Android Market is not available officially on the newly released Kindle Fire. Since Amazon released the source code for the Fire, however, the device had been rooted making it possible to add it anyway. Follow our step-by-step instructions and you’ll be well on your way to browsing the Market then installing apps and games right on your device!
Before we begin we would like to say the process is complex and not for the casual computer user. Rooting the device, moving and installing files, and installing a third party alternate launcher will be necessary. Read the entire instructions before you begin to determine if you can complete the entire process.
If you are ready to proceed then we can start. Make sure to root your Kindle Fire; we posted a friendly guide that guides you through the process. Once your device is rooted, come back to this page. It’s okay. We’ll wait.
Rooted? Great! Now download the following four files:
- GoogleServicesFramework.apk (Download Link)
- Vending.apk (Download Link)
- Root Explorer App (Download Link) While this app is $3.99, you may try to find an alternative, as long as it allows you to change read only/read-write permissions.
- Go Launcher EX (Download Link)
Now, on your Kindle device, navigate to Settings > Device. On this screen confirm that “Allow Installation of Application From Unknown Sources” is switched to the ON position.
Next, we’ll need to ensure you have activated Side Loading Apps on the Kindle Fire. You may have already accomplished this task when you first rooted your device but it’s always best to double check. If you’re sure they’re activated, skip ahead.
Do this on your PC by following these steps:
- Navigate to Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt
- Enter the following command: echo 0×1949 >> “%USERPROFILE%\.android\adb_usb.ini
- Press the Enter key
- On your Kindle Fire, navigate to Settings > Applications
- Check off the Unknown Sources box.
If you are using a Mac, follow these steps:
- Connect your Kindle Fire to your Mac
- Open the following file: ~/.android/adb_usb.ini with notepad
- Navigate to end of the file and add the following value: 0x1949
- Save and close the file
- Stop the ADB server with the following command: adb kill-server
- Run the following command: adb devices
- Your Kindle Fire should now be listed
Now your Kindle Fire is ready to go through the installation process. Follow these steps:
- Transfer the two .apk files you have downloaded earlier and place them somewhere on your Kindle Fire.
- Run Root Explorer and find the .apk files on your Kindle
- Choose and install the GoogleServiceFramework.apk
- Once completed, long-press on the Vending.apk until a small popup window appears, then choose Move
- Navigate to System > App
- RO will be selected here; change this option to RW
- Paste the Vending.apk in this folder
- Long-press on the Vending.apk until a small popup window appears, then choose Permissions
- Modify the permissions so they are identical to the other apps in the same folder (RW-R-R)
10. Reboot
Now we’ll need to install a third party launcher. Here are the final steps:
- Transfer the Go Launcher .apk to your somewhere on your Kindle Fire
- Run Root Explorer and find the .apk file on your Kindle
- Choose and install Go Launcher
- Press the Home button
- Select the Go Launcher program
- Congratulations! The Android Market is now on your Kindle Fire.
While the installation process may seem lengthy and tedious, you may find value in the long run by having a larger selection of apps. Not all of them are available; we’ll have to wait for the developers to make them compatible. As always, tinkering with the inner workings of any device requires at least basic computer know-how. Use caution.
(source BriefMobile)
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