A jailbroken Firestick opens up thousands of streaming possibilities beyond the limits of Amazon‘s walled garden. By unlocking the full capabilities of the Firestick through sideloaded apps, you gain access to a massive library of free movies, TV shows, live sports, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about jailbreaking your Firestick. You’ll also find a curated list of the absolute best apps for streaming free movies and shows after jailbreaking.
Let’s start with a quick overview of what jailbreaking is and how it can benefit your Firestick experience.
What is a Jailbroken Firestick?
The Firestick runs a version of the Android operating system, which means it can install any Android APK app. However, Amazon restricts the apps in the Firestick’s Appstore to only those that meet Amazon’s specifications.
Jailbreaking removes these restrictions so you can install any app you want through a process called “sideloading.” Sideloading allows you to download an APK file onto a computer and then use a tool like Downloader to install it directly on your Firestick.
It’s important to note that jailbreaking does NOT make the Firestick capable of illegal activity or hacking. Jailbreaking simply opens up more app possibilities beyond the limited selection Amazon allows in their Appstore. Many sideloaded apps provide access to free movies and shows from legal third-party sources. Of course, it is up to you to avoid any pirated streams from illicit sources.
Is Jailbreaking a Firestick Legal?
Jailbreaking itself is 100% legal thanks to exemptions in the DMCA copyright law. You have every right to customize devices that you legally own. Smartphone jailbreaking has been upheld in various courts over the years, and the same concept applies to Firesticks.
However, some third-party apps you can access via a jailbroken Firestick may link to pirated streams and illegal content. It is up to you, the user, to avoid these illegal sources and stick to legal content from reputable providers.
As long as you use good judgment when picking third-party apps and selecting streams, jailbreaking poses no major legal risks and is common practice among Firestick owners.
Now let’s look at some of the benefits of jailbreaking and sideloading apps on your Firestick or Fire TV.
5 Benefits of Jailbreaking Your Firestick
1. Access Thousands More Apps
Jailbreaking gives you access to literally thousands more apps beyond the limited selection available in the standard Amazon Appstore. Anything you can sideload opens up for installation. No more restrictions to just what Amazon approves for their store.
2. Remove Amazon Bloatware
You can get rid of the pre-installed Amazon apps and recommendations that come on the Firestick out of the box. This gives you a clutter-free experience and more free storage space. You can also install a custom launcher and get rid of ads from the homescreen.
3. Enjoy Free Movies and Shows
Many sideloaded apps offer free movies, TV shows, and live TV channels from various legal online sources. While you should avoid any pirated sources, jailbreaking opens up more free, legal streaming options.
4. Better Media Player Options
You can ditch Amazon‘s default video player and install highly-rated media apps like VLC or MX Player. This allows you to enjoy smoother, higher quality video playback.
5. More Control and Customization
Jailbreaking gives you more control to customize your Firestick experience. Tweak streaming app settings, change the interface with skins/launchers, adjust network settings, and more.
Jailbreaking strips away all the restrictions Amazon places on Firestick functionality. If you want full control and customization, jailbreaking is a must.
Top Apps for Jailbroken Firestick
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff: the best apps to install on your jailbroken Firestick!
1. Downloader
Downloader is the #1 app for sideloading free movies and shows on your Firestick. This utility tool lets you easily enter URLs or scraper codes to install apps from the web directly onto your device.
Downloader has a simple interface with options to browser file linked sources, enter custom URLs, view recent downloads, clear the cache, and more. You‘ll use it anytime you need to install a new sideloaded APK. It‘s an essential tool every jailbroken Firestick needs.
2. ExpressVPN
I recommend installing a trusted VPN like ExpressVPN on any jailbroken device. ExpressVPN encrypts your streaming activity and masks your IP address so your Internet Service Provider can’t see what you’re accessing on your Firestick. This keeps you protected if any apps link to questionable streams.
You can also avoid ISP throttling when streaming HD video. ExpressVPN has ultra-fast servers that ensure buffer-free streams. Protecting your privacy is cheap peace of mind for only $6.67/month.
3. FileLinked
FileLinked provides quick access to huge repositories of sideloadable apps all in one place. It works similarly to Downloader but aggregates links that have been shared by different developers.
When you install FileLinked, you get a code input box. Enter "repo codes" shared by app devs to gain access to their libraries filled with categorized APK download links. This makes finding and installing new apps a breeze.
4. Kodi
Kodi is arguably the most popular and powerful media center available. While Kodi itself is just an open-source media player, installing third-party addons gives you access to free movies, shows, live sports, music, and more.
There are thousands of addons to choose from, though many promote illegal streams. I recommend sticking with trusted addons like The Crew, Ezra, and Ghost which only use legal scraping sources. Take some time to explore the many addons available to personalize your setup.
5. Cinema APK
Cinema APK has emerged as one of the most popular free movie/TV apps thanks to its intuitive interface and reliable high-def streams. It aggregates links from sites like Primewire, Fmovies, Cmovies, and more to deliver a huge catalog of the latest movies and shows.
