How to jailbreak a Firestick and stream safely in November 2022

Amazon Firestick is a blessing for everyone who loves streaming. This little streaming device can transform your TV into a Smart TV, allowing you to watch your favorite movies and shows in high quality.

However, to enjoy the ultimate streaming experience of your desired content, you need to Firestick hacks.

If this is what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

Read along to learn how to jailbreak a Firestick without compromising your online privacy.

How to jailbreak Firestick – Quick guide

Are you short on time to read the full guide? Don’t worry. Here’s a quick summary of the steps you should take to jailbreak your Firestick, Fire TV, or any other Fire device.

And this is it. You have not only jailbroken your Firestick but have also sideloaded your favorite app in the easiest way.

Curious to know how these methods work? Or do you wish to know alternative methods for jailbreaking Firestick? Then keep reading this guide to learn it all.

What does jailbreaking Amazon Firestick mean?

For those afraid of the word “jailbreak,” let’s first discuss what a Firestick jailbreak means.

Does this involve any sort of hardware tampering?

Do you have to break into your Firestick literally?

Not at all!

Jailbreaking is actually the process of configuring the software to take complete control of the device. This allows you to install third-party apps to your device and remove the “built-in” ones.

While it’s an easy solution to take complete control of your device, it’s quite a tedious process. Besides, a slight mistake during jailbreaking can even brick your device.

Of course, you can’t take such a risk with your Amazon Firestick unless you have the technical knowledge required for such processes. Still, doing such tampering will void the warranty of your device and may even cause legal issues.

However, you actually don’t need to do anything complicated here.

In this guide for binge-streamers, the term “jailbreak Firestick” actually refers to the sideloading of apps to let you stream your desired content. This, in turn, allows you to use the apps not offered by the Amazon App Store.

So, to jailbreak Fire TV Stick, you don’t have to gatecrash your device literally. Rather you have to follow a few easy methods explained below on how to jailbreak Firestick most simply without risking your security.

How to jailbreak a fire stick – step-by-step guide

As explained above, jailbreaking an Amazon Firestick actually means setting up your app in a way that allows downloading apps from resources other than the Amazon app store – something that you can’t do by default.

So, here is how to set up your device to sideload jailbreak Firestick apps without further ado.

• Connect the Firestick with your TV and wait until the Home screen appears.
• Once the screen loads, find the “Settings” menu at the top and select it. You can also press and hold the home button on your remote for 3 seconds to open the Settings menu.
• Keep scrolling through the subsequent menu to find “My Fire TV” option. Select this option.
• Scroll down the list appearing on your screen to find and select the “Developer options” setting.
• From the new menu, select the “Apps from Unknown Sources” and toggle it on.
• You will see a warning prompt highlighting the risks to your data privacy and unexpected device behavior. But these things largely depend on how you use the device, and the sources from which you download the apps. So, you can safely click on the “Turn On” button.

You have now completed the steps to take control of your Firestick. But, there’s a catch.

Amazon ships its devices with different features turned on by default through which it collects users’ data. It primarily does that to know how the users use the devices to bring further improvements. But of course, it would also detect through the same channels that you have meddled with your Fire device. So, you need to disable such options to truly jailbreak your Firestick or Fire TV without compromising your privacy.

For this, you need to apply these additional steps.

• Go back to the “Settings” menu and choose the “Preferences” setting.
• Select the “Privacy Settings” option.
• Hover over the “Collect App Usage Data” option. You will likely find it turned on. Click on it to turn it off.
• A confirmation prompt will appear explaining how Amazon collects and use your data. Find the “Turn Off” button below the message and click on it.
• After that, scroll above to find the “Device Usage Data” option and click on it.
• Click the “Turn Off” button on the prompt that appears.
• Come out the Privacy Settings to reach the main “Preferences” menu.
• Find the “Data Monitoring” option and select it.
• You will now see another “Data Monitoring” option. Tap on it to turn it off.

And this is it.

You now have jailbroken your Firestick and are ready to download any apps not available in the Amazon App Store without fearing spying on your streaming habits.

Sideloading apps on a jailbroken Firestick or Fire TV

The above-given steps are just the first part of making the best out of your jailbroken Fire device.

The second part involves sideloading apps that actually give you the liberty to run the apps of your choice on your device.

So, once you have applied the steps described above, you are now ready to proceed to the next part.

Here, you will directly download the apps on your Firestick (without using any other device). For this, you need to download the resources that facilitate download the app APKs.

Though, it might be a little confusing for naïve users. However, if you follow these steps properly, you won’t face many problems.

