⚡ Technology🇮🇳 India
Amazon Blocks Sideloading on New Fire Sticks, Citing Malware Risk
Ars Technica·Thursday, 2 July 2026
Amazon has removed the ability to sideload apps on its new Fire Stick devices, meaning users can no longer install apps from outside the official Amazon app store. An Amazon executive blamed the change on piracy apps that allegedly carry malware. The update also blocks third-party home screen launchers and ad blockers.
Why It Matters
Fire Sticks are extremely popular in India as budget streaming devices, and many users relied on sideloading to install apps like Kodi or regional streaming services not available on Amazon's store.
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