How to install Fire OS 5 Developer Preview on a Fire TV or Fire TV Stick

fire-os-5-developer-preview-lollipop
If you’re a developer, or are just dying to sideload those shiny new Android TV apps that your Shield TV friends have been flaunting in your face, then here’s how to install the Fire OS 5 Developer Preview on a Fire TV or Fire TV Stick. Be aware that Amazon does not recommend that the general public install this preview. According to Amazon, it does not contain any new features and is meant to be used by developers to test their apps.

  1. Register for an Amazon Developer account, if you haven’t done so yet.
    register-amazon-developer-account
  2. Select the Fire TV(s) or Fire TV Stick(s) you would like to install Fire OS 5 on from this page.
    fire-os-5-selection-page
  3. Be sure your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick is running the latest software versions, which is currently 51.1.6.2 for the Fire TV and 54.1.2.2 for the Fire TV Stick. You can check your software versions from the Settings > System > About menu.
    fire-tv-and-stick-latest-version-software
  4. Now wait patiently. Your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick will receive an over-the-air software update, just like all other normal software updates, that will install Fire OS 5. Amazon says it should arrive in 24 to 48 hours from when you complete step 2.

16 comments
  1. Jeremy Roberts says:

    If you go to Settings > System > About > Install Latest Software it will install OS 5 immediately.

  2. Dan Gonzalez says:

    What if your rooted and unlocked the bootloader
    You can still go to fire is 5

    • AFTVnews says:

      If you’re rooted and install the developer preview, you will lose root.

      If the bootloader on Fire OS 5 has changed, then it is likely rooted Fire TVs will not be able to upgrade to Fire OS 5 without losing root. We’ll know soon.

  3. Hugh Mungous says:

    Internal Server Error is what I get.

  4. Justin says:

    Are there any additional apps that can be sideloaded with this update that didn’t work before?

  5. Chris says:

    Mine is still running 51.1.6.1 even when I check for updates. Anyone else seeing this?

  6. shwru980r says:

    Does anyone know if Fire OS 5 restored ALT+TAB functionality to the Fire TV?

    • xnamkcor says:

      Probably not since I get the feeling it disappearing was not an accident. It was the one thing that let me quickly access ES File Explorer.

  7. Hugh Mungous says:

    Okay, so how do I install the Android TV Launcher on this now?

  8. Masterblaster8987 says:

    Aftv fire os 5.0 is not ready for primetime! Usb apks are not being seen, internal apps are getting network errors, rebooting constantly. Don’t update to 5.0!

  9. Sascha says:

    Any good guide to downgrade to the latest stable version? (My device is NOT rooted and I don’t have busybox installed).

  10. iAYMANi says:

    Fire OS 5 Developer Preview Today closing the Page
    It was the return of former Everyone OS 3

  11. iAYMANi says:

    The Fire OS 5 Developer Preview for Amazon Fire TV program has now come to a close. We will be providing all developers currently active in the Developer Preview updates to the latest version of Fire OS 5 once it is released.

    info:
    https://developer.amazon.com/public/solutions/devices/fire-tv

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