How to set up an Amazon Fire TV Stick

There are a lot of reasons to get an Amazon Fire TV Stick. It lets you make a regular TV smart and gives you easy access to all your video streaming apps. Even if you have a smart TV, the Fire Stick interface is likely faster and less buggy than whatever is on the TV. More importantly, it’s cheap. If you’ve bought one and are ready to get started, here’s everything you need to know about how to set up an Amazon Fire Stick!

What you need to get started

1. The first thing you need to do is to make sure that the Fire Stick will work with your TV. You’re good to go if it comes with an HD resolution (or higher) and has an HDMI port. You can get around the HDMI port requirement with the right HDMI to AV converter, but your mileage may vary.
2. You’ll need a good internet connection. Every video streaming app has similar minimum speed requirements. For example, Amazon Prime Video needs a 1Mbps connection for SD content. HD and Full HD bumps up that minimum to 3.5Mbps and goes up to 15Mbps for 4K content. Obviously, faster is always going to be better.
3. Of course, you’ll also need an Amazon Fire TV Stick. It’s currently priced at $39.99 for the 1080p version and sets you back an additional $10 for the 4K-capable device. Keep in mind that discounts and special offers are often available that make the Fire Stick even cheaper.
4. Already having an Amazon account makes the setup process a touch faster. When buying the device on Amazon, you will be asked whether you want to connect the Fire Stick to your account.

How to set up Amazon Fire Stick

1. Plug the USB cable into the power brick and the micro-USB port of the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
2. Connect the Fire Stick into an HDMI port and plug the power brick into a nearby outlet. The cable in the box is quite long. But some may need to be an extra long cable to meet their needs.
3. Turn on the TV and use the Source button on the TV remote (not Fire Stick remote) to open the correct HDMI channel. In some cases, the port will recognize the device and say “Amazon Fire Stick.”
4. While the device loads (it may take a few minutes), set up the Fire Stick remote. Insert two AAA batteries into the remote. Find an up arrow sign on the back. Place your thumb on that mark and gently push to slide up the back cover.
5. To use the remote, use the ring around the center button to navigate around the UI. Press the center button when required to accept a selection.
6. Once the Fire Stick loads, press the play/pause button to begin the setup process.

Related: The best VPNs for Amazon’s Fire TV Stick — free and paid options

7. First, select a language.
8. You will then have to connect to a Wi-Fi network. The device will automatically scan and list nearby networks. Enter the Wi-Fi password (if required).
9. If you’ve already linked the Fire Stick to your account, the device will ask for a confirmation.
10. If not, you will have to add your account info. You can also create a new account if needed.
11. Once the registration process is complete, you will be asked if you want to save the Wi-Fi password to your Amazon account. If you have or plan to buy more Amazon products, it might be a good idea to say Yes here.
12. You can also set up Parental Controls if needed.
13. Done!

How to install apps on Amazon Fire Stick

1. On the homepage, navigate to the top menu bar and press right to head to the Apps section.
2. You can scroll through Feature apps, or go right to find Games and app categories.
3. Click on an app you want to add to your Fire Stick and select Get.
4. Keep in mind that not every app is free.
5. If you know what you’re looking for, go to the Search section (going left from Home in the top bar). Type the name of the app and select the top search result. If the app is available, you will be able to download it.

That’s everything you need to know about how to set up an Amazon Fire Stick!