How to Jailbreak FireStick in Under 5 Minutes (Aug 2025)

This guide will show you how to jailbreak your FireStick and install the apps that are not yet available on the Amazon App Store.

The method works with all models, including FireStick HD, Lite, 4K, 4K Max, Fire TV, and Fire TV Cube.

Quick note: there isn’t a technical thing called “jailbreaking a FireStick.” We’re using the term because it’s what most people search for. In practice, what folks mean is installing apps that aren’t in the Amazon Appstore—basically the same as sideloading on Android.

This isn’t like an iPhone jailbreak. You’re simply changing a couple of settings to allow installations from outside the Amazon App Store.

We’ll use the term “jailbreak” in this guide for familiarity, but please note that we’re referring to sideloading—not actual jailbreaking.

What to Expect from This Guide?

What is Jailbreaking?

Jailbreaking refers to the process of unlocking a Fire TV’s restrictions on third-party app installation, allowing you to install apps that aren’t offered through the Amazon App Store. This gives users access to a broader range of streaming options which is not available otherwise.

However, jailbreaking a FireStick isn’t the same as jailbreaking an iPhone or rooting an Android device.

Jailbreaking a mobile is a complicated and risky process. On the other hand, jailbreaking a FireStick is straightforward and completely risk-free. 

Read: How to Install and Use the Best VPN for FireStick

Feature/Aspect	FireStick	Mobile
Definition	Installing third-party apps not available on the Amazon App Store	Removing manufacturer restrictions for full system control
Process	Simple: Enable unknown sources and sideload APKs using Downloader	Complex: Requires rooting/jailbreaking tools and firmware modifications
Risk Level	None (if using trusted apps)	High (can brick the device or cause instability)
Legal Status	Legal (if not used for piracy)	Legal, but may violate terms of service
Device Warranty	Not voided	Often voided
System Access	No root or deep system access	Full root access to system files and features
Security Risks	Minimal to none	High (can expose system vulnerabilities)
Purpose	To stream without restrictions	To customize OS, install mods, remove bloatware
Reversibility	Easy (fully reversible, just uninstall sideloaded apps)	Difficult (may require flashing stock firmware)
Tools Used	Downloader	Magisk, TWRP, SuperSU (Android); Checkra1n, unc0ver (iOS)
Popular Among	Streamers and cord-cutters	Advanced users, modders, developers

Why Do You Jailbreak FireStick?

• Access More Apps – Install third-party apps that are not yet available on the Amazon App Store.
• Enhance Your Streaming Experience – Customize your FireStick with better media players and streaming tools.
• Take Full Control of Your Device — You can sideload better streaming apps on FireStick, without compromising warranty.

Is It Safe & Legal?

Jailbreaking a FireStick is both safe and legal, as long as you are not streaming any copyrighted content.

As already discussed, it is safe because you are not changing any system-level files (as is the case with jailbreaking and rooting).

It is legal because you own the device, and you are simply modifying the settings that Amazon itself provides. It does not void your device’s warranty. 

However, streaming pirated or copyrighted content is not a legal activity. FireStickTricks.com does not support piracy. We recommend watching public domain movies and shows to avoid any legal trouble.

How to Jailbreak FireStick

Legal Disclaimer: This tutorial is purely educational. FireStickTricks.com doesn’t own, host, operate, resell, or distribute any streaming apps, addons, websites, IPTV or services. The page contains some unverified services, and we are not certain whether they hold legal licenses to distribute the content. FireStickTricks.com does not verify the legality of each app/service in all regions. Do your due diligence if you use any of the unverified apps/services, and stream only content that is available in the public domain. The end-user shall be solely responsible for the media accessed.

The following steps will guide you through the process of sideloading apps on the Amazon Fire TV Stick easily.

Step 1: Install APK Downloader on FireStick

The name of the app is Downloader, and it can be found on the Amazon Appstore. 

1. Go to the home screen of your Amazon Fire TV Stick and select Find in the middle bar, followed by Search.

2. Type and click Downloader in the search suggestions.

3. Click the Downloader app tile.

5. Click Get or Download.

Step 2: Allow Unknown Sources

This is the ONLY setting you will change in the entire jailbreaking process. 

After changing this setting, the Downloader app can install third-party apps. 

1. Select Settings on the FireStick home screen.

2. Click My Fire TV.

3. Click Developer options.

4. Click on Install Unknown Apps.

You will see one of the following two options depending on your FireStick device version:

• Option 1 (new devices) - Install Unknown Apps: Click it and proceed to the next step to enable Downloader.
• Option 2 (old devices) - Apps from Unknown Sources: Click this option and then click Turn On on the following prompt. Skip the next step.

