In this post, we will talk about what is FireStick and how does it work. This article also applies to Amazon FireStick 4K, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV Stick Lite.
If you are shopping for a new streaming device, you must have thought about some of the popular ones. Amazon FireStick, Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, and Android TV Boxes are the most likely options you will choose from.
Interesting read: Roku vs. FireStick – A Comparison of Best Streaming Devices
After having used all of them for a significant amount of time, I can confidently say that Amazon FireStick is one of the best.
This guide intends to provide an overview of Fire TV Stick and how FireStick works so that it becomes easier for you to make the choice.
If you have already bought a FireStick, this guide will surely help you get started.
Attention, FireStick Users!
Governments and ISPs constantly monitor your online activity, and accessing copyrighted content on your Fire TV Stick could lead to serious trouble. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone. I strongly recommend getting the best FireStick VPN to mask your IP address and securely stream your favorites.
I personally use ExpressVPN, the fastest and most secure VPN available. Not only is it easy to install on any device, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, if you're not 100% satisfied, you can always get a refund. ExpressVPN is currently also offering a whopping 3 extra months free on their annual plan!
Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick
What is Amazon FireStick?
FireStick is a streaming device that connects to your TV and lets you stream content over the internet. FireStick is officially branded as Amazon Fire TV Stick. However, it and more popularly known as just FireStick.
FireStick is an Android-based device. However, unlike most Android devices, FireStick does not support Google Play Services. It uses the modified Android OS and supports Amazon Store.
With FireStick, you can stream movies, shows, live TV, and just about anything you can think of. You can download dozens of apps from the Amazon Store, including the most popular ones, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more.
Additionally, FireStick also lets you sideload third-party apps that are not available on Amazon Store.
What are the different Fire TV devices available?
Presently, Amazon sells the following five devices:
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| FireStick Lite | $29.99 |
| FireStick 3rd Gen | $39.99 |
| FireStick 4K | $49.99 |
| FireStick 4K Max | $54.99 |
| Fire TV Cube | $119.99 |
Interesting read: FireStick vs. FireStick 4K vs. Fire TV Cube.
All these devices are fundamentally the same. However, there are some significant differences depending upon your preferences.
Personally speaking, I believe that FireStick 4K is the most viable option presently.
What does FireStick do?
In short, here are some of the things FireStick would do for you:
- Stream Videos (Movies, Shows, etc.)
- Stream Music
- Play Games
- Get answers and information using Alexa (voice-controlled AI)
Amazon Fire TV Stick is primarily a video streaming device. It is its ability to effortlessly bring entertainment to your home that has made it so popular.
You can get streaming apps from Amazon Store or sideload third-party apps (discussed later in the guide).
You can get Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and almost anything you want.
You can also download and play games on FireStick. However, some games require the Amazon Fire TV Game Controller. It is sold separately on Amazon. Honestly, FireStick is not really known for its gaming abilities.
Alexa, the voice-controlled AI is one of the biggest draws of FireStick and Fire TV. Alexa will do a lot of things for you. Just push the mic button on your remote and ask Alexa to open apps, give the weather report, find the sushi restaurants nearby, or even tell a joke.
If you are using Fire TV Cube, Alexa will even control your smart devices and appliances.
How does FireStick Work?
FireStick is a straightforward streaming device. I have used almost all streaming devices including Roku, Chromecast, Android TV Boxes. I can confidently say that it has the most user-friendly interface. It is just too easy to use.
Let’s see how FireStick works.
Getting Started with FireStick
Once you take FireStick out of the box, here are a few things you need to do first:
- Insert the batteries in the remote
- Plug FireStick into the HDMI port of your TV. You may also use the HDMI extender that comes shipped with the device
- Turn ON your TV and choose the HDMI port as the source in which you plugged in your FireStick
- Connect FireStick to the power source
- Wait for FireStick to power up
Initial FireStick Set up
When you use FireStick for the first time after taking it out of the box, you will need to set it up.
The setup process is easy. We have provided a complete set of instructions in our detailed guide: How to set up Amazon FireStick.
During the setup, you will be required to:
- Connect to a Wi-Fi: Make sure you have a Wi-Fi connection and it is within reach of FireStick.
- Sign up with your Amazon account: Your FireStick needs to be tied to an Amazon account. You cannot set it up without one. If you don’t have an Amazon account, create a free account via the Amazon web portal. If you have an Amazon account with a Prime membership, I recommend signing in with the same account. There’s a huge collection of Prime content you wouldn’t want to miss. If you bought FireStick via Amazon, the device will already come signed in with your Amazon account if you chose the option ‘Link to my Amazon account to simplify setup’ during sign-up.
