Amazon Firestick is one of the most popular streaming devices today. It allows you to stream movies, shows, live sports, and more on a TV. You also do not need a smart TV to use a Firestick.
It turns any TV(with USB and HDMI port) into a smart TV. However, Firestick also has some limitations. For instance, you can not install third-party apps and .apk files on the Firestick.
You can eliminate these limitations by jailbreaking a Firestick. You will learn about jailbreaking and its advantages and disadvantages in this article.
What does it mean to jailbreak a Firestick?
An Amazon Firestick does not allow you to install third-party apps from the web. You can only install apps available on the Amazon store. Jailbreaking a Firestick ends this problem.
It allows you to install/sideload third-party apps on your Firestick. You can install these third-party apps from the web. It also ends some other restrictions that I will mention later.
Is it legal to Jailbreak an Amazon Firestick?
Yes, jailbreaking an Amazon Firestick is legitimate. It might sound fishy, but it is not. The apps you install after jailbreaking and the content you stream can be illegal, but only jailbreaking is legal.
How to Jailbreak an Amazon Firestick?
Jailbreaking a Firestick is not a difficult task. First, you have to set up the Firestick for installing third-party apps. Then, you can easily jailbreak it by installing third-party apps. I prefer the Downloader app, but you can pick any app you like.
After installing this app, you might need to go to the settings tab of your Amazon Firestick to allow installation from unknown resources. You might also need to turn on the ADB Debugging. That’s it; you have successfully jailbroken your Firestick. You can learn more on Firesticktricks if you want to unlock the full potential of your Firestick device.
Pros of jailbreaking a Firestick?
One of the advantages of a jailbroken Firestick is that it gives you more privacy. In my opinion, it is one of the most necessary features of a jailbroken Firestick.
When we set up the Firestick for jailbreaking, we turn off its inbuilt features like data monitoring. Data monitoring means that your device collects some data and sends it back to Amazon.
Stopping data monitoring improves privacy because it prevents Amazon from tracking your activity which helps you avoid several targeted ads. Here are some of the other benefits jailbreaking a Firestick gives you.
1) It gives you access to third-party streaming apps
Several streaming apps like Kodi, Cinema HD, and more are one of the most used apps on a jailbroken Firestick. These free apps unlock a vast library of free entertainment(movies, TV shows, live sports, and more).
These apps are legal, but not all the content, add-ons, and plugins might be legal too. These apps contain pirated content that you might want to avoid because of legal issues.
2) Free downloading
Not all files are available for free downloading on Amazon Firestick. Amazon asks for a subscription fee to download some files. You can download these files for free after jailbreaking a Firestick.
3) Access to .apk files
Jailbreaking a Firestick also allows you to install .apk files from the web directly. You can install streaming apps, VPNs, gaming apps, and more without letting Amazon know anything.
4) Surpass restrictions
Jailbreaking a Firestick also surpasses all piracy and privacy restrictions. You can also stream copyrighted content for free. However, you might want to avoid downloading or watching copyrighted content because
- You can get legal notices from your ISPs, the government, and the original content owners,
- These organizations can also take legal actions against you,
- Downloading pirated files is unsafe because they can add malware and viruses to your device.
Cons of jailbreaking a Firestick?
One of the most noticeable disadvantages of a jailbroken Firestick is that it makes you more vulnerable to illegal content, apps, and add-ons. Installing third-party apps like Kodi is not illegal, but some content and links it provides might not be legal.
It goes the same for other third-party apps also and can result in lawful actions by the concerning authorities. Third-party apps can also put malware and viruses on your device that you might want to avoid.
Conclusion
Jailbreaking a Firestick is legal. It does not void the warranty of your Firestick device. Jailbreaking a Firestick unlocks its full potential making it more powerful and convenient than ever.
You might also want to use a VPN with a jailbroken firestick for additional security.