Google Play Store doesn't come on Fire tablets, but you can add it yourself
Amazon Fire tablets run a modified version of Android called Fire OS, which uses Amazon's Appstore instead of Google Play Store. If you want access to Google Play Store — because an app you need isn't in Amazon's store, or you prefer Google's selection — you'll need to install it manually. The process involves enabling installation from unknown sources, then downloading and installing three Google files in the correct order.
This is legal and won't void your warranty, but it does require you to sideload apps, which means downloading files directly rather than through an official store. You'll need a computer or another device to download the files first, then transfer them to your tablet.
Key Takeaways
- You need to download three files (Google Account Manager, Google Services Framework, and Google Play Store) from a trusted source and transfer them to your Fire tablet via USB or cloud storage.
- Before installing, you must turn on "Unknown Sources" in your Fire tablet's security settings to allow installation of apps outside Amazon's store.
- Install the three files in this exact order: Google Account Manager first, then Google Services Framework, then Google Play Store.
- After installation, you'll need to sign in with a Google account to use Google Play Store, which is different from your Amazon account.
- If something goes wrong during installation, you can factory reset your Fire tablet to return it to its original state.
Where to download the Google files you need
You cannot download Google Play Store directly from Google on a Fire tablet — you need to get the files from your computer first. The most reliable source is APKMirror, a well-known repository for Android app files that's been operating since 2014. Go to APKMirror.com on your computer and search for each of these three apps in order: Google Account Manager, Google Services Framework, and Google Play Store.
Download the latest version of each file (they'll be .apk files). For Google Account Manager and Google Services Framework, there's usually only one version available. For Google Play Store, download the version that matches your tablet's Android version — if you're unsure, download the most recent one. Save all three files to a folder on your computer that you can easily find.
Other sources like APKPure exist, but APKMirror is the most widely used and has the longest track record. Avoid downloading from random websites or links shared in forums — stick to established APK repositories.
Enable installation from unknown sources on your Fire tablet
Before you can install any of these files, your Fire tablet needs permission to install apps from outside Amazon's store. On your Fire tablet, open Settings (swipe down from the top, then tap the gear icon). Scroll down and tap "Apps & Notifications" or "Applications" depending on your Fire OS version.
Look for "Unknown Sources" or "Apps from Unknown Sources" and toggle it on. Your tablet will show a warning that installing apps from unknown sources can be risky — this is normal. You're about to install Google's own files, which are safe, but the warning appears for any app outside Amazon's store.
Once Unknown Sources is enabled, leave this setting on while you install all three files. You can turn it back off afterward if you prefer, though many people leave it on for convenience.
Transfer the files to your Fire tablet
You have two ways to get the files from your computer to your tablet: USB cable or cloud storage. The USB method is faster if you have a cable; the cloud method works if you don't.
Via USB cable: Connect your Fire tablet to your computer with a USB cable. On your tablet, swipe down from the top and tap "USB Options," then select "File Transfer" or "MTP." Your tablet will appear as a drive on your computer. Open it and navigate to the Downloads folder (or create one if it doesn't exist). Drag and drop all three .apk files into this folder, then safely eject the tablet.
Via cloud storage: Upload all three files to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive from your computer. On your Fire tablet, open the cloud storage app (you may need to download it from Amazon Appstore first), find the three files, and download them to your tablet's Downloads folder.
Install the three files in the correct order
Order matters here. Install them in this sequence: Google Account Manager, then Google Services Framework, then Google Play Store. If you install them out of order, the installation may fail or Google Play Store won't work properly afterward.
On your Fire tablet, open the file manager (usually called "Files" or "My Files"). Navigate to Downloads and tap the first file: Google Account Manager. A dialog will appear asking if you want to install it. Tap "Install." Wait for it to finish — you'll see a confirmation message. Do not open the app yet.
Go back to the Downloads folder and repeat this process with Google Services Framework. Again, wait for the installation to complete before moving on. Then install Google Play Store the same way. This time, after installation completes, you can tap "Open" to launch it.
Sign in with your Google account
When Google Play Store opens for the first time, it will ask you to sign in with a Google account. This is separate from your Amazon account — you need a Gmail address or a Google account to proceed. If you don't have one, you can create one for free at accounts.google.com.
Enter your Google email and password. Google may ask you to verify your identity or accept additional terms. Once you're signed in, you'll have full access to Google Play Store and can search for and download apps just like on any Android phone.
Your Amazon account and Google account can coexist on the same tablet without conflict. Apps from Amazon Appstore and Google Play Store will both appear in your tablet's app drawer.
What to do if installation fails or Google Play Store won't open
If one of the installations fails partway through, the most reliable fix is to uninstall that app and try again. Go to Settings, tap "Apps & Notifications," find the app that failed, and tap "Uninstall." Then download the file again from APKMirror and repeat the installation.
If Google Play Store installs but won't open, or crashes when you try to sign in, the files may not have installed in the correct order. Uninstall all three apps (Google Account Manager, Google Services Framework, and Google Play Store) and start over, being careful to install them in the right sequence.
If you want to remove Google Play Store completely and return your tablet to its original state, you can factory reset it. Go to Settings, tap "Device Options," then "Reset to Factory Defaults." This will erase everything on your tablet, so back up any files or photos first. After the reset, your tablet will be exactly as it came from Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will installing Google Play Store void my Fire tablet warranty?
No. Amazon does not void your warranty for sideloading apps or installing Google Play Store. However, if your tablet develops a hardware problem that's unrelated to the software changes you made, warranty service should still apply. If a problem is directly caused by the installation process, Amazon may not cover it.
Can I use both Amazon Appstore and Google Play Store at the same time?
Yes. Both stores will work on your tablet simultaneously. Apps from each store will appear in your app drawer. You can download from whichever store has the app you need. Some apps may be available in both stores, and you can choose which version to install.
What if an app I want isn't available in Google Play Store on my Fire tablet?
Some apps are restricted to phones and don't work on tablets, even if you install Google Play Store. If an app won't show up in Google Play Store on your tablet but you know it exists, it's likely restricted to phones only. You can try searching for an alternative app that serves the same purpose.
Do I need a Google account to use Google Play Store?
Yes. Google Play Store requires you to sign in with a Google account (Gmail address or a Google account you create). This is separate from your Amazon account. If you don't have a Google account, you can create one free at accounts.google.com.
Can I uninstall Google Play Store if I change my mind?
Yes. Go to Settings, tap "Apps & Notifications," find Google Play Store, and tap "Uninstall." You can also uninstall Google Account Manager and Google Services Framework the same way. Your tablet will return to using only Amazon Appstore, and you can turn off Unknown Sources in security settings if you want.