Using “Downloader” app

The “Downloader” app is an excellent resource to sideload apps after jailbreaking Fire TV Stick. Fortunately, you can easily find this app on the Amazon app store, so you don’t have to search for it anywhere else.

Follow these steps to get Downloader on your Fire device.

• From your home screen, select the “Apps” menu from the top.
• From the subsequent menu, click on the “Categories” option.
• Choose “Utility” from all the viewable categories.
• Find the “Downloader” app (an orange-colored icon with a drop-down arrow sign) and select it.
• Verify the legit app by checking out the developer. It should be “AFTVnews.com”. Download this app.
• Once the process completes, click on the “Open” option to launch the app.

You now have downloaded the main resource on your Firestick. Next, you can proceed to use this Downloader app to get your desired applications on your Firestick. Here’s what to follow.

• Select “Allow” when the app asks for permissions to access your Firestick device media and other folders.
• Press “OK” on the “Quick Start Guide” prompt to proceed.
• Type the exact URL of the app APK you wish to download. You can easily find the URLs for Android APKs after a quick Google search.
• Click the “Go” button. The Downloader app will start fetching your desired application.
• Once the app downloads, proceed to install it on your Firestick.
• After the installation completes, click on the “Done” button when prompted.
• On the Status prompt appearing on your screen, telling you about the successful file download, click on the “Delete” button to remove the APK from your device. This will free up space on your Firestick.
• Click on “Delete” again on the confirmation prompt.

And this is it. You have also sideloaded your favorite app on your Fire device besides jailbreaking it without hassle. Find the newly downloaded app under the “Your Apps & Games” list.

By following the same steps, you can get any of your favorite apps on your Firestick to personalize your streaming experience.

Also, you can download and install VPN on your Firestick using the Downloader app. (Read along to learn why you need a VPN when using jailbroken Fire device.)

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Using “ES File Explorer”

ES File Explorer is another resource that can help you download your favorite apps on your Firestick after jailbreaking.

However, this one isn’t as reliable as the Downloader app. Plus, it may involve some payments (at times). So, practice caution when using this method.

Here’s how to hack your Firestick and sideload apps with ES Explorer.

• Search and download the ES File Explorer app on your Firestick.
• Open the app, visit “Tools,” then select “Download Manager.”
• Select “new” and enter the APK link of your desired app in the “path” field. You can easily get these APK links via a quick Google search.
• Type the app name and then proceed to download.

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Alternative methods to sideload apps after jailbreaking Firestick

If you’re hesitant in directly downloading apps on your Firestick, or you face trouble getting the proper resource, don’t worry.

Here are two more workarounds to hack the Firestick by using some other devices.

1. Sideload jailbreak Firestick apps with Android device

The biggest plus with Amazon Firestick is that it works seamlessly well with Android devices. So, you can also sideload apps on it via your Android phone or tablet using some simple apps like Apps2Fire.

For this, you first have to note down your Firestick’s IP address. Here’s how:

Go to Settings > Device > About > Network. Write down the IP address somewhere.

Now make sure that your Firestick and the Android device are connected to the same network. Then follow these steps.

• Follow the steps mentioned above to reach the “Developer options” on your Firestick.
• Enable “ADB debugging.”
• Now, open the Apps2Fire on your Android device.
• Go to Apps2Fire settings menu and select “set up.”
• In the prompt, type the IP address of your Firestick and save it.
• Go to the menu, choose “upload apps,” and select the apps you wish to install on your Firestick. The app will download automatically.

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2. Jailbreaking Firestick with Computer

An alternative to Android for sideloading apps on Firestick is your computer. In this way, you can jailbreak your Firestick free by using the adbLink program.

• Note down your Firestick’s IP address in the way we explained above.
• Now, download the APK files of the apps you wish to run on your Firestick, on your computer. Ideally, you can download legit APKs from the corresponding developers’ websites.
• On your computer, open the “adbLink” tool, click “new,” and proceed to add Firestick to the program by typing its IP address.
• Now proceed to “install APK” on the adbLink after choosing the desired app to install on Firestick. The app will automatically install on your Firestick.

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Best Jailbroken Amazon Firestick streaming apps

When you have reached this guide to learn how to jailbreak Firestick, you would likely have something in mind already.

However, if you’re just starting with your Firestick, and have simply jailbroken your device to make the very best of it right from the beginning, then you might wonder what apps you should sideload on your Fire device first.

So, here is a quick list of some of the best apps you can set up on your Firestick.

Cinema HD

Cinema HD is the best app for movie lovers to enjoy free streaming of your favorite movies on your Firestick anywhere.

In fact, you can also find different old and new TV shows on this app.

