Key takeaways:
- The Kindle Fire HDX comes with Amazon’s Silk browser, but you can install Firefox for more features and customization
- Installing Firefox requires enabling installation from unknown sources in your Kindle Fire HDX settings
- You need to download the Firefox Aurora APK file, as the stable version is not compatible with Fire OS
The Amazon Kindle Fire HDX is a great tablet for reading, streaming, and web browsing. It comes pre-installed with Amazon’s own Silk browser, which is fast and efficient. However, if you prefer using Mozilla Firefox, you can install it on your Kindle Fire HDX for a more feature-rich and customizable browsing experience.
Firefox offers benefits like support for extensions, sync across devices, privacy protections, and the ability to customize the interface with themes. It’s a popular alternative to the default browsers on many devices.
While Google Chrome is not available on the Kindle Fire HDX, installing Firefox is a straightforward process. You just need to tweak a setting, download the Firefox app file, and install it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Table of Contents
Enable Installation from Unknown Sources
- Go to your Kindle Fire HDX’s Settings
- Tap on Security (or Applications on some models)
- Enable the option to Install applications from unknown sources
- Tap OK to confirm
This will allow you to install apps that are not from the Amazon Appstore.
Download the Firefox Aurora APK
The stable release and beta versions of Firefox do not work on the Kindle Fire HDX. You need to download the Aurora build, which is an early developer release. To get it:
- Open the Silk Browser on your Kindle Fire HDX
- Go to the Firefox Aurora download page: https://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/mobile/nightly/latest-mozilla-aurora-android-api-15/
- Tap on the .apk file to download it
- Confirm that you want to download the file if prompted
Wait for the download to finish. It may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
Install Firefox on Your Kindle Fire HDX
Once the Aurora APK file is downloaded, you can install it:
- Pull down the notification shade from the top of the screen
- Tap on the Firefox Aurora APK file notification
- Tap Install when prompted
- Wait for installation to complete, then tap Open to launch Firefox
That’s it! You now have Firefox installed on your Kindle Fire HDX. You can use it to browse the web, just like the Silk browser.
Limitations and Considerations
There are a few things to keep in mind when using Firefox on the Kindle Fire HDX:
- Firefox Aurora is an unstable developer build, so you may encounter some bugs or glitches
- You will need to manually download and install updates to get new versions of Firefox
- Some websites may not work properly, especially those that rely on Android WebView
- You cannot set Firefox as the default browser on the Kindle Fire HDX
Despite these limitations, Firefox is still a good choice if you want an alternative to the Silk browser with more features and customization options. Give it a try and see if it meets your needs!
FAQ
Can I install Google Chrome on the Kindle Fire HDX?
No, Google Chrome is not available for the Kindle Fire HDX. The Amazon Appstore does not offer Chrome, and side-loading it is not possible due to incompatibilities with the Fire OS. Firefox Aurora is the best alternative.
Is it safe to enable unknown sources and install Firefox?
Enabling unknown sources does make your device slightly less secure, as it allows installing non-verified apps. However, the Firefox Aurora APK is an official release from Mozilla, so it is safe to install. Make sure to download it only from the official Mozilla website.
Can I use Firefox Sync on the Kindle Fire HDX?
Yes, Firefox Aurora supports the Firefox Sync feature. You can sign in with your Firefox Account to sync bookmarks, passwords, history, and open tabs across your devices. This lets you access your Firefox data from your Kindle Fire HDX.
How do I update Firefox on my Kindle Fire HDX?
Unlike the stable release, Firefox Aurora does not auto-update on the Kindle Fire HDX. To get a newer version, you will need to manually download and install the latest Aurora APK, like you did when first installing it. Your data and settings will be preserved when installing an update.
What can I do if a website doesn’t work in Firefox?
If you encounter a website that doesn’t display or function properly in Firefox, try requesting the desktop version of the site. You can do this by tapping the menu button and checking “Request Desktop Site”. If that doesn’t help, you may need to use the Silk browser for that particular website.
