In this guide, I’ll show you how to enable Developer Options on FireStick/Fire TV devices. This setting allows ADB debugging and installing apps from unknown sources. The steps apply to all Fire TV devices, including FireStick Lite, FireStick HD, FireStick 4K, FireStick 4K Max, and Fire TV Cube.
One of the features that makes the Amazon FireStick a popular streaming device is its versatility and ability to install third-party apps. By default, the developer restricts apps from unknown sources, and you need to jailbreak the FireStick to install unverified apps.
This is where the Developer Options setting comes in handy. By accessing this setting, you can enable ADB debugging and install apps from unknown sources. Therefore, the Developer Options on a Fire TV device are essential for sideloading third-party apps.
Initially, Fire TV devices’ Developer Options were easily accessible via the Settings>My Fire TV panel. However, as new Fire TV OS versions were released, users noticed that this setting was removed, starting from version 7.2.8.5.
The Developer Options still appear on most Fire TV devices. If you can’t find the setting on your device, you’ll learn how to find it by the end of this post.
Keep reading to discover how to restore Developer Options on FireStick and continue installing your favorite third-party streaming 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will find developer options in the Settings > My Fire TV > About. Highlight "Fire TV Stick" and press the select button 7 times. This unlocks the Developer Options menu. It is under My Fire TV.
Firestick hides Developer Options to prevent accidental changes by regular users that could affect device performance or security. These settings are mainly intended for advanced users or developers. By requiring a manual unlock, Amazon ensures only those who need the features access them. This helps maintain a safer and more stable user experience.
To enable Developer Options on your Firestick, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About. Highlight the device name (e.g., "Fire TV Stick") and press the select button 7 times. A notification will confirm that Developer Options are now enabled. You’ll then see it listed under the My Fire TV menu.
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 😉