How to use Amazon Fire Stick

The Amazon Fire Stick is a streaming media device that transforms your TV into a smart one. It allows you to watch your favorite shows and movies from top services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime.

Further, if you want to bypass having cable services, the Amazon Fire Stick gives you an alternative. You can buy a subscription to live streaming platforms (Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, etc.) and watch your shows, programs, and games live.

This guide shows you how to set up your Amazon Fire Stick, the different products available, and answers common questions you might have. 

Setting up the Amazon Fire Stick

One of the advantages of using the Amazon Fire Stick is its simplicity in setup. Here’s how it works:

1. You want to remove all contents from its packaging. Start by powering on the Amazon Fire Stick. Connect the micro USB adapter from your device to the AC adapter and plug it into the wall outlet. However, if you have a USB connector on your TV, you can plug the USB adapter into your TV as your power source. Then, you will not need to use the wall outlet. 

2. Next, you need to find the HDMI ports on your TV to plug in the device. Look for these ports on the back or sides of your TV. The manufacturer will have a label indicating which ports are for HDMI cables. The Fire Stick also comes with an HDMI extender you can use if the device is too bulky to fit in a tight space. 

3. From here, you want to turn on your TV. Use your TV remote to find the input or source button. Now, looking at the back of your TV, see which port you plugged in the Amazon Fire Stick device. It is the input you need to select on your TV. 

4. As your TV loads, grab the remote that came with your package. Install the batteries. Press and hold the home button until it pairs with your TV. 

5. Once the remote pairs, you need to follow the instructions on your TV using your Amazon remote. Press the enter button (middle of the circle) to make your selections.

6. The device then runs through its configuration. You might receive an error message stating an unsupported USB device. If you read this message but do not have any problems with performance, you can bypass it.

7. After configuring your device, Amazon wants to set up your account. If you bought your Amazon Fire Stick through your Amazon account, then it might be under your account already. If this is the case, all you need to do is enter your password. However, if you bought it from a third-party retailer, or want to use another account, then you can enter your Amazon account credentials at this time. It’s crucial to note you do not need to have an Amazon Prime membership to use the Fire Stick, just an Amazon account. You can sign up for one for free.

8. Next, you can follow the rest of the prompts. It includes setting up parental controls and making volume adjustments to ensure your remote works. The basic model (the Fire TV Stick Lite) will not have this feature. 

9. A prompt appears asking if you want to set up your streaming services. If you have subscriptions with streaming platforms, you can download them during this step. After downloading them, you can enter your login and password for each platform you have a subscription. Once verified, you can use these streaming services on your TV anytime you want.

10. Each Amazon Fire Stick features voice controls. You can press the microphone button to access Alexa. Alexa can change channels, tell you what the temperature is outside, adjust your TV’s volume, and much more. If you have a connected security camera, you can even access feeds from other rooms in your house on your TV. 

11. Finally, play around with the home screen to become acclimated to using the service. You can search for movies, use your Amazon Prime membership or download a streaming service to watch movies or shows from the home screen.

Which Amazon Fire Stick is right for me?

Amazon has an arsenal of Fire Sticks available for purchase. If you want the basics that allow you to stream movies and shows in HD, with no frills, then the
Fire TV Stick Lite

 might be a wise option.

Meanwhile, if you want to stream in 4K, the
Fire TV Stick 4K

is a better alternative. It features 4K Ultra HD and supports Dolby Vision, with the audio complement of Dolby Atmos. In turn, you receive crystal clear pictures with riveting sounds. 

The top offering is the
Fire Stick 4K Max

. It comes with all the unique features of the Fire TV Stick 4, with the bonuses of Wi-Fi6 support and the live view picture in picture. 

Amazon Fire Stick FAQ