What Are Developer Options?
Like with Android, which FireTV OS is based on, Developer Options are tools designed to be used by experienced users or app developers. Unlike on Android, there are only a few settings in the FireTV OS Developer Options menu: ADB Debugging, Apps from Unknown Sources, and Deep Sleep mode.
ADB Debugging allows you to install applications remotely over your Wi-Fi network. Directly from your phone, for example. If you ever need to link an app to your Fire TV using the IP address, you will need to enable ADB Debugging.
Deep Sleep mode puts the device into a kind of hibernation, preventing network activity. This means the Fire TV device can’t be started remotely by connected devices such as your Echo speaker.
Viewing the Developer Options: Old Method
If you have not updated the FireTV OS, for whatever reason, the Developer Options may not be hidden. They can be accessed directly from the Device settings.
On your Fire TV device, navigate to Settings > Device. Scroll down through the device settings to find Developer Options. Here, you can enable ADB or Apps from Unknown Sources.
In June 2022, an update to FireTV OS moved the Developer Options. If you have updated your device, and the method above no longer works, you need to use the new method to access them.
Viewing the Developer Options: New Method
If you have ever accessed the developer options on an Android phone, this process should be familiar to you.
On your Fire TV device, select the gear icon to open Settings. Navigate to the My Fire TV section and then select About. At the top of the menu is the Fire TV device name, e. g. Fire TV Stick 4K. With the name highlighted, keep clicking the Action button on your remote until you see “You are now a developer” appear. Go back to the previous menu to see the Developer Options menu.
After an update to the FireTV OS, the Developer Options may disappear from the menu. They are still available, you just need to repeat the steps above to reveal them again.
How Can the Developer Options be Used?
The Developer Options have been hidden for a reason. Installing apps from unknown sources can sometimes be problematic. But as long as you are careful, using these options can really expand the things you can do with Fire TV.
You can install apps from alternate sources, connect your phone to your Fire TV with ADB, connect a mouse, and even grab screenshots from the Fire TV display.
Another Developer Menu
There’s a more complete Developer tools menu available on your Fire TV device, but this one really is aimed purely at app developers. Accessing it and changing the options it contains is not recommended unless you really know what you are doing.
To view this menu, press and hold the Action button on your remote for a second, before also pressing down on the Directional ring. After 3-4 seconds, release both buttons and press the Menu button.
Viewing the Developer Options on Fire TV
Revealing the Developer Option for your Fire TV device gives you access to some powerful tools. Just make sure to tread carefully with all the different options.
