Developer Mode on Fire TV

According to AFTV News, there's an update being rolled out for Amazon Fire TV devices that seems to remove Developer Mode on the devices.

For most users, this isn't that big of a deal, but for some, this is a thing.

You see, some users like to extend the features of their Fire TV devices by loading content that isn't in the Amazon application store (sometimes called "side loading"). Many times, this is simply content that for one reason or another, hasn't been approved for the Amazon Store. Other times, it's an app that wasn't actually designed for Amazon's OS, but will work. And others are loading pirate TV content.

To be fair, some that are loading pirate TV apps don't realize the apps are pirate TV apps. That's mostly because they don't understand that such things can be illegal, and pirates take advantage of this.

There are other reason for Developer Mode besides side loading apps. But removing the feature would impact a large number of users, even if the percentage is small.

However, they didn't really remove Developer Mode. Rather, they hid it. And, AFTV News also reports that it's actually easy to locate and enable Developer Mode:

If you’re using a Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, or Fire TV Cube, go to: Settings > My Fire TV > About. If you’re using a Fire TV Smart TV, go to: Settings > Device & Software > About. Once there, repeatedly select the first menu item, until a countdown message appears near the bottom. After selecting the first item about 7 times, the message “No need, you are already a developer” will appear at the bottom to indicate you are done. Go back one menu to find the newly revealed “Developer Options” menu.

The article also gives step by step instructions, with pictures, and videos.

If you're an Amazon Fire TV users, and were worried about losing Developer Mode from your Streaming Life, you need fear no more.