How to Sideload Apps on an Amazon Kindle Kids Tablet

Amazon’s Kindle Kids Tablet offers a secure environment for children, but some apps like YouTube Kids aren’t preloaded. Here’s a parent-friendly guide to sideloading YT Kids (and in fact any other app) using Google Play Store and a third-party launcher.

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What You’ll Need

• The Kindle Kids Tablet
• A computer with ADB installed
• A USB cable

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Step 1: Install Google Play Store (Parent Profile)

1. Switch to the Parent Profile: Enter your password to access parental settings.
2. Install Google Play Store: Follow this simplified guide to download and install the Play Store via APK files.
3. Open the Play Store, sign in with your Google account, and install YouTube Kids.

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Step 2: Install the App Launcher (Parent Profile)

1. Open the Amazon Appstore and search for “App Launcher” (yellow star on a blue background).
2. Install it. To confirm the package name (e.g., rocks.seufert.applauncher), connect the tablet to your computer and run:

   adb shell pm list packages -3  
   

   This lists all third-party apps installed.

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Step 3: Enable Developer Mode & ADB

1. On the tablet, go to Settings > Device Options and tap the Serial Number 7 times to enable Developer Options.
2. Return to Settings, open Developer Options, and enable USB Debugging.
3. Connect the tablet to your computer via USB. When prompted, check “Always allow” and tap OK.

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Step 4: Run ADB Commands (Child Profile)

1. Switch to the Child Profile on the tablet.
2. Find the Child Profile User ID (usually 10):

   adb shell pm list users  
   

   Look for the child profile’s ID (e.g., UserInfo{10:Kids...}).

3. On your computer, run these commands to link Google services to the child profile (replace 10 if needed):

   adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 10 com.google.android.apps.youtube.kids  
   adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 10 com.google.android.gms  
   adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 10 com.android.vending  
   adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 10 com.google.android.gsf  
   adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 10 com.google.android.gsf.login  
   

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Step 5: Allow App Launcher & Add YT Kids (Parent Profile)

1. Switch back to the Parent Profile and open Settings > Parent Dashboard.
2. Go to Child Profile > Allowed Apps and ensure App Launcher is enabled.

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Step 6: Launch YouTube Kids (Child Profile)

1. Switch to the Child Profile.
2. Open the App Launcher on the parent profile, then:
   • Tap the Settings icon (gear symbol) in the App Launcher.
   • Select YouTube Kids from the list of installed apps.
   • Save changes.
3. The App is now visible with one click.

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Troubleshooting Tips

• If YT Kids crashes, reboot the tablet.
• Use pm list packages -3 to verify installed apps.
• Double-check user IDs with pm list users if commands fail.

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Enjoy a kid-friendly YouTube experience on your Kindle Tablet! 🚀