The Amazon Firestick has become a go-to entertainment device for many American households, sitting well on its way to becoming a top streaming media player. Part of its appeal is how easy it is to utilize; you plug it into an HDMI port on your TV, and voila, you’re presented with an interface that invites you to run through the various Amazon offerings, as well as a few third-party apps. Most people stop here, not realizing there’s a whole new world of entertainment (and some would say, legality) that awaits them if they “jailbreak” the Firestick.
What exactly is Jailbreaking?
The process of jailbreaking consists of removing software restrictions imposed by the manufacturer, granting users access to capabilities and features they normally wouldn’t have. For the Amazon Firestick, this translates into the ability to install third-party applications capable of doing some seriously entertaining (if legally dubious) things. When you jailbreak a Firestick, you’re theoretically just opening it up to the kinds of applications that people normally use when they perform the jailbreak/untethered boot process on an iPhone or Android device.
Benefits of Unlocking Your Fire TV Stick
Unlocking your Firestick provides a major benefit by granting unlimited entry to a wide range of streaming options. By installing apps from sources other than the official Firestick store, you can reach almost any content you want, except for required programs. The main focus of the Firestick is not on using Netflix, Hulu, HBO, or any other paid subscription services. The Firestick offers the thrilling prospect of accessing apps without paying, and not having to watch unwanted content. We don’t have to specify the type of apps, as jailbreaking is now associated with apps that provide access to free or questionable content.
Possible Dangers and Drawbacks
Although jailbreaking your Firestick can offer many advantages, you must also consider the downsides. For one, it makes you responsible for any legal issues related to accessing unauthorized content. If you decide to stream stuff you shouldn’t, you might end up in a legal bind. You should also consider the consequences of downloading apps that allow you to view this type of content. Your Firestick may be at risk of malware infection if you install unsafe software on it. And since jailbreaking involves using certain dubious programs, they could be the vector through which an infection occurs.
Steps to Jailbreak Your Firestick
To guarantee success, follow these steps after deciding to jailbreak your Firestick. Start by connecting the Firestick to the TV and turning it on. Ensure the Firestick is linked to the exact Wi-Fi network you want to use. After that, navigate to the main menu and choose the “Settings” feature, then opt for either “My Fire TV” or “Device”. Click on “Developer Options,” and toggle the option to “On.” This feature enables you to download apps from sources that are not recognized.
Installing Apps from Unknown Sources
To get apps from places other than Google Play, a file manager is required for installation. One of the more popular options is called “Downloader.” Go back to the Home Screen and search for “Downloader” using the search function. Access the page of the app and click on the “Download” button. After installation, launch “Downloader” to access a large text entry field. This is the place where you enter the URL of the app you wish to download (a common choice is “Kodi,” but results may differ). This is the app’s main screen, and it’s where you’ll input the URL of the app you want to install. For our demonstration, we’ll use “Kodi,” but feel free to try other apps. When you’ve got the URL entered, select “Go.” What happens next is “Downloader” does the fetching for you. Once it’s done, an on-screen instruction set will appear, and you just have to follow those to end up with what you wanted—the app itself.
How to Access Your Installed Applications
Once you’ve installed your desired apps, you can access them from the home screen. There’s a library of content for you to explore, and your streaming experience is now greatly enhanced. In terms of actual content, jailbreaking your Firestick can really boost your streaming options—you’re now able to access a ton of stuff that would have been otherwise unavailable to you. And let’s be honest: most of us jailbreak because we want access to all kinds of convenient content without having to pay for a bunch of legal services we know about. On the other hand, we can’t ignore the risks jailbreaking poses, from legal issues to possible security threats. That’s why this guide emphasizes doing everything as safely and soundly as possible.