5. Click Downloader and turn it ON.

Step 3: Jailbreak Firestick

One of the most popular apps for jailbroken FireStick is Kodi. This media application offers access to a vast array of content, including movies, TV shows, sports, live TV channels, children’s content, and more.

All you need is the right Kodi Addons and Builds that offer official, legal, and cost-effective streaming solutions.

We will jailbreak the FireStick with Kodi using the Downloader app, which you have downloaded from the Amazon App Store. This method is called sideloading. Here are the steps:

1. Open the Downloader app and click the URL text box as highlighted in the image below.

2. When this window is displayed, enter the Kodi APK URL (kodi.tv/download) and click Go.

3. Wait for the Downloader app to download the Kodi 21.2 Omega APK file.

4. Once the APK file is downloaded, the Downloader app will prompt you to install the Kodi app. Click Install.

5. Wait for the Kodi app to install.

6. Click OPEN to launch the app.

7. If you open Kodi for the first time, it will typically take a minute to upload the files. This is what the Kodi home screen looks.

Congratulations! You have jailbroken your FireStick and sideloaded your first third-party app.

How to Use Jailbroken FireStick

Your ISP may throttle your internet connection, resulting in buffering. For smooth streaming, I recommend using a reliable VPN.

I recommend ExpressVPN. It’s a reputable VPN with strong encryption and fast connections, and it’s straightforward to install on Fire TV/FireStick and other devices.

Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN HERE. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 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 the Search option.

Step 3: Now type “Expressvpn” (without quotes) in the search bar and select ExpressVPN when it appears 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 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.

Even though you have installed Kodi, it is just the start. We must now learn to use Kodi to stream movies, shows, live TV, and more.

What you need to do now is install Kodi add-ons or builds.

Kodi Addons

Kodi is just a media player that doesn’t host any content. To access content on the application, you need special plugins called addons. The Kodi addons source content from the internet and deliver it to the app for streaming.

Kodi addons come in two types: official and unofficial. Verified creators develop official addons and are available through the official Kodi repository, ensuring reliability and compliance with Kodi’s standards.

On the other hand, unofficial addons are created by unverified developers. They are hosted in unofficial repositories, and their content sources are unverified.

Explore our list of the best addons for Kodi. This list only contains official and legal addons. FireStickTricks.com is strictly against piracy and recommends using only official addons. 

There are dozens of Kodi addons, but only a few offer reliable, high-quality streaming. Install these addons to get the most out of your Kodi app.

Kodi Builds

Kodi addons are great, but you may need multiple addons for all your streaming needs. Installing many addons one by one can be cumbersome and time-consuming.

What if you could install a special plugin with pre-installed add-ons and a customized layout that would enhance the appearance of Kodi?

A Kodi Build is a prepackaged plugin with preinstalled addons, a custom skin, and a theme. It also contains customer settings to enhance your Kodi streaming experience. 

When you install a Kodi build, you replace the dull Kodi skin (background) with a new and intuitive interface, making navigation easier and enjoyable. You make your Kodi app personal and more appealing.

However, ensure that the build you install only features official and legal add-ons. If you can’t find such a build, you can always create your own custom setup by first installing a Kodi skin and then adding one or more official addons.

How to Get a New App Store for FireStick

Now that you have unlocked restrictions on your Fire TV Stick, you can start streaming. But you can still do a lot more with it.

Your FireStick has the official Amazon App Store, which offers hundreds of apps. However, the Amazon Store does not include many cool apps to enhance your FireStick experience.

You can install a third-party app store called Aptoide TV on your Fire TV Stick device. Aptoide TV offers a diverse range of incredible apps that you won’t find on the Amazon App Store.

Note: Aptoide TV may feature some third-party and unverified apps that claim to offer free streaming. Stay away from such apps. If they offer free streaming, it is likely to be illegal. Furthermore, such apps are known to contain malware and viruses. Only use Aptoide TV to download utility apps, tools, or legitimate streaming apps. 

I have provided quick steps to install Aptoide on your FireStick or FireStick 4K. For detailed instructions, please refer to our guide on installing and using Aptoide TV on FireStick.

1. Open the Downloader app. Enter the Aptoide APK URL or Downloader code (example below) and click ‘Go’.

2. Choose Open when the app has been installed.

3. This is the home screen of the Aptoide TV on Fire TV Stick. You can start looking up the apps you want to install.

Frequently Asked Questions

This guide shows how to jailbreak FireStick. Jailbreaking is a legal and safe process. Let me know your thoughts in the comments box below.

Legal Disclaimer - FireStickTricks.com does not verify the legality or security of any add-ons, apps or services mentioned on this site. Also, we do not promote, host or link to copyright-protected streams. We highly discourage piracy and strictly advise our readers to avoid it at all costs. Any mention of free streaming on our site is purely meant for copyright-free content that is available in the Public domain. Read our full disclaimer.