The only problem with Cinema HD is that you have to bear with ads – which is obvious given that it’s free.

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Mobdro

Mobdro is an entertainment-rich resource featuring lots of content for different users. From movies and shows to sports and kids’ stuff, you can find almost everything you want to watch on this single platform without geo-restrictions.

Though, you might have to bear with some ads (here again) to use this free resource.

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TVZion

Another app suitable for your jailbroken Firestick is TVZion. It bears an easy-to-use interface, thus becoming a useful resource for all firestick users.

The platform is rich in high-quality movies and TV shows. It also offers a special auto-play feature through which you can continue streaming the subsequent episodes of your favorite series without breaks.

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Live NetTV

If you’re a fan of live TV, then this is the right app you need.

Live NetTV brings the live TV stuff to your Firestick without geo-restrictions. That means you can watch your favorite TV channels here – thanks to its list of 1000+ channels – anywhere in the world.

Although it doesn’t include any movies, you can still watch your favorite movies on the live jailbroken Fire Stick channels here. And you don’t have to pay anything to use the free platform. However, be ready to bear with advertisements.

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TeaTV

As the name suggests, TeaTV is a rich platform for TV lovers. You can easily watch your favorite movies and shows here – all for free.

The major attraction of TeaTV is that it lets you download subtitles for content in different languages.

TeaTV bears a user-friendly interface and supports remote. So, you don’t have to face problems when using this app.

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History of jailbreaking Firestick

Amazon’s Firestick arrived as a useful resource for all regular TV users to enjoy streaming. The device runs on the Android operating system and includes Amazon’s App Store to access the streaming apps.

Since it provides access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, and YouTube, people didn’t worry much about meddling with it.

However, Amazon has somewhat harsh policies regarding low-cost or free streaming apps. So, the vendors ultimately removed the very popular Kodi from their app store in 2017.

This move triggered a wave of fury among the users, ultimately guiding them to firestick jailbreak.

Although people could find Kodi later on Firestick, it started exhibiting issues. Hence, jailbreaking Firestick proved as the only viable option to enjoy an affordable streaming experience on it.

Also, this move permitted the users to install many other streaming apps as well on the device. Since the Fire Stick operating system is based on Android, almost every Android streaming app can easily run on Firestick.

Is it legal to jailbreak Firestick?

Of course, it is!

Jailbreaking an Amazon Firestick isn’t a problem, regardless of whether you jailbreak it to the fullest or simply sideload apps.

However, what matters is the type of content you stream.

Like always, accessing anything illegally or in a way that violates the term of use of a service is, undoubtedly, illegal.

So, in the case of Firestick, if you jailbreak it to watch copyrighted or geo-restricted content, you may get in trouble.

However, if that is all you need to do, make sure you use a robust VPN.

It’s because a VPN provides you complete anonymity online. So, even if you inadvertently or accidentally perform any activity that violates copyright or terms of service, the VPN won’t let you be tracked to suffer any legal consequences.

Is it safe to use jailbroken FireStick?

You might expect a straight ‘yes’ from us, but this isn’t our answer!

Why? Let us explain.

This guide on how to jailbreak a Firestick doesn’t actually deal with true jailbreaking.

In fact, if you ask our opinion, we, at PrivacySavvy, do not support the actual jailbreak.

It’s because the process involves tampering with the software or sometimes the device’s hardware. Doing so makes your device vulnerable to cyber attacks. So you will not only suffer more attacks due to unpatched bugs. Rather, you will also suffer more trouble since a jailbroken device gives the attacker complete control of the system.

Moreover, jailbreaking also void the manufacturer’s warranty of your device. So, you cannot seek support from the vendors for your jailbroken device in case of a mishap.

Hence, be it your smartphone, Fire Stick, or any other device, we won’t advise meddling with its core OS.

So, should you buy a jailbroken/preloaded Fire Stick?

NO!

Why?

It’s because loaded Fire Sticks also come with tampered software and/or hardware. Therefore, you can not only expose yourself to malware and other threats but may also face legal issues.

Now, you might ask, what’s this guide all about then?

Well, since PrivacySavvy always advocates for freedom of the internet with thorough online privacy, we have presented a safe workaround here.

By following our guide, you don’t have to meddle with the software or hardware. So, you don’t have to worry about cybersecurity, warranty, or legal issues. Still, you can easily sideload the key jailbreak Firestick apps that will rejuvenate your streaming experience.

Why you should always use VPN to stream with Fire Stick

Whether you plan to jailbreak an Amazon Firestick or not, using a VPN is a must if you wish to stream safely on your favorite streaming video player.

Like always, a VPN is your armor against cyber threats arising from streaming devices.

