Fire stick Set up
The following tutorial will provide you with a quick, simple Firestick Setup Guide and turn your device into a powerful streaming machine.
So you just bought the ever-popular Amazon Firestick. Now what? This little device can work in tons of ways to get you all the content you’d ever need and so much more.
The Amazon Firestick is arguably the most popular streaming device on the market. Because of its low price point and optimal power, it is a great choice for any media streamer.
In 2018, Amazon released its newest member of the Fire TV lineup with the Fire TV Stick 4k. This little device is capable of streaming 4k Movies and TV Shows along with numerous other features.
For only £49.99, this powerful device has turned into a media streaming giant. Thousands of users find that upon purchasing the Fire TV Stick 4k, they are able to cancel cable or dish.
Jailbreaking the Firestick or Fire TV? It’s possible
Many users purchase the Firestick in hopes of “jailbreaking” their device to stream free movies, TV shows, and more.
By “jailbreaking”, you can download and use tons of different applications that provide content not normally available on the Amazon App Store.
I’ll be discussing jailbreaking and other ways to optimize your Firestick or Fire TV later in this post.
First, however, we will need to set up your Firestick for use.
The following steps and information will show guide you through Firestick setup in under two minutes.
Firestick Setup Guide
NOTE: The guide below will show guide you through your Firestick Setup using the new Fire TV Stick 4K.
However, these steps will be similar to the Fire TV Cube, Fire TV 3rd Generation, or any other Fire TV devices.
Your Firestick or Fire TV upon purchase includes the following items:
- Fire TV Stick or Fire TV
- Alexa Voice Remote with 2 AAA Batteries
- Power Cord
- HDMI Extender (not included with Fire TV)
You will also need to prepare the following:
- A compatible HDTV with HDMI port
- Stable internet connection
- Active Amazon account to be used for the setup
Step 1
Remove contents from the package and insert the two AAA batteries into the remote.
Remove contents from the package and insert the two AAA batteries into the remote.
Step 2
Plug the power cord into an outlet and into your Firestick.
Plug the power cord into an outlet and into your Firestick.
Step 3
Choose an HDMI port and plug the Firestick into your TV. If you have an HDMI port that is difficult to get to, use the provided HDMI extender.
Choose an HDMI port and plug the Firestick into your TV. If you have an HDMI port that is difficult to get to, use the provided HDMI extender.
IMPORTANT: It is NOT recommended to use a USB port on your television as the power source for the Firestick. You should use the provided power adapter and plug it into an actual power outlet to avoid problems with the device. ( However personally, I always use the USB port in back of TV, it is an option and only would use the power outlet if having issues with the FS.)
Step 4
Select the HDMI Input with your television remote that you plugged the Firestick into.
Select the HDMI Input with your television remote that you plugged the Firestick into.
Step 5
Usually, the Firestick or Fire TV will automatically detect the remote upon boot. If not, you will need to pair the remote with the device itself. To do so, press the Home button on your remote and your device should pair.
Usually, the Firestick or Fire TV will automatically detect the remote upon boot. If not, you will need to pair the remote with the device itself. To do so, press the Home button on your remote and your device should pair.
Step 6
Once your remote has paired with the Firestick or Fire TV, press the Play button to begin setup.
Once your remote has paired with the Firestick or Fire TV, press the Play button to begin setup.
Step 7
Choose your language. In this example, English (United States) is selected.
Choose your language. In this example, English (United States) is selected.
Step 8
Wait for Firestick or Fire TV to complete scanning for available networks.
Wait for Firestick or Fire TV to complete scanning for available networks.
Step 9
Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter your SSID and password.
Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter your SSID and password.
Step 10
You will be prompted to sign in to Amazon.
You will be prompted to sign in to Amazon.
If you do not have an Amazon Account, you will need to create one by clicking I am new to Amazon.
On the other hand, if you have an existing account, click I already have an Amazon account. ( You may be prompted to login from a laptop or other device and input a code on TV, otherwise just follow onscreen instructions)
Step 11
Click Continue.
Click Continue.
Step 12
You are then given the option to save passwords for your device. This will help you connect to compatible devices. Click Yes if you want Amazon to do so.( I usually say NO)
You are then given the option to save passwords for your device. This will help you connect to compatible devices. Click Yes if you want Amazon to do so.( I usually say NO)
NOTE: You can enable or disable this feature by clicking Settings > Network > Wi-Fi Passwords.
Step 13
You can then choose to enable Parental Controls or not. If you do, you will be required to enter a PIN before playing any content, launching apps, and purchasing digital content or products from Amazon.
You can then choose to enable Parental Controls or not. If you do, you will be required to enter a PIN before playing any content, launching apps, and purchasing digital content or products from Amazon.
Step 14
Next, you need to set up the provided Firestick remote with added power and volume buttons. Choose your brand of TV.
Next, you need to set up the provided Firestick remote with added power and volume buttons. Choose your brand of TV.
Step 15
Adjust the volume to sync the Firestick remote with your device using the and buttons on your device. Click Yes when you have selected your ideal volume.
Adjust the volume to sync the Firestick remote with your device using the and buttons on your device. Click Yes when you have selected your ideal volume.
Step 16
A video will then play outlining how to use your Firestick or Fire TV device. To skip, simply press the Fast Forward button on your remote.
A video will then play outlining how to use your Firestick or Fire TV device. To skip, simply press the Fast Forward button on your remote.
Step 17
You may install any streaming services that you prefer. (If you are going to jailbreak your device, there is no need to install any available apps.)
You may install any streaming services that you prefer. (If you are going to jailbreak your device, there is no need to install any available apps.)
Step 18
You can now access the Firestick home screen.
