# Amazon Fixes Fire TV Sideloading Bug

> A software glitch broke third-party app installs, but a fix is rolling out this week to affected devices.
- Title: Amazon Fixes Fire TV Sideloading Bug · PCMAG | Shortify
- Summary: A software glitch broke third-party app installs, but a fix is rolling out this week to affected devices. Amazon is fixing a bug that broke sideloading on…
- Keywords: amazon, fire tv, fire tv stick, sideloading, software bug, vega os, fire os, third-party apps, piracy, streaming devices, technology, Fixes
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/news/amazon-is-fixing-a-fire-tv-bug-that-stopped-users-sideloading-apps
- Author: Jibin Joseph
- Published: 2026-09-16T13:27:26+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: amazon, fire tv, fire tv stick, sideloading, software bug, vega os, fire os, third-party apps, piracy, streaming devices, technology
## Bug broke sideloading on Fire TV
A recent Fire TV Settings update caused the "Install unknown apps" list to appear incomplete or empty on some devices.
## Fix rolling out this week
Amazon identified the cause and will automatically install a fix on affected Fire TV devices over the coming week.
## Newer devices may not get fix
The fix may only apply to older Fire TV Sticks running Fire OS. The newest Fire TV 4K Select runs on Vega OS.
## Amazon blocked sideloading on Vega OS
Amazon disabled sideloading on the Fire TV 4K Select earlier this year for security reasons.
## Piracy apps still blocked
Amazon will continue blocking apps that provide access to pirated content, even those downloaded outside its app store.

> Piracy is illegal… We'll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our app store.
## Sideloading limited to legit uses
Even with the fix, sideloading may only work for legitimate purposes like testing apps before launching them on the app store.
## Key takeaway

Amazon is fixing a bug that broke sideloading on Fire TV devices, but the company still blocks piracy apps and has disabled sideloading entirely on newer Vega OS devices.