Amazon's last cheap sideload-friendly Fire TV Stick is about to disappear, so I set mine up to last for years

Amazon's latest streaming devices, equipped with Vega OS, are set to eliminate the ability to install Android APKs from sideloading. This news has prompted a reporter to prepare their 4K Plus sideload-friendly Fire TV Stick for long-term use. The 4K Plus (2025) and second-generation 4K Max (2023) models are the last available Android-based sticks. Amazon will be selling the remaining 4K Plus stock until it's gone, leaving the pricier Max streaming stick isolated.

To optimize the stick, the reporter began by decluttering it by uninstalling unnecessary apps. They do this to free up storage space for the apps they want. After removing most streaming and Amazon apps, they enable Developer Options and APK installation. By doing so, they unlock the key to installing APKs on the Fire TV Stick. They also customize privacy settings, disable unwanted ads, and turn off unnecessary data collection and notifications.

The reporter installed essential apps they use most, including multiple launchers like Projectivy and Arc, to keep the interface clutter-free. They also installed screensaver apps like Ariel Views. For app installation, they use Downloader for occasional apps and ADB with Android SDK Platform Tools on their PC for bulk installations.

They also backup APKs in case of factory resets. Their choice of apps varies based on personal preferences, including Kodi for local media playback and sharing, F-Droid for specialty Android software, and SmartTube for an improved YouTube experience.