How to Set Up Amazon FireStick in 5 Minutes (Beginner’s Guide)

This guide will show you how to set up Amazon FireStick for the first time. The steps work on all Fire TV devices, including FireStick 2nd/3rd Gen, Fire TV Stick Lite, FireStick 4K (Max), New FireStick 4K, FireStick 4K Max, and Fire TV Cube.

What’s FireStick?

Amazon FireStick is a convenient way to stream your favorite content. However, if you have just bought FireStick or reset it recently, you must set it up first.

FireStick lets you stream tons of content, including:

• Movies
• TV shows
• Games
• Podcasts
• Kids content
• Documentaries
• Music and more

Similarly, you can catch up on various live TV channels and enjoy playing games. The Amazon FireStick lets you download applications from the Amazon App Store. It includes paid and free apps like Netflix, Hulu, Minecraft, etc. You can control the FireStick via a dedicated remote. The remote also offers voice commands and a quick launch button for easy navigation.

Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick

Why Choose FireStick?

There are plenty of streaming devices in the market. Some are feature-rich, while others offer mediocre performance.

Here are some reasons why you should choose FireStick for your streaming needs:

• The portable size is great for traveling.
• You can add external storage to expand the memory.
• The voice command feature makes it easy to control the device.
• It’s Bluetooth enabled, so you can easily connect game controllers and other devices.
• It offers HD and UHD streaming facilities.

Pre-requisites to Set Up Amazon FireStick

Before you learn to set up Amazon FireStick, here are some pre-requisites for the device:

• Stable Wi-Fi: The Amazon FireStick doesn’t offer a built-in Wi-Fi feature. Therefore, you must connect it to a fast and active internet connection.
• Compatible Television: FireSticks are only compatible with HD and UHD televisions with an HDMI port.
• Amazon Account: You must have an active Amazon account to enjoy using the Amazon FireStick. If you have ordered the device using your Amazon account, the seller will link it to it. Alternatively, you can register an Amazon account in a few easy steps (we’ll cover that later).

How to Setup Amazon FireStick With Remote Controls

Now that you’re all prepared let’s start. This setup process applies to all Fire TV devices except the FireStick Lite, whose remote is missing some critical buttons like the volume controls. Here’s how to set up your Amazon Fire TV Stick for the first time. I have divided the setup process into several relevant parts to make things easier.

Part 1: Getting Started

Follow the steps below:

1. Get your Fire TV Stick. It has a micro-USB port and an HDMI connector. Plug the USB power cord into the micro-USB port of your Fire Stick and insert the other end into a power adapter brick.

2. Now connect the power adapter to a power outlet. After that, plug the FireStick into any HDMI port on your TV.

Turn on your TV and change the input to the corresponding HDMI channel. You’ll see a loading screen with the Fire TV Stick logo. It might take some time to load for the first time, so don’t worry.

(Note: Using the power adapter in a wall outlet is recommended, not the powered USB ports offered by some TVs.)

3. It’s time to set up your FireStick remote. First, insert the two AAA batteries included in the box.

4. Once you have fixed the remote and the FireStick is connected, you will see the Fire TV logo on your screen.

5. Next, a prompt to search for the remote will appear. If the remote is off, switch it on, and then click the Home button to pair.

6. Click the pause/play button to begin the setup.

7. Choose your language from the displayed list and click OK on the remote (the circular button is at the center of the navigation ring).

8. After that, a list of available Wi-Fi networks will appear. Click on the network to which you wish to connect FireStick.

9. Enter the Wi-Fi password and click Connect.

10. Wait for a connection successful window.

11. The FireStick will check for updates to ensure you use the latest version.

12. FireStick will begin downloading the latest software version.

13. Next, your FireStick will begin updating.

14. The Fire TV logo will reappear on your screen.

15. You will see a Finishing Updates notification.

Part 2: Setting Up the Fire TV Remote

If you ordered FireStick from Amazon, there is a chance it will be preregistered with your Amazon account. However, if it is not preregistered or you want to register with a different Amazon account, you may deregister the existing account and register a new one.

Please follow the steps below to set up the FireStick remote:

1. FireStick will ask you to sign into your Amazon account. If you don’t have an account, click the second option to create one.

