In this tutorial, we will show you how to start using the Crackle app on FireStick. These step-by-step instructions work on all Amazon Fire TV variants, including FireStick 4K, Fire TV Stick Lite, and Fire TV Cube.
Amazon’s aggressive push and constant innovation continue in the streaming device market with the FireStick. It’s come to a point where the device is a must-have accessory in any living room. The FireStick is packed with well-known streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, and AiryTV. Among the sea of paid streaming services, Crackle brings a breath of fresh air with free TV shows and movies.
Who doesn’t love free TV shows and movies? I sure do. While services like Netflix and Disney+ do a commendable job with high-quality original shows and movies, it doesn’t hurt to check out free streaming offerings from the likes of AiryTV and Crackle.
We have already covered AiryTV and how to install it on the FireStick. In this post, we will move our focus to the Crackle app and how to use it on the FireStick.
Before we jump to the installation guide, let’s understand what Crackle is, who owns the service, and why it is getting so popular these days.
Attention FireStick Users
Governments and ISPs across the world monitor their users' online activities. If you use third-party streaming apps on your Fire TV Stick, you should always use a good FireStick VPN and hide your identity so that your movie viewing experience doesn’t take a bad turn. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone.
I use ExpressVPN which is the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device including Amazon Fire TV Stick. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don't like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 3 months free and save 49% on annual plan.
What Is Crackle and Why Is It So Popular?
Similar to Netflix and Prime Video, Crackle is an on-demand streaming TV service. Back in 2006, Sony purchased Crackle, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as Sony Crackle. In 2019, a new member came on board. Sony sold a controlling stake of the streaming service to Chicken Soup for the Soul. As of now, both of the industry giants are collectively working on Crackle.
There is a good selection of entertainment on Crackle. The content mix includes movies, TV series, and a handful of original programs. You won’t have a hard time finding something you like.
Crackle’s offering includes films with Hollywood megastars like Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jack Nicholson. You will likely bump into plenty of recognizable titles. There is something for everyone here.
However, Crackle’s availability is limited to just a few regions. The service is available for free in the United States and Australia. The company offers paid services to Latin America and Caribbean countries.
Without further ado, let’s install and use Crackle on FireStick.
How to Install Crackle on FireStick
Crackle is natively available on the FireStick. Simply search it on the Amazon App Store and install the app. No need to mess with the sideloading process. Follow the steps below to download Crackle on FireStick.
Note: The screenshots below are of the new FireStick UI that Amazon recently released for existing devices. The company has made significant changes to the menus and button placements. If you are still using an old UI, please update your FireStick to the latest available version.
1. Open the FireStick home page and scroll over to Find.
2. Scroll down and select Search.
3. Type Crackle using the built-in keyboard.
4. Select Crackle from the suggestions.
5. Find the Crackle app with an orange background and white font.
6. Select the Download or Get option. The download process will take few minutes depending on your internet speed.
7. After successful installation, just Open the app and you are ready to go with Crackle on FireStick.
Let me tell you, Crackle is addictive. Instead of scrolling to the app at the bottom of the Apps and Games list every time, I advise you to place the app at the top of the list for your convenience. Go through the steps below to make the change.
1. Press and hold the home button on the FireStick remote.
2. Go to Apps on the following screen.
3. Here, you will see a list of all the apps installed on your FireStick. Scroll down and find Crackle on the list. While the app is highlighted, hit the Option key on the remote.
4. Select Move from the sidebar.
5. You can now move Crackle to your desired position. Place it at the top or wherever you prefer.
That’s it. Crackle TV is now at your fingertips on the FireStick. Let’s open the app and explore the service.
Crackle Features and Offerings
One of the best things about the Crackle app is user convenience. It won’t force you to create an account right away. You can sign up for the service or skip it for now to explore the app.
Crackle is true to its slogan: “Watch free movies, TV, and exclusive original programming anytime, anywhere.” The app is absolutely free to use in the US.
You must be wondering, how does Crackle make money? After all, it costs a good chunk of money to run app servers and produce original shows. The answer is simple: ads. The app comes with ads here and there. However, they are not aggressive or annoying. The ads are well-balanced and don’t affect the user experience much.
Speaking of user experience, the interface is easy to use and navigate. You won’t have to scratch your head finding relevant menus and options.
Even though the Crackle app is limited to certain regions, it hasn’t forgotten about the global audience—Crackle supports a bunch of languages. You can use subtitles as well. Simply play the content you want to watch and click any button to open the settings. From there, you can adjust CC.
Crackle FAQ
Where Else Can I Access Crackle?
Crackle is a cross-platform service. It’s available on FireStick, Roku, Android, iPhone, and even the web.
Is Crackle Legal?
Just a few years ago, Crackle was owned by Japanese entertainment giant Sony. That alone should answer your question about the legal status of the service. Moreover, the ads are legitimate and are not the constant, disruptive, full-screen ads you may encounter on other free streaming services.
Is Crackle Free?
Crackle is 100% free to use. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if paid plans were introduced in the future.
What Types of TV Series and Movies Are Available on Crackle?
Crackle provides thousands of TV shows and movies to stream. They are neatly categorized into various genres, such as sci-fi, thriller, comedy, drama, and Crackle original.
How Do I Update Crackle on FireStick?
The update process doesn’t require any manual input from users. As soon as a new update is available for Crackle, your FireStick will automatically install the update.
How to Unblock Crackle from Other Countries
As I mentioned, Crackle is only available in a handful of countries. If you try to access Crackle from another region, the service will show an error: “Thanks for visiting, unfortunately, we are not currently available in this region.”
You can easily bypass this limitation using a VPN for FireStick. There are many excellent VPN services for FireStick. Among them, ExpressVPN tops our recommendations with its blazing fast speeds, unblocking power, excellent security and privacy features, and more.
ExpressVPN has a dedicated app in the Amazon App Store. Simply download and install the app from the store and start using the service. Read our detailed installation guide to learn more.
Read: How to Install ExpressVPN on FireStick
Enjoy Free Movies and TV Shows on FireStick
Did you go through the steps above and successfully install the Crackle app on your FireStick? I’m sure you will have a great time browsing the rich library of TV shows, movies, and Crackle originals. If you can’t access Crackle from your location, don’t forget you can unblock and use the app with a VPN for your FireStick.
Legal Disclaimer - FireStickTricks.com does not verify the legality or security of any add-ons, apps or services mentioned on this site. Also, we do not promote, host or link to copyright-protected streams. We highly discourage piracy and strictly advise our readers to avoid it at all costs. Any mention of free streaming on our site is purely meant for copyright-free content that is available in the Public domain. Read our full disclaimer.Disclosure - FireStickTricks.com is reader-supported blog. When you buy a product through links on our site, we may earn commission. Learn More
