Amazon Is Blocking 3rd Party Apps on FireStick: Amazon has started restricting third-party app installations on Fire TV devices, reportedly citing concerns over piracy and potential malware. This development has sparked a growing debate around user control, app safety, and access to free content. Devices affected by the new policy include the Fire TV Cube, FireStick 4K Max, FireStick 4K, and the 3rd-generation FireStick. One of Fire TV’s standout features has long been its support for sideloading apps—allowing users to install unofficial apps that offer live sports, TV channels, movies, and more at no cost. This flexibility has made it a preferred choice over many competing streaming platforms.
However, a recent software update appears to be tightening those freedoms. Apps like Live Net TV and Ocean Streamz, popular for streaming live content, are now being actively blocked. Many users in the US, UK, and other regions have started encountering warnings after trying to install third-party apps. For instance, those attempting to install newer versions of Flix Vision, a video-on-demand (VOD) app, are now seeing alerts urging them to “uninstall potentially harmful app.” This shift suggests Amazon may be taking stronger action against sideloaded apps, raising concerns about the future of third-party streaming on Fire TV devices.
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The Ban Comes After The Latest Software Update
Reports of Amazon blocking the use and sideloading of third-party apps began surfacing in late June 2025—coinciding with the rollout of the latest Fire TV software updates. While the software version may differ slightly depending on your FireStick model, the restriction appears to affect nearly all Fire TV devices. Despite still being able to sideload APK files, users are now unable to launch or use many unofficial apps. After completing the installation, the device displays a message asking whether you want to “Keep or Uninstall the app.” Unfortunately, choosing “Keep” doesn’t help—because the app becomes completely inaccessible, even if you try launching it from Settings > Manage Installed Applications.
In addition, these restricted third-party apps won’t appear in your installed apps library. For example, even though I successfully installed Flix Vision, the app icon is missing from my app collection—making it impossible to open or access from the home screen. This confirms that Amazon is actively disabling unauthorized apps at the system level, not just preventing their installation. It’s a significant move that could redefine how users interact with their Fire TV devices going forward.
Not All Third-Party Apps Are Affected
Since news broke about Amazon cracking down on unofficial apps, many FireStick users have been understandably concerned. However, it’s important to note that not all sideloaded apps are being targeted by these restrictions. For instance, I tested the installation of TV Tap Pro, a well-known third-party streaming app, and it worked without any problems. As shown in the screenshot below, the app was sideloaded successfully and appeared in my Fire TV app library—fully functional and accessible. This suggests that Amazon’s blocking measures may be selective, focusing only on certain apps it deems risky or in violation of content policies.
Why Is Amazon Blocking These Apps?
Amazon’s decision to block popular third-party apps on FireStick has raised alarm among users, many of whom fear this could signal the end of sideloading on the platform. While some believe the crackdown is tied to piracy concerns, others argue there’s more to the story. Piracy has been cited by several experts as a likely reason behind the move. However, critics point out that many other sideloaded apps, which also offer questionable content, remain unaffected—casting doubt on piracy being the sole motivator.
Instead, the focus appears to be shifting toward security and privacy risks. Several of the now-blocked apps, such as Flix Vision, have been flagged as suspicious by Google Play Protect on Android devices. Similarly, the Ocean Streamz website has been marked as harmful by browsers like Google Chrome and Safari. These warnings suggest that Amazon’s restrictions may be more about protecting users from potentially malicious software rather than solely addressing illegal streaming.
What’s Next for FireStick Users?
With Amazon now blocking several popular unofficial apps, many FireStick users are left wondering what the future holds. Will Amazon expand the list of banned apps? Are there any viable workarounds for those who rely on third-party streaming?
Let’s start with a few of the apps already affected by the ban:
- Flix Vision
- Blink Streamz
- Live Net TV
- UK Turks
- Ocean Streamz
- Cinema HQ
- FileSynced
- Jizztagram
These bans have sparked discussions across online forums and streaming communities. Some users have experimented with possible fixes—such as disabling the “Manage Sharing from Apps” setting under Preferences—hoping to bypass the restrictions. However, in my own testing, turning off this setting and rebooting the FireStick did not resolve the issue. The blocked apps remained inaccessible. At this point, it’s unclear whether Amazon plans to widen the crackdown. But if this trend continues, FireStick users who depend on third-party apps may need to look for alternative platforms or explore more secure, verified streaming solutions. For now, the best approach is to stay updated, use caution with APK sources, and consider privacy tools like a VPN to protect your data while streaming.
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How to Turn Off ‘Manage Sharing from Apps’ on FireStick
If you’re exploring potential workarounds to regain access to blocked third-party apps, one commonly suggested method is turning off the Manage Sharing from Apps setting. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Make sure your Fire TV device is updated From the home screen, go to Settings.