Get your favorite apps and channels from the Amazon Store
Amazon FireStick supports hundreds of apps and channels. There are two ways you can download them from the Amazon App Store.
If you are looking for something specific, choose the Find > Search option from the FireStick home screen (menu bar in the middle).
Now, type the name of the app you wish to get and follow the on-screen instructions to download it from the Store.
OR
There is another way to get the apps and channels from the Amazon Store. You can explore the complete list and choose the ones you wish to download.
Choose Find > Appstore from the FireStick home screen.
Here, you will find 4 options to choose from: All your Apps, Featured, Games, and All Categories.
In the Featured section, you will find the popular apps and channels recommended by Amazon.
I usually choose All Categories to explore all the options category-wise.
Here, you will find all the possible categories you can think of, including Movies & TV, News, Music & Audio, Business, Communication, and more.
When you click a category, you see the list of the related channels. For instance, upon clicking Movies & TV, this is what I see:
So, that is how you get your favorite apps and channels from the Amazon Store.
You should also check out our list of best FireStick channels.
How Does FireStick Work for Free Streaming
This is the best part of FireStick which makes it so popular among cord-cutters. The device is very much capable to stream unlimited free content including movies, shows, documentaries, sports, and more.
Jailbreak FireStick
If you want to explore the true potential of FireStick or Fire TV, jailbreaking is the way to go. After jailbreaking, you will have access to loads of free content. Whether you like movies, shows, or live TV, you will get it all.
Jailbreaking is easy and our step-by-step guide makes sure it is even easier
Read: How to Jailbreak FireStick
Jailbreaking may sound a little overwhelming, but trust me, it is not. We call it “jailbreak” because resellers have made this term quite popular. The process includes the installation of certain third-party apps that allow you to stream free content. Here are some of the quick facts:
- Jailbreaking DOES NOT harm your device
- Jailbreaking DOES NOT void warranty
- Jailbreaking DOES NOT require any technical knowledge
Install third-party APKs
While the jailbreak process shows you the installation of the most popular apps, there are tons of other third-party APKs that you can install on your device.
After setting up your FireStick, take a look at the list of the best FireStick apps we have put together.
You will find some of the most popular apps here. You will also find the links to the installation guides to get you started.
Wrapping Up
That’s pretty much how FireStick works. This guide should help you get started with your device now. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to fill us in through the comments section below.
You may also like:
- How to install & use a VPN on Firestick
- How to fix buffering on Firestick
- How to prevent overheating of Firestick
- How to reset Firestick to factory defaults
FAQs
NO. There is no monthly fee associated with Amazon Fire TV Stick and other Fire TV variants. All you have to do is buy the device and you can start streaming.
Amazon Firestick allows you to watch hundreds of channels, which includes free as well as paid options. You can take a look at this list of best Fire Stick channels for detailed information.
Yes. You must have a good speed internet connection for Fire TV Stick to work.
You don’t need a VPN for Firestick to work. However, if you are streaming with low-cost or free services, it is advisable to get a good VPN for keeping your online activities private. Here is a list of 10 reasons why everyone should use a VPN.
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.
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Don I have 3 fire sticks in my house and often when I turn of for the night and try to start again the next day I have to unplug the fire stick and re-plug and wait for loading again what am I doing wrong
Hi Don. Unfortunately, that seems to be a common problem with some FireSticks. I suggest reaching out to the Amazon Support Team to see if they can offer a solution.
It doesn’t tell me anything about jailbreaking the fire stick.
Hi Damian, here is our guide on how to jailbreak a FireStick: https://www.firesticktricks.com/jailbreak-fire-stick.html
Can I see Discovery + with Fire Sitck?
Hi Lorraine, yes, you can do that. Here is our guide: https://www.firesticktricks.com/discovery-plus-firestick.html
I noticed on the Roku vs. Firestick article you could use one Roku device on multiple tv’s without moving the device from tv to tv. Is that possible with the Firestick 4k or the Firestick TV cube?
Hi Evan, that won’t be possible with a FireStick. You will need to unplug it from one TV before you plug it into another.
My tv is on and the hdmi on screen but nothing from firestick never had problem before already disconnected from power source a nd back what can i do
Hi Eloisa, did you try it in another HDMI port on the same TV? It could either be the faulty HDMI port or FireStick itself.
Can I use the Firestick w/o internet provider if I go thru a hotspot such as Netgear from AT&T
Hi Regina, yes, you could use a FireStick with a hotspot.
can i record tv shows with the firestick
Hi Stephanie, you will need a separate device called Fire TV Recast. The price starts at $137.99.
