Fire HD 8 does not come with Google Play store, which means you can’t download popular apps like YouTube or Gmail, but you can install Google Play store on your device and download popular apps.

So, how do you download and install Google Play store on your Fire HD tablet? Read on to know how?

Before you begin the installation process, you must prepare your Fire device to download and install APK files from unknown sources. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Open SettingsGo to Security and PrivacyApps from unknown sourcesTap the Silk Browser and then toggle on “Allow from this source.”

Downloading Google Play store files

To get Google Play store up and running, you need to download and install four APK files. These are essential files that will help the Play store run smoothly when installed. They include Play store apps and supporting software. 

The links below contain the files to be downloaded (Open the link using the built-in Silk browser on your Fire HD device).

  • Google Account Manager APKGoogle Services Framework APKGoogle Play Services APKGoogle Play Store APK

These files should be opened in the order they are listed. Once the download page opens in Silk browser, scroll down and tap Download APK. After you start the download, a pop-up message will appear that the device you are about to download can harm your device, just ignore it and click OK. 

When the download is complete, repeat the process for all the files. For the last two links, you can download the latest version of the file, which should be at the top of the list.

If you would like to learn more about the Fire tablets, check out this article. Now let’s move to installation.

Installing Google Play store

After downloading all the APK files on your Fire HD tablet, you can begin installing by following the following steps:

  • Open the Files app on the home screenTap Downloads from the side menu. The APK files you downloaded will be in this folder. Install each of the files in this order (the file name will look like in bracket, though longer):Google Account Manager (com.google.android.gsf.login…)Google Services Framework (com.google.android.gsf…)Google Play Services (com.google.android.gms…)Google Play Store (com.android.vending…)Tap “Done” and do not open after each complete installation.

With the installation done, hold down the power button and restart your device.

  • Google Account Manager (com.google.android.gsf.login…)Google Services Framework (com.google.android.gsf…)Google Play Services (com.google.android.gms…)Google Play Store (com.android.vending…)

When your device comes up again, you will see the Google Play store icon on your home screen.

Fire HD and Kindle readers are two distinctly different devices. Although, both can be used to read eBooks. Kindle is specifically designed to serve as an e-reader but can Fire tablet serve as a Kindle e-reader?

How to Use a Fire Tablet as a Kindle

How to Change the Keyboard on a Fire Tablet

  • Open the Settings appGo to Device OptionsSelect Keyboard & LanguagesTap Show/Hide KeyboardEnable the newly installed Keyboard by toggling on the newly installed keyboard.After the Keyboard has been enabled, switch to it.Select Current KeyboardTap Keyboard Settings to select the newly installed Keyboard.

If you have done this correctly, you will notice a Keyboard icon in the navigation bar, and then you can switch between keyboards.