Mainly, if you use free or low-cost streaming apps like Kodi on your Firestick, you are prone to malware attacks and tracking.

Likewise, you risk yourself to various other problems if you jailbreak an Amazon Firestick. A VPN, however, saves you from all the mess.

Below we explicitly list a few key reasons why you should always stream on Firestick with a VPN.

• Protecting your privacy: As VPNs encrypt your data, having one on your Firestick protects your streaming information from criminal hackers.
• Preventing ISP throttling: With a VPN, you can bypass bandwidth limitations, network congestion, and ISP throttling. This lets you stream without lagging.
• Prevent tracking: Don’t worry about hiding your streaming habits from your government, ISPs, or other authorities. Since a VPN protects your online data, it saves you from any tracking entities.
• Bypass content restrictions: With your regular internet connection, you can only stream the content from the library available in your region. However, if you use a VPN on your Firestick, you can unblock content from other regions as well. It means you can watch your desired movies or shows from any region on Netflix, Hulu, and other apps.
• Protection against legal issues: Whether you apply Firestick hacks or stream blocked content normally, a VPN hides all your activities. Thus, you don’t have to worry about facing any legal consequences. Also, you’ll remain safe even if you access copyrighted material. (Though, we don’t advise you for such illegal moves.)
• Smooth streaming even when abroad: If you plan to travel to another region, don’t worry about losing access to your favorite shows abroad. With a VPN, you can continue watching your favorite media regardless of your existing location.

How to choose the best Firestick VPN

Now that you know you need a VPN before figuring out how to jailbreak Amazon Fire Stick, you might wonder how to choose one.

VPNs, since they apply encryption to your data, tend to slow down your connection speed. So, if you pick up any ABC VPN randomly, you’ll likely ruin your streaming experience.

But we’ve got you covered. Keep the following things in your view to choose the best VPN for Firestick.

Dedicated Android/Firestick VPN apps

VPNs offering dedicated apps for Firestick are perfect for you. However, if you can’t find such an app, look for the best VPNs offering Android apps. They may also run on your Firestick.

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A huge number of servers

You wish to learn how to jailbreak Firestick because you want to stream to media worldwide. Isn’t it?

That’s why you need a VPN with a larger server network across the globe. The greater the number of servers you get, the higher are the opportunities for you to unblock and watch your desired content from any platform.

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Fast connection speed

The best VPNs ensure no compromise on performance despite providing robust security. So, your ideal VPN should offer fast connection speeds to support streaming without lags.

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More simultaneous connections

If you plan to subscribe to a VPN, it’ll be pretty stupid to keep using it on your Firestick only despite paying money.

Therefore, ideally, you should choose a VPN that supports multiple device connections on a single account. This will let you protect your online privacy across all your devices, including Firestick. Also, with a VPN, you can stream your favorite media securely on other devices as well.

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Bypass VPN block

Since streaming services know that users would use proxies and VPNs to access geo-restricted content, they often implement various measures to detect and block such tools.

Likewise, VPNs are illegal in some countries as well, even for legit purposes.

In such cases, many VPN service providers suffer bans. However, some robust services still manage to bypass VPN blocks and facilitate users. Make sure your chosen VPN provider falls in this category.

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Low-cost

While using a free VPN for Firestick streaming sounds good, you should ideally use a paid VPN. It’s because most reputable paid VPNs apply robust security measures to protect your privacy and data integrity. At the same time, the free ones may not offer as good services and may also monetize your data.

However, while choosing a paid VPN, go for the one that offers affordable subscription plans.

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Top 3 VPNs for Fire Stick jailbreak

Can you advise me on a good VPN for Firestick streaming? I hear you ask.

Well, we know it’s difficult to choose the right VPN, especially for first-time users. Hence, we have performed extensive research to create a detailed guide on the best VPNs (both free and paid) for Firestick. So, you can go through this guide and pick the right VPN service that meets your requirements.

But, if you’re running short on time, below we quickly list the three best VPNs to stream Firestick safely.

1. ExpressVPN

Whether it’s about protecting your privacy or evading content restrictions, ExpressVPN serves it all.

ExpressVPN tops the list because it comes with amazing security features to protect user privacy.

With military-grade encryption, private DNS, and TrustedServer technology, ExpressVPN not only protects your data from intruders but also warrants your privacy.

The service provider has a strict no-logs policy. It means you don’t have to fear your data to leak in some security breach. Feel free to stream your desired content with superior data privacy.

Regarding performance, ExpressVPN is great to use for streaming. Thanks to its massive network of 3000+ servers across 160 locations in 94 countries globally. Since you get multiple servers for the same location, you can continue to stream your favorite media even when a server gets blocked or down.