- Navigate to Preferences Scroll over and select Preferences from the list.
- Open Privacy Settings Choose Privacy Settings from the options available.
- Select Manage Sharing from Apps Click on this setting to view current sharing permissions.
- Check Share App Viewing and Content Info By default, this option is turned ON.
- Turn It Off Click the toggle and a window will appear labeled Personalize Fire TV. Choose Off to disable this setting.
If this workaround helps restore access to any blocked apps, feel free to share your experience in the comments section.
Other Workarounds to Consider
Another method some users are trying is disabling automatic software updates. Since the app restrictions appear to impact only the latest Fire TV software versions, preventing updates might allow you to continue using your favorite third-party apps a bit longer.However, keep in mind that disabling updates may affect overall device performance or security, so weigh the pros and cons carefully before proceeding.
How to Block Updates on FireStick
You can prevent automatic updates on your FireStick by using a third-party app called NetGuard. Here’s a step-by-step guide to install and configure NetGuard to block updates on your Fire TV device:
- From the Fire TV home screen, go to Find > Search. Type Downloader in the search bar and select the Downloader app from the results. Click on the app tile and then select Get or Download to install it on your FireStick.
- Navigate to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options. If you don’t see Developer Options, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About. Then select Fire TV Stick and press it 7 times to enable Developer Options. In Developer Options, either: Turn ON Apps from Unknown Sources, or Go to Install Unknown Apps, find Downloader, and turn it ON.
- Open the Downloader app from your apps library.
- Click on the URL/search bar in Downloader.
- Using the on-screen keyboard, enter this Downloader code: 6002893, then click Go.
- The NetGuard APK will begin downloading.
- When prompted, click Install.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
- Once installed, click Done.
- You’ll be asked whether to delete the APK file—choose Delete to remove it and save storage space.
- Confirm by clicking Delete again.
- Return to your apps and open the NetGuard app.
- Accept the terms by selecting I Agree on the welcome screen.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
- Choose Settings.
- Select Advanced Options.
- Enable Manage System Apps.
- Go back to NetGuard’s main screen, scroll down to DeviceSoftwareOTA, and disable both Wi-Fi and Data access.
- Next, scroll to System Updates and also disable Wi-Fi and Data (if not already disabled).
- Toggle the switch in the top left corner to activate NetGuard’s firewall.
- You’ll see a prompt asking to allow a VPN connection; click OK.
- Click OK again on the next prompt.
- On the following screen, select Don’t Ask Again, then tap OK. You’ve now configured NetGuard to block automatic updates on your Fire TV.
- Close NetGuard and go back to the Fire TV home screen. Open Settings.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Go to About.
- Click Check for Updates.
- The device will attempt to check for updates.
- Since updates are blocked, you’ll receive an Update Error notification.
That’s how you stop automatic system updates on your FireStick!
Final Thoughts
If these steps don’t work and your third-party apps get blocked, you have two options: Uninstall the problematic app and find alternative apps still supported on FireStick. Or, switch to a different streaming device that offers more freedom in app usage. You can check out our list of the best FireStick alternatives for streaming. Have you ever faced issues with blocked third-party apps on your FireStick? Share your experience in the comments below!
FAQs
How can I prevent my FireStick from automatically updating?
You can stop automatic updates on your FireStick by using a third-party app called NetGuard. After installing NetGuard via the Downloader app, you can configure it to block system update services like DeviceSoftwareOTA and System Updates, effectively preventing your Fire TV from receiving automatic software updates.
What is NetGuard and how does it help with FireStick updates?
NetGuard is a third-party app that allows you to control internet access for apps on your FireStick. By using it to block internet access to system update services, you can prevent your FireStick from downloading and installing automatic software updates that might disable certain sideloaded apps.
How do I enable sideloading on my FireStick device?
To enable sideloading, you need to turn on apps from unknown sources or install unknown apps in your FireStick’s Developer Options. If Developer Options are hidden, you can reveal them by selecting your Fire TV device name 7 times in the About section under Settings > My Fire TV.
What should I do if NetGuard doesn’t stop my FireStick updates?
If blocking updates with NetGuard doesn’t work, you can uninstall the banned third-party app and look for alternative apps that are still supported, or consider switching to a different streaming device that offers more freedom for sideloaded apps.
Will blocking FireStick updates affect device performance?
Blocking automatic updates might prevent you from receiving important system improvements and security patches, which could potentially affect your FireStick’s performance or security over time.
How do I confirm that my FireStick updates have been successfully blocked?
After setting up NetGuard to block update services, you can check manually by going to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates. If updates are blocked, your device will show an “Update Error” notification indicating it cannot connect to update servers.
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