You can get Google Play on your Fire HD 8; however, the process is not quite simple for users. You will need to first change your settings on the device to allow the download and installation of third-party apps.
Continue reading to learn more about getting Google Play on your Fire HD 8.
How to Download Google Play to Your Fire HD 8
To download Google Play to your Fire HD 8:
Make Sure You Have Enough Storage Space
The Google Play Store requires about 1 GB of storage space. That’s not much. But again, if you have a lot of apps downloaded to your tablet, deleting even one app could make a difference.
You can see how much space you have on your Fire HD 8 by following these steps:
- Open the tablet.Swipe down from the top of the screen.Select “Settings.”Choose “Device Options.”Tap “Storage.”
Now, you can see what apps you can keep and what you should erase. Hint: if you’re using Chrome as your tablet’s default browser, this likely uses a lot of memory. Using Silk (the Kindle’s web browser) frees up memory and might even work faster than Chrome.
Allow Your Fire HD 8 to Download Third-Party Apps
- Choose “Settings” from your tablet’s home screen.Select “Security & Privacy.”Tap “Apps from Unknown Sources.”Locate “Silk Browser.”Enable “Allow from this source.”
Download Google Play Store Files
From there:
- Copy and paste this link into Silk’s search engine.Download the files to your tablet.Choose “Files” on your tablet’s dashboard.Go to “Downloads.”
You have to download each file in order. This is a rough outline of your files’ order (they may look different on your screen):
- com.google.android.gsf.logincom.google.android.gsfcom.google.android.gmscom.android.vending
From here:
- Tap the file you want.Choose “Continue.”Select “Install.”Tap “Done.”
Do not open the Google Play Store until you have downloaded all of these files.
Restart Your Tablet
Once you’ve downloaded the files, restart your tablet. You can do this by holding down on the power button and choosing “Restart.” Once your tablet opens, you can use the Google Play Store just like you would on another device.
Considerations When Using Google Play on Your Fire HD 8
To enhance your user experience, keep these things in mind when using the Google Play Store on your Fire HD 8:
You Must Update the Google Play Store Yourself
Your tablet will update most of its apps without telling you. However, this does not apply to third-party apps, like the Google Play Store. You’ll have to check for updates yourself. You can do this by:
- Going to “Apps.”Choosing “Store” in the top righthand corner.Choosing “Menu” at the bottom of the screen.Tap “App Updates.”
Now, if you see any pending updates, approve them.
