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You may be able to install Nova Launcher on a Fire tablet, but installing the app and making it the tablet’s persistent Home screen are different things. Amazon supports Android apps on Fire tablets, yet neither that support nor installing Nova guarantees that the Home button will open Nova. Check your tablet model and Fire OS version before trying device-specific changes.

Before you start: identify your Fire tablet and Fire OS version

Fire tablets differ by generation and software version, so first identify your device using Amazon’s Fire tablet identification guide. Then check the Fire OS version in the tablet’s Settings; menu wording can vary by model. This matters because Amazon’s developer compatibility guidance lists different Android foundations for different Fire OS generations: Fire OS 5 is based on Android 5.1 (API level 22), Fire OS 6 on Android 7.1.2 (API level 25), and Fire OS 7 on Android 9 (API level 28). Those are version identifiers, not a guarantee that a particular Nova release works on every device. Amazon’s Fire OS overview provides the platform context.

Choose what you mean by “add Nova”

Approach What it does Important limit
Install and open Nova as an app Adds Nova if the app is compatible with your tablet and installs successfully. Amazon says Fire tablets support Android apps. Amazon’s Fire tablet developer guide Does not establish that Fire OS will use Nova as the persistent Home app. A community report describes a specific setup, not universal behavior.
Change Home behavior using a computer and ADB Amazon documents ADB connections over USB or network. Amazon’s ADB connection instructions Nova-specific Home changes are model- and software-dependent. A third-party tutorial reports one tested configuration, not an official or universal method. 2023 community tutorial

Install Nova as an app

Amazon’s developer documentation establishes that Fire tablets support Android apps, but the sources available do not establish that every current Nova build is compatible with every Fire tablet. Use an installation source you trust and verify that the app is offered for your device. If it is unavailable or fails to install, do not assume that changing Home settings will solve an app-compatibility problem.

After installation, open Nova from the app list and complete its initial setup. At this point you have added and can use the launcher as an app; you have not necessarily changed what the tablet opens when you press Home.

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Make Nova the persistent Home app

Some Fire tablet firmware may restrict setting a third-party launcher as the default Home app. Amazon’s public developer instructions explain how to connect ADB, but they do not give a universal consumer procedure for making Nova the system launcher. Community reports and tutorials describe changes on particular configurations; they do not establish that the same method works safely on another model or Fire OS release.

If you investigate ADB, first match the instructions to your exact tablet generation and Fire OS version. Amazon documents connections from a development computer over USB or network. For USB, use a data-capable cable with connectors that fit both the tablet and computer; a charge-only cable will not provide the required data connection. Follow Amazon’s device-specific connection instructions rather than treating commands from a video or forum post as universal.

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One 2023 tutorial reports using pm disable-user --user 0 com.amazon.firelauncher and pm set-home-activity com.teslacoilsw.launcher/.NovaLauncher on a single Fire 8-inch / Android 11 setup. These commands disable the stock launcher and assign Nova on that reported configuration. They are not established as appropriate for other devices, and disabling a system component can leave you without the expected Home behavior. Do not run them unless instructions have been verified for your exact model and software, and keep a way to restore the stock launcher. No universal rollback procedure is established here.

If the tablet keeps returning to Amazon’s launcher

  • Confirm that Nova itself opens from the app list. If it does not, troubleshoot installation or app compatibility before changing Home behavior.
  • Record the tablet’s model or generation and Fire OS version; generic advice may not match your firmware.
  • If Nova opens but Home returns to Amazon’s launcher, that indicates the app is installed but Fire OS is not persisting Nova as Home. Installing Nova again does not, by itself, resolve that distinction.
  • Avoid disabling or removing system components based on instructions for a different tablet or OS version. If you cannot verify device-specific steps and a recovery path, use Nova as an app rather than altering the stock launcher.
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Is Nova Prime required?

No. Nova Prime is optional access to additional features, not a prerequisite established for installing Nova. Nova’s FAQ says the free version includes ads and describes Prime as available through yearly subscription or lifetime purchase; lifetime access requires installing the Prime app unlocker. Check Nova’s FAQ for the current terms.

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Best Value
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  • Save time, get creative - Enjoy three smart tools to help you send polished emails, quickly summarize webpages, and create unique wallpapers.
  • Stream or download your favorite shows, movies, and games (like Minecraft, Roblox, and more). Enjoy your favorite content from Facebook, Hulu, Instagram, TikTok, and more through Amazon’s Appstore (Google Play not supported. Subscription for some apps required).
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.