It means that from Netflix, Hulu, and even localized streaming apps like ViaPlay, ExpressVPN can unblock any media on your Firestick.

You don’t have to pay a fortune for a subscription since the VPN offers affordable pricing plans.

(Interested to learn more about it? This comprehensive ExpressVPN review is all yours.)

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2. Surfshark VPN

Before proceeding to the step-by-step guide on how to jailbreak the Fire Stick from Amazon, our next recommendation for you is Surfshark VPN.

Like ExpressVPN, Surfshark also offers tremendous features with robust military-grade encryption to secure your data. Also, it comes with some unique features like Camouflage Mode, NoBorders, and MultiHop (double VPN), which make it listed among the top VPNs in this article.

Surfshark VPN has managed to build up a huge server network within a short time that currently includes 3200+ servers in 65 different countries. So, once again, you get many options to change your IP location and unblock regional streaming services like Channel 7, Hotstar, or Canal Plus, or to access free streaming services like Crackle.

The biggest plus with Surfshark VPN is its extremely cheap pricing plans that remain light on your pocket. Moreover, the VPN supports unlimited simultaneous connections. So, you get comprehensive security across all your devices without blowing your budget.

(Read more about it in this detailed Surfshark review.)

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3. NordVPN

Besides ExpressVPN and Surfshark, another worthy option for you to use on Firestick is NordVPN.

Like the former, NordVPN also offers super-amazing features to facilitate its users. From secure connections to fast speed, multiple (6) simultaneous connections, and a strict no-logs policy, NordVPN offers everything you expected from a top-rated service.

NordVPN also works great media streaming. It has a huge network across 59 different countries with over 5200+ servers. While its global coverage may look somewhat smaller than ExpressVPN, it does include more servers from all major countries that create wonderful content for streaming.

Therefore, from viewing robust streaming apps like BBC iPlayer to the new players like Vudu, you can evade all geo-restrictions to watch your favorite media. Simply download the app after you jailbreak your Amazon Firestick the way we’ll explain in a while. Then gear up for an unmatched streaming experience.

Also, don’t worry about your budget since NordVPN also comes with affordable subscription plans.

(Explore this VPN in detail via this inclusive NordVPN review.)

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How can I un-Jailbreak my Firestick?

I understand how to hack the Firestick, but can I ever revert it? We hear you ask.

Thankfully, jailbreaking a Firestick or Fire TV isn’t permanent (using the methods explained above). You can always undo this action whenever you feel like not using a jailbroken firestick anymore.

1. Undo all the changes on Firestick

Basically, what you need to do here is reverse all the actions you have performed to jailbreak your device. Here’s a step-by-step guide to it.

• Uninstall all the apps that you have downloaded after jailbreaking your device, and that you don’t want to use anymore.
• Now go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options > Apps from Unknown Sources.
• Click on “Apps from Unknown Sources” to turn it off again.
• Now go to Settings > Preferences > Privacy Settings > Collect App Usage Data. Tap on it to turn it on again.
• Go back one step and select Device Usage Data to enable it again.
• Now follow this path “Settings > Preferences > Data Monitoring. Select this option to enable it again.

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2. Perform a factory reset

If you find the above-given steps tedious to perform and/or don’t want to use any of the sideloaded apps, then a factory reset comes in as a quick strategy. But this will make you re-configure your Fire device if you have previously made any changes other than jailbreaking.

Here’s how to factory reset Firestick or Fire TV.

• Close all apps on your Firestick to get to the home screen.
• Go to Settings > My Fire TV.
• Scroll down to find “Reset to Factory Defaults” and select it.
• On the confirmation prompt, click on the “Reset” button.

Your device will restart, and you will be signed out of your Amazon account. Enter your credentials to reconfigure your Fire device again.

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Conclusion

So, this was all about how to jailbreak Firestick most safely to stream your desired content.

You see, with some simple steps, you can easily download any streaming app on your Firestick to enjoy your favorite media most affordably and securely. All it takes is some minor changes in the settings to get all apps on your Firestick that Amazon App Store doesn’t offer.

However, you should always take care of using a VPN on your Firestick to remain safe from any cybersecurity threats.

Secondly, now that you’ve got the answer to your question ‘how to jailbreak my Firestick,’ make sure to stream responsibly. Do not meddle with anything that may make you face legal trouble. While a VPN protects you from technical issues, your deliberate actions are always your own responsibility. The more careful you remain, the more peaceful your streaming experience will become.

Enjoy your streaming at full, and stay safe, everyone!

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