Amazon Echo Show 15 users unable to sideload apps in Fire TV mode, but there's a possible explanation & potential workaround

The Amazon Eco Show is a smart display that is a part of the Amazon Echo line of devices. It is based on the company’s virtual assistant Alexa. Echo Show 15 got an update last year, which added the Fire TV Mode.

This made it easy for users to tune in to their favorite shows and binge-watch movies without purchasing an additional Smart TV box or stick, connected to their display.

However, the update also introduced a restriction after which one cannot sideload apps on their device.

According to reports (1,2,3,4,5), multiple users complain that they are unable to sideload apps on their Eco Show 15 device after installing the update introducing the Fire TV mode last December.

Along with this, the Downloader app was banned from the Amazon Appstore as well.

One of those affected complains that after the update they are unable to directly install applications from external sources on their device.

Whenever they try to side-load apk files, the device displays a grey-colored screen for some time, after which it would display the last screen or the home screen.

They further say that the issue pops up even when one tries to install older application versions as well.

Prior to this update, Eco show users were able to sideload apps. Also, some would use this ability to their advantage and sideload the Home Assistant app to turn their device into a Home Assistant dashboard.

However, one is not able to do so anymore.

Hi all, was just wondering what the state of play is with the echo show 15 and HA? I heard amazon was blocking some of the methods of side loading fully kiosk and wondered if anyone had picked one up lately?
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Any ideas or workaround i dont know how to stop auto updates on echo show 15 and it seems to have got rid of the file app so i cant install anything
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Even though users have tried clearing the app and device’s cache, restarting the device, using third party downloader apps, but could not get to the install screen.

On this matter, a YouTuber has uploaded a video and claims that Amazon has possibly removed the accessibility permissions for ‘downloads’ folder on the Eco Show devices with the December patch.

With the updates pushed in February, Amazon has also banned Eco Show owners from using custom home screens (1,2,3,4) and remapping remote buttons.

However, it’s with mentioning that side-loading apps on your Amazon Eco Show device could be an offense.

Users can try the workarounds mentioned in this video to sideload apps.

Having said that, we’ll keep an eye on the issue where Amazon Echo Show 15 users are unable to sideload apps in Fire TV mode and update the article accordingly.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Amazon section so be sure to follow them as well.

Featured Image: Amazon Echo Show 15

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