Firestick Developer Options: How to Enable Install Unknown Apps

Firestick Developer Options: the exact setting you need

Firestick developer options are crucial for allowing apps like Downloader, Unlinked, or a wizard to install other applications on your Fire Stick.

On newer Fire OS, Developer Options may be hidden. I’ll show you how to reveal it quickly and enable Install Unknown Apps for the app you’re using.

This guide focuses specifically on this setting. For a full setup, refer to my complete beginner Firestick jailbreak guide.

Before you enable Firestick Developer Options

I check a couple of things beforehand:

1. Ensure your Fire Stick is plugged into a power outlet, not the USB port on the TV.
2. Verify you have enough free space under Settings > My Fire TV > About.

Low storage and insufficient power can lead to installation errors. For a comprehensive pre-install check, see my Firestick setup checklist.

How to show Developer Options on a Firestick

If you already see Developer Options under My Fire TV or My Device, you can skip to the next section.

If you don’t see it, follow these steps:

1. From the Fire Stick home screen, go to Settings.
   • In newer Fire OS, this may be under the hamburger menu.
   • In other layouts, look for the gear icon.
2. Select My Fire TV or My Device.
3. Select About.
4. Highlight your device name (e.g., Fire TV, Fire TV Stick 4K, or Fire TV Stick 4K Max).
5. Click the device name about eight times.
6. You should see a message like Now you are a developer.
   • If you see No need. You are already a developer, you’re already set.
7. Press Back.
8. You should now see Developer Options.

That's how you unlock the Firestick Developer Options menu.

How to enable Install Unknown Apps

Once Developer Options is visible, you can allow a specific app to install other applications.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select My Fire TV or My Device.
3. Select Developer Options.
4. Select Install Unknown Apps.
5. Highlight the app you want to allow.
6. Turn it to the On position.

For example, after installing Downloader, you would turn Downloader to On here.

If you’re using a wizard or another store app, return to this menu and enable that app as well. Each time you install an app requiring permission, revisit Developer Options > Install Unknown Apps and enable it.

When to turn Downloader on

Downloader must be installed before it appears in the Install Unknown Apps list.

Here’s the short version:

1. Install Downloader from the Amazon store.
2. Return to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options > Install Unknown Apps.
3. Turn Downloader to On.

For the complete Downloader installation and sideloading process, check out my guide: How to Install Downloader & Sideload Apps on a Firestick.

When to turn a store or wizard on

If you install a store app or wizard via Downloader, you may need to enable it as well.

The process is the same:

1. Press Home.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Go to My Fire TV or My Device.
4. Open Developer Options.
5. Open Install Unknown Apps.
6. Turn the newly installed app or wizard to On.

For store-specific steps, refer to my guide on the best Firestick app stores and wizards.

Quick troubleshooting

I do not see Developer Options

Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About, then click the device name about eight times. Press Back, and Developer Options should appear.

I do not see Downloader under Install Unknown Apps

Make sure Downloader is installed first. Then return to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options > Install Unknown Apps and turn Downloader to On.

My install still fails

Review these basics:

• Ensure the Fire Stick is plugged into a power outlet.
• Confirm there is free space available.
• Double-check you selected the correct app under Install Unknown Apps.
• If you installed another app after Downloader, return and enable that new app as well.

Frequently asked questions

What are Firestick Developer Options?+

Developer Options is the settings menu on the Fire Stick that allows you to manage app install permissions. The key option here is Install Unknown Apps.

How many times do I click the Firestick device name?+

Click the device name about eight times under Settings > My Fire TV > About. If done correctly, you’ll see Now you are a developer.

Why does my Firestick say “No need. You are already a developer”?+

This message indicates that Developer Options is already enabled. Press Back, and you should see Developer Options in the My Fire TV or My Device menu.

Where is Install Unknown Apps on Firestick?+

Go to Settings > My Fire TV or My Device > Developer Options > Install Unknown Apps.

Should I turn Install Unknown Apps on for every app?+

Only enable it for the app you’re using to install other applications, such as Downloader, a store app, or a wizard mentioned in the setup process.

Do I need Downloader before enabling Install Unknown Apps?+

You can reveal Developer Options first, but Downloader must be installed before you can turn Downloader to On under Install Unknown Apps.