Here is a simpler method to install FireStarter on Fire TV without ADB, adbFire, or an external computer. This might help people who are having problems sideloading FireStarter on Fire TV with adbFire app. FireStarter (aka FireStopper) is an alternate launcher and Fire TV homescreen replacement that simplifies launching sideloaded apps. I have written guides on how to download ADB fire and configure it for Amazon Fire TV and sideload FireStarter on Fire TV and Stick. My original guide to sideload FireStarter on AFTV worked for most people but some readers were having trouble (ADB Fire Install Failed error). But after reading my guide on installing Kodi without adbFire or computer, some readers wanted a similar guide to sideload FireStarter without computer. So here it goes. [Read:Beginner Blueprint: Complete Amazon Fire TV Kodi Guide]
Update (April 8, 2016): On Fire OS 5.0.5.1 this guide still works. Follow it in its entirety but install FireStopper instead of FireStarter. All instances of the word "FireStarter" would mean "FireStopper" in this case. Update (April 5, 2016): If you already updated to Fire OS v5.0.5.1 then FireStarter will not work on your Fire TV, since Amazon blacklisted FireStarter. However, this version of Fire OS will add sideloaded app icons to "Recent Menu" on homescreen, making launching apps like Kodi easier.
Install FireStarter on Fire TV Without adb Fire (FireStopper for Fire OS 5.0.5.1)
If the original method failed, try this method to install FireStarter without adbFire or an external computer. So it does not matter whether you have Windows, Linux, or Mac system because you won't need it. All you need is a Fire TV or Stick with active internet connection. Using this method, you can not only install FireStarter/FireStopper without adbFire or computer but any compatible APK file. This method should also work on any Fire TV device: 2014 and 2015 versions of Fire TV and Stick. [Read:Amazon Fire TV 2014 vs Fire TV 2015: Why Gen 1 is better]
1. Enable Install from Unknown Sources on AFTV
Before you install FireStarter or FireStopper on Fire TV without ADB fire, you will have to enable installing apps from unknown sources on your Fire TV. To do this, from homescreen go to Settings -> System -> Developer Options and turn on "Unknown Sources" as shown in the picture below.
Enable Install From Unknown Sources On Aftv
"ADB Debugging" should also be "ON" for Fire Starter to function properly.
2. Install ES File Explorer on Fire TV or Stick
To install FireStarter without adbFire, you will have to install an app call ES File Explorer on your Fire TV or Stick. ES File Explorer is in our list of 10 best Apps for Fire TV. There are couple of ways of installing ES File Explorer on AFTV. You can login to your Amazon account, open ES File Explorer on Amazon App Store, and deliver it to your Fire TV device as shown in the picture below.
Install Es File Explorer On Amazon Fire Tv
There is an easier way to install ES File Explorer, without an external computer or a device. Use the voice search feature on the Fire TV remote and search for ES File Explorer. The results should appear as shown below.
Now you are ready to install FireStarter on Fire TV without ADB. Next step is to add FireStarter / FireStopper download source to ES File Explorer. Open ES File Explorer and click through the first-time tutorial. Click on "Favorite" and then "+ Add" as shown below. For "Path" provide https://www.smarthomebeginner.com/aftv and for "Name" provide anything you can recognize (eg. htpcBeginner AFTV Links). Finally, click "Add".
Add Firestarter Download Location On Fire Tv &Amp; Stick
On Fire OS 5.0.5.1, download FireStopper instead of FireStarter.
The newly added favorite location should appear on your left menu as shown below. Click on it and our Links to AFTV Apps should on the right side (scroll down to find the download links in a table). Having a good wireless Keyboard and Mouse combo can make this step easy. If not use the remote direction keys and navigate to and click. First, try downloading the APK file from any of the available mirrors. If the download does not work or does not start for a long time, click on "htpcBeginner AFTV Links" link on the left menu again, and try downloading the ZIP file from any of the available mirrors.
Download Firestarter On Fire Tv Stick
This will download FireStarter / FireStopper on Fire TV (you may have to wait a few seconds for download progress window to pop up).
Open Firestarter Apk Or Zip File On Aftv
Once FireStopper or FireStarter APK download is complete click "Open File" in the window that pops up (as shown in the picture above) to install FireStarter without adbFire app. If you downloaded the ZIP file, then open it with "ES Zip Viewer" when asked and then navigate and click APK file. [Read:Block Amazon Fire TV auto update (unrooted)]
4. Install FireStarter without Computer or adbFire
In the next window after opening the downloaded FireStarter APK or ZIP (click to open zip file to find APK), click on "Install". The Android App Installer should open up, as shown below, providing the privacy and device access details of the FireStarter App and prompting you to confirm FireStarter installation. Click "Install" once more to continue with FireStarter installation on Fire TV.
Finally, open FireStarter to ensure it works works. If you did not click "Open" at the end of Step 4, you can launch Fire Starter from Settings -> Applications -> Manage Installed Applications.
Launch Firestarter On Fire Tv
Installing FireStarter / FireStopper alternate launcher makes launching sideloaded apps and system apps easier. Now that you have installed FireStarter on Fire TV without ADB or an external PC check out our AFTV Kodi Beginners Guide for ideas on what to do next. If the original method did not work for you, I hope that this method worked to install FireStarter on Fire TV without ADB or computer. In fact, you can use the same method to install any APK file on your Fire TV with just your Fire TV and no ADB, USB, or Computer.
Anand is a self-learned computer enthusiast, hopeless tinkerer (if it ain't broke, fix it), a part-time blogger, and a Scientist during the day. He has been blogging since 2010 on Linux, Ubuntu, Home/Media/File Servers, Smart Home Automation, and related HOW-TOs.
