The installation of WhatsApp or any other messaging app turns the Kindle Fire into an excellent communication tool. But to install WhatsApp on Kindle Fire, a procedure must be implemented, since Fire prevents the download and installation of third-party software.
The positive side is that there is an option to ignore this installation block and this is something you can do even if you are not a tech expert. The following article will guide you through the WhatsApp installation and configuration process on Kindle Fire step by step.
The first thing to do is to enable “Unknown sources” to allow downloading and installation. This tutorial has been tested on Kindle Fire HD 7, 8 and 10. That said, it should also work on older Fire that runs the latest software. However, this is how you enable the function.
How to enable the installation of apps from unknown sources on Kindle Fire
STEP 1
Select the Menu icon and go to Fire Settings. For more recent Fire OS iterations (4.0 or later), tap the Security menu. Those using previous versions of the software must choose the Applications menu.
STEP 2
Scroll down the menu window until you reach Unknown sources and tap the option to access it. Once the Unknown sources are enabled, you will be able to install third-party apps that do not appear on the Amazon Store.
Note- The Unknown sources installation block is displayed on most tablets and smartphones, Android and iOS. This allows manufacturers to protect native software from malware.
INSTALLING WHATSAPP ON KINDLE FIRE
To start the installation, you need the WhatsApp Apk file. It is better to download the file from the official app’s website instead of from third-party sources.
STEP 1
Go to the download section of the WhatsApp website and download the latest version of the Android app. Press the “Download Now” button and wait a few seconds to complete the action.
STEP 2
A confirmation window might appear, you will have to confirm again on Download to confirm. Apart from this, you will be asked to open the downloaded file. Obviously, choose Open in the corresponding window.
STEP 3
As soon as you open the file, you will be directed to the WhatsApp installation window. Select Install and wait for Fire to do its magic. At the end of the installation, you can touch Open, now we can proceed with the configuration of the app.
IMPORTANT NOTES
WhatsApp works with Android 2.3.3 and later, which makes it compatible with almost all Fire OS iterations. To be precise, Android 2.3 and later versions are used as the basis for Fire OS. This means that you should be able to install WhatsApp on Amazon Fire HD, Kindle Fire, and Fire HDX without problems.
CONFIGURE WHATSAPP ON KINDLE FIRE
With the installation of WhatsApp, the important thing is that the app requires verification of the phone number. Apart from that, the process is quite simple. Here are the necessary steps.
STEP 1
Start WhatsApp, select “Accept and continue”, then confirm by tapping Continue in the pop-up window.
STEP 2
Two other popup windows are displayed asking you to grant access to your Kindle Fire. Tap Allow so that WhatsApp can use media files, photos, files, and contacts. If you deny access to media files, photos, and files, you can return to this setting and allow access later.
STEP 3
Now, you need to enter the phone number and press OK to confirm your choice. You are sent an SMS with a verification code, type that code in the designated field and select Next. At this point, you have successfully logged in and can use the app.
ADDITION OF CONTACTS TO WHATSAPP ON KINDLE FIRE
Since you have authorized WhatsApp’s access to your contacts, you can chat with anyone who has WhatsApp on your device. If some of the contacts do not have WhatsApp, you can send an invitation link to that person.
Select the green circle at the bottom right of the WhatsApp chat window, scroll down the menu and choose “Invite friends”. Browse your contacts and touch the one you want to send the invitation to.
When a person is not in your contacts, you must choose New Contact at the top of the contact list. Again, you are looking for a green circle and inside it has a small person icon. Type the contact information in the following window and you are fine.
OTHER MESSAGING APP ON KINDLE FIRE
In addition to WhatsApp, you can install some other apps on the Kindle Fire and the method is the same unless the apps are available on Amazon Store.
Some users prefer to use TextNow, Skype or textPlus. Applications such as Snapchat and Facebook are also available. Furthermore, there is an option to limit or block the use of these apps if you fear your child may abuse them.
SAM, YOU HAVE A MESSAGE
Installing WhatsApp on your Kindle Fire was simple, now you know exactly how to do it. Do you like using WhatsApp? Is there anything in the app that you find annoying? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
