settings icon and click My Fire TV.
2. Click About. You will notice developer options is nowhere to be found.
3. Hover over Fire TV Stick and click the OK button on your remote 7 times to become a developer.
4. After clicking 7 times you will eventually see a message stating “You are already a developer.”
5. Next, click the back button on your remote and you will notice developer options is now showing on My Fire TV.
6. That’s it! After allowing for Unknown Sources on your Firestick, you can now side-load hundreds of 3rd party apps using Downloader.

Check it out: How to find firestick developer options

Does Amazon Fire Stick support third party apps?

FAQ

Wind up

After you’ve learned how to open APPS from unknown sources and download the third-party apps you need, remember to disable “Apps from Unknown Sources” on your Firestick to maintain device security.

Also, if it’s for the Firestick’s IPTV subscription use, you can purchase the IPTV subscription first and then combine it with their apps to install to the Firestick to watch IPTV content.