Will the Firestick work on any TV providing it has an HDMI – the TV I’d like to use it on is pretty old…?
Yes Lucy, if your TV has a functional HDMI port, FireStick will work with it.
I have a Sony Bravia smart TVs that will not allow me to access Prime video for movies etc. Consequently I have to plug my laptop into the HDMI in order to watch anything on Prime. Would the Fire Stick work on a Sony Bravia and eliminate this annoying step?
Hi Lucy, yes, FireStick will work with your TV. You just need to plug it into one of the available HDMI ports.
Hi, I already have a smart tv with all the apps then does buying a firestick really help ?
Hi Pavani, I personally prefer FireStick over a Smart TV, primarily because it is easier to use. However, if you are comfortable with the interface and functions of your TV and already have these apps sideloaded onto it, you do not need a FireStick.
With more than one TV in the house, can we watch individual channels at the same time?
Hi Margot, you can watch any channel on multiple TVs at the same time only if the channel allows simultaneous streaming on multiple devices. You may need to check the subscription details to determine if simultaneous streaming is available with the channel.
Hi i live in Australia and have no idea how this works not that me being in Australia has anything to do with why i have no idea how it works what i need to know is how does it connect to my tv and will it affect my foxtel box which is a paid tv satalite thing we have down here ??
Hi, FireStick does not affect your Satellite TV connection. You just need to put it in a separate HDMI port. If you have run out of available HDMI ports, you can plug a device out and plug FireStick in.
To get started, you will need to set up your FireStick. Here is our guide: https://www.firesticktricks.com/how-to-set-up-amazon-fire-tv-stick-for-first-time.html
Me and my Roku-savvy friend tried to get an NBA game on TNT on my new Firestick. First I got a preview of the game lasting 6 minutes, and was instructed to tell my “TV supplier”. What TV supplier?? I just ditched my supplier (Frontier) for just internet service. Tried logging in with existing Hulu just WHO is my supplier?
Hi Robert, some of the FireStick channels require cable TV subscriptions to work. It looks like you ran into one such app.
After installing FireStick, I lost all AM/FM tuner function on my surround receiver. It doesn’t work at all. Am I missing something?
Hi Mark, I don’t think your FireStick has got anything to do with your surround receiver losing the AM/FM function.
My smart TV is connected to the hotspot on my iPad. I currently already pay for prime and Netflix that I get using the hotspot. Will fire stick work with that same hotspot?
Hi Rebecca, yes, you can connect FireStick to a hotspot. But, it must have good enough speed for streaming. Does it do at least 20Mbps?
If I cancel my Dish Network, will the Fire stick still work?
Hi Marion, FireStick works independently of your cable TV subscription. However, there are some channels on FireStick that would require cable subscription login.
I like local channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and the public broadcasting station as well as Fox News channel and Turner Movies and AMC and HGTV. Would I be able to watch these channels with Amazon Firestick?
Hi Sandra, yes most of them are available via Amazon Store.
Does firestick support Acorntv
Hi Sunny, yes, it is available via the Amazon Store.
Hi, I want ACC Network but we have Xfinity and can’t get it. I do not want to switch to Direct TV. I thought I read somewhere that you could get ACCN using an Amazon Firestick. Is that true?
Hi Nancy, there are two links in the guide. If one link doesn’t work for you, try installing it from the other link. It worked for me with the second link.
New B
I keep getting notice on screen that the fire stick is low and I need to get rid of some APPs? How do I do this? I’ve gone to the site that shows factory APPs
Hi Beverly, you may delete unwanted applications and free up storage by going to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications. Choose the app you want to delete and click Uninstall.
So, if I currently have cable and am paying a huge monthly bill for a package I had to pick to watch only about 10-15 channels I like, I could change to basic cable so I can keep my local channels and keep my wifi and buy the firestick so I can stream my Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. I already have an Amazon Prime Account. I have been wanting to do something different to decrease my cable bill. I am currently paying $179 a month for a package with 250 channels, DVR and Wifi. Does it come with Demand?
Hi Judy, take a look at this article: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-iptv-service.html
Hi! Do you know if the nitro tv site is down? I’ve been trying to sign up with no luck.
Hi, Nitro TV has been taken down following a lawsuit. Please try one of the other IPTV services on our list of Best IPTV Services.
Can you use firestick and still be connected to cable tv?Does Firestick affect memory on my computer or is it directed straight from Wi-Fi to the fire stick?
Hi Gary, FireStick is a standalone device. It does not affect your existing Cable TV connection or your computer memory. It connects directly to your Wi-Fi.