2. Use a computer or phone to go to amazon.com/code and enter the code displayed on your screen.

3. You will see a Fire TV successfully registered notification in the next window.

4. Fire TV will inform you that your Fire TV will be registered to your Amazon account. Click Continue to proceed.

5. Select Yes on the prompt to save your Wi-Fi passwords on your Amazon account.

6. If you reset your FireStick or previously had a Fire TV, you will see a prompt asking you to Restore previous account data. You will not see this prompt if you set up Fire TV for the first time.

7. Choose a device to restore.

8. Choose your TV brand from the list.

9. You will see a prompt asking you to turn up your volume and listen to music. Click Next.

10. Toggle the volume up and down buttons on your remote as per instructions on your screen.

11. Ensure you can hear the music and that your volume controls work well. After, click Yes.

12. Fire TV will notify you that you have successfully set up your remote. Click OK.

13. Select your default payment method.

Part 3: Setup the Fire TV Home Page and Streaming Services

Follow the steps below:

1. If you’re not subscribed to Prime Video, you will see a prompt asking you to try it for free with a 30-day free trial. You can try it or click Not Now to proceed.

2. The following window will ask you to set up your streaming services. Click Get Started.

3. Select the popular TV, sports, fitness, and featured service providers you wish to have on your home screen. After selecting services under each category, choose the one on the right side of the remote navigation pad.

4. Once you’re done, Fire TV will list all the services and apps that will be added to your home page. Click Finish.

5. Choose whether to turn parental controls on or off.

6. Review the instructions for setting up and navigating Fire TV, then click Got It.

7. Click on your Fire TV profile.

8. Check that your Fire TV home page is fully set up. You can now start streaming on Fire TV.

Exploring FireStick

Again, the streaming devices are loaded with exciting features. So, once you learn how to set up Amazon FireStick, explore the following section to uncover what the device offers.

Jailbreak Your FireStick to Enjoy Third-Party Apps

FireStick lets you enjoy multiple streaming applications like:

• Hulu
• Netflix
• Disney+
• Amazon Prime, etc.

One serious drawback of all these applications is their recurring subscription fees. Netflix alone charges over $6.99 for the base plan. Now add the cost of multiple streaming platforms, and you may get over budget. Therefore, you can jailbreak your FireStick to enjoy third-party and unofficial applications for free.

Jailbreaking is entirely safe and legal. So you don’t have to worry about any repercussions. You can easily jailbreak a FireStick and install Kodi, a multimedia player. Then, download your preferred addons and builds to enjoy uninterrupted streaming of TV shows, movies, games, kids’ content, etc.

Hide Your Internet Activity by Using a VPN

The internet is not the safest place to be. Aside from the government, your activities can be traced by:

• Hackers
• Snoopers
• Trackers
• Third parties
• Your ISP, etc.

For this reason, a VPN is crucial for concealing your online activities, especially when using third-party applications.

There are dozens of VPN services in the market. Some work on subscription-based models, while others may offer limited free data. However, after thorough research, I recommend you go for ExpressVPN. It’s a completely secure, reliable, and fast Virtual Private Network. Moreover, your connection will never be compromised.

Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN HERE. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Meaning, you can use it free for the first 30-days and if you are not satisfied with the performance (which is highly unlikely), you can ask for a full refund.

Step 2: Power ON your Fire TV Stick and go to Find followed by Search option.

Step 3: Now type “Expressvpn” (without quotes) in the search bar and select ExpressVPN when it shows up in the search results.

Step 4: Click Download to install the ExpressVPN app on Fire TV / Stick.

Step 5: Open the app and enter the login credentials that you created while buying the ExpressVPN subscription. Click Sign in.

Step 6: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for FireStick.

You can also read more detailed info on using ExpressVPN with Fire TV / Stick.

Conclusion

And that’s all about how to set up Amazon FireStick. Amazon has undoubtedly made a mark in the industry with its fantastic streaming sticks. From portable and lightweight design to unique streaming features, FireSticks are the best choice for many users.

Want to know more? Pen down your queries via the comment section.

Related Guides:

• FireStick not Working – Problems & Solutions
• How to Fix FireStick Remote Issues
• Where Do I Enter the Amazon Fire Stick Activation Code?
• How to Change Time on Amazon FireStick

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