The Fire series of tablets run a version of Android called "Fire OS" that is customised and maintained by Amazon.
The devices come with a number of pre-installed applications and a customised user-interface.
Whilst it is possible to make changes, to what is supplied by Amazon, doing so often requires skills that are perhaps beyond those of the average user and it is therefore easiest if this default set up is left alone.
If however you do fancy "getting your hands dirty" there are lots of helpful video tutorials on YouTube etc. that will help guide you through the process.
There is however provision for users to install additional applications to those supplied 'out of the box'.
The first method is the installation of approved Apps from the Amazon Store which is quite straightforward provided you can find an App that meets your specific requirements.
The next method would be to obtain other 'standard' Apps that can be found in the Google Play Store.
Finally there are ways of 'sideloading' Apps from sources, other than the two 'Stores' mentioned above, and again once you have identified an App that you would like to install then you should 'Google' something like "How to install app-xxx on an Amazon Fire 7" and check the results. You will either be informed that your particular "app-xxx" will not work on Fire OS or hopefully it will and there should be accompanying YouTube videos to assist.
Depending on the capacity of your device and the number of additional Apps you want to install you might find that your device starts to run out of space. It's therefore a good idea to learn how to perform "Housekeeping" tasks in order to free up space and keep your device running well.
1. If not already installed you should download two very useful Apps called ES File Explorer and Mouse Toggle.
Run ES File Explorer and look for "Internal Storage" > "Downloads" and remove unwanted entries by long pressing on one of them and then ticking the corners of any others you want to remove.
Once the unwanted Apps have been deleted go back to the Home Screen and empty the "Recycle-bin" to free up the overall space.
2. If you use the FileLinked App [previously called DroidAdmin] you can quickly tidy up anything it has downloaded by using the 'x' in top right
3. Sometimes your device can suffer from "Floating Widets" that can be left behind on the screen after using Apps like ES File Explorer - if so go to "Settings" and locate "Logger Floating Widget Settings" and use the tick to remove them.
N.B. This handy video explains how to get the above jobs done.
Essential bits extracted from above ....
If you haven’t already done so then install the Google Play Store before continuing.
Use it to install the launcher of your choice. We’re using Nova Launcher in this guide, because frankly, it’s the best.
Quick method: Download all 4 Android APKs first, then install in order ....
Google Play Services APK (use this version instead if you have the 2017 Fire HD 8)
As these download you may notice that there are more up to date versions available - just ignore for now - after everything is installed [in the correct order] automatic updates will be applied and all will be well.
The Nova Launcher worked, when selected by icon, but system kept reverting to it's default despite changing several recommended settings. This may be o.k. if you want to retain the default launcher and manually launch Nova each time. As I was unable to get it to remain 'on' as default [my preference] I Googled issue and found this app LauncherHiJacker [see below] that should do the the trick but after you install it you find out that nasty old Amazon have blocked it.
However further research yields ....
Download for cloned App: https://www.mediafire.com/file/kqa89...Clone.apk/file
1. Install Google Play Store and Get Android Apps
2. Expand the Default Storage
3. Watch Your Own Movies
4. Get Rid of Pesky Ads and Special Offers
5. Perform Office Tasks
6. Watch Movies Anywhere!
7. Stand Up
8. Screen Record and Screenshots