This guide shows you how to regain Developer Options on FireStick/Fire TV devices. You need this setting to allow apps from unknown sources and ADB debugging. The steps discussed here work with all Fire TV devices, including Fire OS TVs, Fire TV Cube, New FireStick 4K Max, New FireStick 4K, FireStick Lite, and FireStick 3rd Gen.
Developer Options is a setting that allows you to perform actions meant for experienced users or developers, enabling access to specialized settings. This setting allows you to enable ADB debugging and install apps from unknown sources, making it essential for sideloading third-party apps onto Fire TV devices.
You need the Developer Options to install apps not available on the Amazon Store. The removal has been reported to affect Fire TV OS versions starting from 7.2.8.5.
Please note that the Developer Options continue to appear on most of my FireStick / Fire TV devices, including the ones updated to version 7.2.8.5. However, they do not appear on a couple of them.
The criteria Amazon uses to decide which devices would be affected is unclear.
To work around these limitations, some users have found ways to restore the Developer Options and continue installing their favorite third-party streaming apps.
Removing this option does not affect the preinstalled apps, but you will need it back to install any new apps.
Attention FireStick Users
Governments and ISPs across the world monitor their users' online activities. If you use third-party streaming apps on your Fire TV Stick, you should always use a good FireStick VPN and hide your identity so your movie-viewing experience doesn’t take a bad turn. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone.
I use ExpressVPN, the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device, including Amazon Fire TV Stick. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don't like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 4 months free and save 61% on the 2-year plan.
Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick
Steps to Get Back Developer Options on Amazon FireStick
Follow these steps to make the Developer Options appear again:
1. Click Settings on your FireStick/Fire TV home screen.
2. Navigate to My Fire TV.
3. Click About (only if you DO NOT see Developer Options on this screen).
4. Click on your Fire TV Stick quickly 7 times.
5. At the bottom, you will see a notification saying, No need; you are already a developer. That’s it; you have enabled Developer Options.
6. Press the back button once or return to Settings > My Fire TV. You will now see Developer Options.
With the Developer Options back, you can enable Apps From Unknown Sources and ADB Debugging.
Highly recommended if streaming with free or low-cost services 👇
How to Stream on FireStick Anonymously
As soon as you install the right apps, your FireStick is all ready to stream your favorite content. However, before you start, I would like to warn you that everything you stream online is visible to your ISP and Government. This means, streaming free movies, TV shows, Sports might get you into legal trouble.
Thankfully, there is a foolproof way to keep all your streaming activities hidden from your ISP and the Government. All you need is a good VPN for Fire Stick. A VPN will mask your original IP which is and will help you bypass Online Surveillance, ISP throttling, and content geo-restrictions.
I personally use and recommend ExpressVPN, which is the fastest and most secure VPN. It is compatible with all kinds of streaming apps and is very easy to install on Fire TV / Stick.
We do not encourage the violation of copyright laws. But, what if you end up streaming content from an illegitimate source unintentionally? It is not always easy to tell the difference between a legit and illegal source.
So, before you start streaming on your Fire Stick / Fire TV, let’s see how to use ExpressVPN to keep your streaming activities hidden from prying eyes.
Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN HERE. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Meaning, you can use it free for the first 30-days and if you are not satisfied with the performance (which is highly unlikely), you can ask for a full refund.
Step 2: Power ON your Fire TV Stick and go to Find followed by Search option.
Step 3: Now type “Expressvpn” (without quotes) in the search bar and select ExpressVPN when it shows up in the search results.
Step 4: Click Download to install the ExpressVPN app on Fire TV / Stick.
Step 5: Open the app and enter the login credentials that you created while buying the ExpressVPN subscription. Click Sign in.
Step 6: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for FireStick.
You can also read more detailed info on using ExpressVPN with Fire TV / Stick.
Wrapping Up
Developer Options were removed on specific devices after the Fire TV OS update 7.2.8.5 rollout. However, you can retrieve the setting by following the quick steps above. Let us know whether you could get the Developer Options back on your Fire TV. Share your experience in the comments section below.
Related:
- Install & Use Zoom on FireStick
- Install Popcorn Time on FireStick
- Install Tubi TV on FireStick and Kodi
- Install Tea Sports Live App on FireStick
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no matter what I do I cannot get the developer option on my tv – pressing the button 7 times does not work. Is there another way
Hi TG, unfortunately, there’s no other way to enable Developer Options if pressing the button 7 times isn’t working. You can try resetting your Firestick to factory settings and then follow the steps mentioned in the guide again. This often resolves any issues.
Thanks mate I just followed your instructions and boom working like a dream 😉