You can now access the Firestick home screen.
Firestick Setup is now complete. Enjoy!
Jailbreak Your Firestick or Fire TV
Many Firestick users have already resorted to “jailbreaking” their device. By removing restrictions imposed by Amazon, you can start installing unauthorized software to customize your device according to your interests.
Optimizing your viewing experience through jailbreaking your Firestick provides these benefits:
- Stream free content and download various apps from third-party providers that offer content you can’t find on the Amazon App Store.
- Access high-quality movies, music and other content
- Personalize your entertainment by downloading your preferred apps
- Watch live TV with the latest news, sports events and more for the entire family
- Play the latest online games
Cobbwebmedia has created a jailbreak tutorial that will show you the fastest, most efficient way to jailbreak your Firestick.
This guide instructs you to side-load apps that allow for unlimited free content:
How To Jailbreak a Firestick
VPN For Firestick/Fire TV
The true power of Amazon’s Firestick comes from the tons of apps available for download. Because of the thousands of options provided, it may be difficult to know which apps you should install.
Luckily, Cobbwebmedia has put together a list of the Best Apps for Firestick & Fire TV to help get you started. With these installed, you will have access to unlimited amounts of movies, TV shows, live TV streams and more!
Due to the wide variety of apps in this list, there’s no need for a cable or DISH subscription.
Using these apps on the Firestick creates endless possibilities. Because many of the aforementioned applications require side-loading for installation, it is recommended to use a VPN on your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick.
Using a VPN is a great way to protect your privacy from the government and internet service providers (ISP) alike. Click here to learn how to install a VPN on Fire TV/Stick.
Use a Keyboard for Your Firestick or Fire TV
The voice remote feature of the Firestick or Fire TV is absolutely fantastic. However, once you jailbreak your device, you’ll notice that many apps are not optimized for the Firestick remote control.
The solution? A wireless Bluetooth Fire TV / Firestick keyboard that:
- Attaches directly to the original remote, which makes it so handy
- Bluetooth compatible
- Has a backlit keyboard
- Comes with a built-in Lithium-ion battery
- Has IR learning technology
- Fast searching capability
Based on my market research, I’ve found the best Fire TV or Firestick keyboard that is a true example of intelligent product design. To know what this is, you may click on the link to the article below:
Best Fire TV/Firestick Keyboard
More Firestick/Fire TV Tutorials
Cobbwebmedia offers numerous tutorials so you can get the most out of your Firestick or Fire TV. The links below will help with troubleshooting, installation, and much more to make your Fire TV device the best it can be.
- Is your Firestick buffering? Look into a Firestick Ethernet Adapter
- Feeling nostalgic? Here’s how you can install retro games on Firestick.
- Experiencing Issues with your Firestick? Perhaps it’s necessary to reset or restart the device.
- Done using your Firestick? There’s no shutdown button but here’s a simple trick to turn it off.
- Experiencing Wi-Fi connection problems while using Firestick? The solution is as easy as 1-2-3.
- Need to update the Firestick with a new software? Here’s a quick process to guide you.
- Lacking additional storage space on the Firestick? You need this cable to fix your problem.
The Amazon Firestick is an amazing device that is sure to go above and beyond all your streaming needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Firestick not working?
If you are experiencing any issues with your Firestick, it is strongly suggested to restart your device. If that doesn't work, a factory reset may be in order.
How do I connect my Firestick to Wi Fi?
Launch Settings and select Network. If you cannot connect, forget your current network and try reconnecting.
Do I need an Amazon Account to use Firestick?
Yes an Amazon account is required to use the Amazon Firestick and Fire TV. However, a Prime subscription is not needed.
Does Firestick have a monthly fee?
No, the Amazon Firestick does not require a monthly fee. Purchasing the device requires a one time payment and users will have the ability to install free and paid applications for use.
Jailbreak Firestick Instructions
Below, you will find both a video tutorial and screenshot guide that will show you how to jailbreak a Firestick.
I suggest watching the video tutorial first because I go through important details that you won’t find within the screenshot guide.
Video Tutorial
Free CobbwebmediA Supercharge Firestick Guide
Screenshot Guide
The following screenshot tutorial will take you through the simple steps necessary of how to jailbreak Firestick.
The first thing we will do is setup a new app store called Aptoide TV.
Step 1 – Go to the home screen of your Firestick by clicking the home button on remote
Step 2 – Hover over the Settings menu item
Step 3 – Click Preferences
Step 4 – Click Privacy Settings – you may not see any of these options on older Fire TV devices or systems that haven’t been updated, if so proceed to How to Install Alternative App Store below.
Step 5 – Turn these Privacy Settings to OFF
Go back to previous screen by clicking back button on remote after changing these settings to “Off”.
Step 6 – Click Data Monitoring
Step 7 – Turn off Data Monitoring
Step 8 – Return to Preferences and select Featured Content
Step 9 – Turn these Off
Step 10 – Click back button, return to the previous screen and click the My Fire TV
Step 11 – Click Developer Options
Step 12 – Click Apps from Unknown Sources
Step 13 – Click Turn On button
We have now jailbroken our Firestick by allowing for the installation of applications that aren’t available within the Amazon App Store.
Most guides stop after this but I will take it a step further and show you how to install DOWNLOADER
I will also provide suggestions on which applications that you should install onto your jailbroken Fire TV Stick so you can enjoy free movies, TV shows, live channels, sports, and much more.
Follow the steps below to install Downloader & Alternative App Store on your Firestick/Fire TV.
1. Launch the home screen and hover over the Search icon
2. Type in Downloader and click “Downloader” which will appear under keyboard
3. Select the Downloader app
4. Click Download
5. Click Open
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