Last updated on February 8, 2026
Enabling Developer Options on an Amazon Fire TV is the essential first step to unlocking your device’s true potential. While most users will never need to touch this hidden menu, it’s a game-changer for developers and anyone looking to sideload apps not available on the Amazon Appstore, like Kodi and other popular streaming platforms.
A few years back, Amazon tucked this menu away to prevent inexperienced users from accidentally changing critical settings. The good news? Unlocking it is incredibly simple—and very similar to the process on Android phones. In this definitive 2026 guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to activate developer mode on your Fire TV. I’ve personally verified this method works across the entire current lineup, including the latest Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2025 models) and the 3rd Gen Fire TV Cube.
How to Enable Developer Options on Fire TV (2026 Guide)
The process is quick and requires zero technical skills. Just grab your Fire TV remote and follow these steps:
- Navigate to the gear icon to open your device’s Settings menu.
- Inside Settings, find and select My Fire TV.
- In the next menu, click on About.
- Here’s the trick: Highlight the very first option, which is your device’s name (e.g., Fire TV Stick 4K), and press the center select button on your remote 7 times in a row.
- After the seventh press, a small message will pop up at the bottom of the screen: “No need to be a developer, you are now a developer!”
That’s it! When you go back to the previous menu (My Fire TV), you’ll now see a brand new option: Developer Options.
What to Do Next: Install Unknown Apps and Enable ADB
With the menu unlocked, you now have access to two key settings:
- ADB debugging: Short for Android Debug Bridge, this setting allows developers and external tools to connect to your Fire TV over the network to install apps or run diagnostics. It’s essential for certain file management apps. My recommendation is to keep this turned off unless you’re actively using it.
- Install unknown apps: This is the one you’re probably here for. Turning this on allows you to install applications (as .APK files) from outside Amazon’s official app store. This is a mandatory step if, for example, you want to install Kodi on your Amazon Fire TV Stick and access its massive universe of add-ons.
For most users, all you need to do is go into “Developer Options,” select “Install unknown apps,” and turn it ON. You’ll see a standard security warning, which you’ll need to accept.
The Risks: Is Enabling Developer Mode Safe?
Let’s be clear: enabling these options is, by itself, completely safe. The risk lies in what you do next. Allowing your Fire TV to install apps from unknown sources opens the door to software that hasn’t been vetted by Amazon. This introduces two primary risks:
- Malware and Viruses: You could accidentally install a malicious app that steals your data or hurts your device’s performance. Always download APK files from reputable and trusted sources.
- System Instability: A poorly coded or incompatible app can cause your Fire TV to freeze, reboot, or just run sluggishly.
My advice is simple: only enable this setting when you’re about to install a trusted app. For maximum security, consider turning it off again afterward. Furthermore, to protect your privacy and bypass geo-restrictions, I strongly recommend using a reputable VPN.
How to Disable Developer Options on Your Fire TV
If you no longer need these features or want to lock down your device’s security, you can easily reverse the settings. You can’t re-hide the “Developer Options” menu once it’s revealed, but you can disable its functions:
- Go to Settings > My Fire TV.
- Select Developer Options.
- Click on ADB debugging to turn it Off.
- Click on Install unknown apps to turn it Off.
With these settings turned off, your device is back to its original secure state, blocking all external installations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this process the same for all 2026 Fire TV models?
Yes. As of 2026, the “press 7 times” method is standardized across the entire Fire OS ecosystem. It works on everything from the most basic Fire TV Stick to the high-end Fire TV Cube. If you’re unsure which model is right for you, check out my comparison of Fire TV devices.
I pressed the button 7 times and nothing happened. What am I doing wrong?
Make sure you’re pressing the round center select button inside the directional pad on your remote. You also need to be highlighting the very first option inside the “About” menu—the one with the name of your Fire TV model.
Does enabling Developer Options void my warranty?
No. Activating this menu is a built-in feature of the operating system and does not affect your warranty. However, if you sideload a third-party app that damages the device’s software beyond repair (i.e., “bricks” it), that specific damage may not be covered by the warranty.
Is there any way to install apps without enabling these options?
No. Any method for installing external apps, whether it’s through an app like “Downloader” or by sending files from your phone, requires you to first enable “Install unknown apps.” It’s the non-negotiable prerequisite for sideloading.