Navigation is simple with sections like Latest Releases, Most Viewed, Genres, and more. Cinema is a community favorite for Firestick/FireTV devices and Android boxes alike.
6. STBEmu (Pro)
STBEmu provides a cable TV-like experience by letting you load M3U playlists from IPTV providers. This gives you access to live TV channels from around the world, usually for a small subscription fee.
The Pro version unlocks EPG support for channel guides, recording capability with PVRLive, Chromecast streaming, and more. STBEmu has a slick UI and integrates seamlessly with IPTV services. It‘s great for cord-cutters seeking live TV.
7. Mobdro
Mobdro aggregates live streams from around the web into dedicated channels for sports, movies, news, animation, and more. It pulls streams from legal public sources like Crackle and PBS as well as pirated feeds, so caution is advised.
Still, Mobdro is extremely popular for streaming live content. The app is nicely organized by category with hundreds of channel options. Give it a try if you enjoy channel surfing random live streams.
8. FreeFlix HQ
As the name suggests, FreeFlix HQ offers completely free, ad-supported streaming of movies and shows without any sign-up required. It has content from Crackle, TubiTV, PopcornFlix, and other free public services.
You won‘t find the latest Hollywood blockbusters, but it does provide a nice catalog of older movies and shows from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early ‘00s. FreeFlix HQ is a great option for free content from legal sources.
9. ONE Box
ONE Box (formally C1BERFLiX) provides a one-stop aggregator pulling links from dozens of top streaming sites like Primewire, Putlocker, YesMovies, and more. This makes it easy to quickly find and play high-quality streams.
Navigation is simple with sections for Recent Movies, Popular Movies, Popular Shows, Requests, and more. ONEBox has emerged as a favorite thanks to its reliably fast streams in an uncluttered interface.
10. Nova TV
Nova TV has one of the largest on-demand catalogs of any streaming APK available. It pulls sources from services like Primewire, Putlocker, YesMovies, 1Movie, HDMoviesPoint, and more.
You can browse an absolutely massive library of movies and TV shows sorted into every genre imaginable. Results even display IMDb ratings and MetaCritic scores. If you want maximum choice, Nova TV delivers.
11. Redbox
Redbox is popular on-demand streaming service with apps for all major platforms. It offers both free ad-supported and premium ad-free options.
The service has content from every major studio including Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, Paramount, and more. You‘ll find all the latest new release movies ready for streaming.
Redbox stands out with its generous free tier. You still get a sizable library of movies and shows without any paid subscription. It‘s a great free addition for your Firestick.
12. Plex
Plex is a highly-rated media server app that lets you aggregate your personal media collections for streaming. Install Plex Server on a PC or NAS drive, then use the Firestick Plex app as a client to stream everything in one place.
You can add your own movie files, TV shows, music, photos, podcasts, and more to create your own custom media library accessible from anywhere. Plex makes it simple to privately stream your own content.
13. YouTube
YouTube hardly needs an introduction, but many don‘t realize you can get a much better YouTube experience on Firestick with a modded APK. YouTube Vanced provides ad-free playback, background/pip mode, and unlocked premium features.
SmartTubeNext offers similar benefits along with 4K playback and SponsorBlock to skip in-video promotions. Modded YouTube APKs make the stock app feel antiquated.
14. PlutoTV
PlutoTV offers a cable-like experience with hundreds of free live channels spanning sports, movies, news, cartoons, music, and more. You can browse channels or view the programming guide.
All content is ad-supported, but completely free and legal. PlutoTV is owned by Paramount and available on most platforms, though the experience feels much more robust on a Firestick. It‘s great for casual channel surfing.
15. Peacock
Peacock TV from NBCUniversal provides a huge on-demand library of NBC classics like The Office, Parks & Rec, 30 Rock, SNL, and more. Live channels and originals are included on higher tiers.
The free version gives you access to hundreds of hours of NBCUniversal content with ads. Paid Premium plans offer live sports, early access to late night shows, and ad-free viewing. If you’re an NBC fan, Peacock is essential.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Jailbroken Firestick
Here are some key tips to improve performance and get the most out of your jailbroken Fire TV device:
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Use a VPN for privacy – VPNs like ExpressVPN keep your streaming activities protected and anonymous.
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Enable apps from Unknown Sources – This option enables sideloading under Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options.
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Frequently clear app cache – Clearing the cache frees up storage space and keeps apps running fast.
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Add MicroSD storage – Easily expand storage for more apps via the MicroSD slot.
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Customize the interface – Install Wolf Launcher for a personalized ad-free homescreen.
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Enable external players – Apps like MX Player integrate with many streaming APKs for smoother playback.
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Use a Real-Debrid account – This unlocks faster, higher quality streams in apps like Kodi and Stremio.
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Check download apps frequently – New streaming apps are released constantly for jailbroken devices.
I hope this guide has shown you how jailbreaking can unlock the full potential of your Amazon Fire TV Stick. The ability to sideload any app opens up access to virtually unlimited movies, shows, live sports, and other content.
Just be sure to use trusted apps and avoid any pirated sources. Stick to legal streams and your jailbroken Firestick will provide endless entertainment!
