How to Sideload Apps onto Your Kindle Fire Safely
Did you do a Google search before asking your question on Quora? If you had, you would have found a couple of pages of articles that answer this specific question—here is one:
What is Sideload and Why is it Necessary?
The built-in App store on the Kindle Fire offers a decent selection, but it doesn’t have everything. For example, you can't download apps like Tweetdeck or TripIt or alternate browsers such as Opera Mini or Firefox. While Google’s Android Market is off-limits to Kindle Fire owners, you can sideload apps that are not available on Amazon’s store by transferring them via USB.
How to Sideload Apps on the Kindle Fire
Here’s a step-by-step guide to sideloading apps onto your Kindle Fire.
Download and Install ES File Explorer: This file manager app will help you navigate and sideload apps.
Enable Installation of Applications From Unknown Sources: Go to Settings > Device and turn on this option.
Connect the Kindle Fire to Your PC: An AutoPlay alert will appear on your PC. Select “Open folder to view files.”
Transfer APK Files to the Fire: Copy the APK files for the apps you wish to install onto the Fire’s internal memory.
Install from ES File Explorer: Launch ES File Explorer on the Fire. Tap the icons for the files you wish to install and then tap the Install button to confirm.
Manage Installed Apps: Any apps you sideload will now appear as part of the home screen menu. You can remove them the same way you remove any third-party apps through the Settings > Applications menu.
Where to Find APK Files to Install
In order to sideload any app, you’ll need to get a copy of its APK file and save it to your PC for transfer to the Kindle Fire. You can download APKs directly from Mobile Content Delivery for the Real World, a store that has a strong selection and makes its wares available via any web browser.
A Word of Warning About Apps
You’re much better off—safer—if you only download apps from well-known sources such as Google Play or the Kindle Apps Store. You don’t want malware ruining your experience with your Fire. For more information, see the recent Wired article:
Never Ever Ever Download Android Apps Outside of Google Play
Always prioritize security over convenience, especially when dealing with your devices. Happy sideloading!