To download apps on Echo Show, you first need to know which model you own, because most Echo Show devices don't support traditional app downloads at all. Instead of downloading apps like on a phone, Echo Show 5, 8, and 10 use Alexa Skills, while the Echo Show 15 and 21 use the Fire TV app store.
Can you download apps on Echo Show?
Most Amazon Echo Show models, including the Echo Show 5, 8, and 10, do not support downloading traditional smartphone or tablet applications. Instead of "apps," these Echo Show models primarily use "Alexa Skills" to extend their functionality. Alexa Skills are features or functions that you add to your Echo device, similar to apps, but they reside on Amazon's servers rather than being installed directly on the device. The Amazon Echo Show 15 and Echo Show 21 are exceptions, as they have built-in Fire TV functionality, allowing users to download and install Fire TV apps.
How to enable Alexa Skills on Echo Show 5, 8, and 10
To enable Alexa Skills for most Echo Show models, open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. This is the only way to add new capabilities to your Echo Show 5, 8, or 10, you cannot download apps directly on the device itself.
- Tap "More" in the bottom right corner, then tap "Skills & Games."
- Search for the desired skill.
- Select it from the list, and tap "Enable to Use."
- Some Alexa Skills may require you to link your account from that service with your Alexa account. Complete account linking if the Skill requires a separate service account, which may involve authentication or authorization.
- Use the Skill with its listed invocation phrase, such as "Alexa, open [Skill name]."
You can also enable Alexa Skills using voice commands by saying, "Alexa, enable [skill name]." For video streaming services like Netflix or YouTube, you may need to log in using the on-screen keyboard, but these services are generally available by voice command (e.g., "Alexa, play [content] on Netflix").
How to download Fire TV apps on Echo Show 15 and 21
To download apps on an Echo Show 15 or 21, you must open the Fire TV experience on the device. These models support the regular Fire TV app-download process.
- Say "Alexa, open Fire TV" or tap the Fire TV control on the display.
- Open the search function within Fire TV.
- Use Fire TV search to enter the name of the streaming service you want, such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, or Max.
- Choose the app listing. Select the result that corresponds to the official service. Review its details before installing.
- Select "Get" or the displayed purchase option. Sign in if required. Wait for the installation to finish.
- The app should become available in the Fire TV app area or your app library.
What about pre-installed services like Prime Video and Netflix?
Many popular video streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix are often pre-integrated or easily accessible on Echo Show devices without a traditional "download" process, requiring only account login.
Using the Silk browser for other services
The Echo Show includes web browsers (Silk and Firefox) which can be used to access video services not natively supported by skills or built-in integrations. The Silk browser is pre-installed on these devices, so you can open it and navigate to any streaming website that isn't available as a Skill or Fire TV app.
Why you can't sideload Android apps on Echo Show
Sideloading or downloading third-party Android apps (APKs) is not officially supported by Amazon for Echo Show devices. Amazon states it cannot speak to the performance and quality of applications not downloaded directly through the Amazon Appstore and is not responsible for issues caused by apps from unknown sources. Attempting to sideload apps can cause performance problems or instability on your Echo Show.
