Amazon Firestick – Beginner’s Guide for this Powerful Device (2022)
This Firestick resource page will provide you with everything you need to know about the Amazon Firestick.
This includes up-to-date tutorials that will teach you how to stream movies, TV shows, live channels, sports, and much more, all for FREE.
The Amazon Firestick has become the most popular streaming device on the market today due to its low price point and jailbreaking abilities for access to hundreds of streaming apps.
There are currently many iterations of this media device which include the Fire TV Stick 4k, Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen, Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and others.
If you are looking for more space and a completely hands-free experience, you can also opt for Amazon’s Fire TV Cube. We will dive into the Fire TV Cube more below.
Users can purchase these amazing devices at numerous locations including Radio Shack, Sears, Staples, Best Buy, Target, and more.
You can also buy these products directly from Amazon using the links below.
Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Fire TV Stick 4k
Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen
Fire TV Stick Lite
All 3 devices come equipped with 8 GB of storage while each varies in device RAM.
While 8 GB is sufficient for most, there are some who prefer more and we can easily Increase Storage on Firestick & Fire TV.
What is an Amazon Firestick? – The Basics
In October of 2018, Amazon released the new Fire TV Stick 4k with Alexa Voice Remote.
For the price of $49.99, the Firestick is an affordable option for anyone looking to expand their streaming options.
This is an upgrade from the previous version of the Firestick which did not have 4k streaming capabilities.
This new device also comes with a compatible remote with added volume and power control buttons.
Gone are the days of using two remotes for your TV and Firestick as this added benefit simplifies your streaming experience.
Best of all, you can use the Alexa voice tool to prompt commands on your device with just your voice!
Currently, the Amazon Firestick tops our lists of Best Streaming Devices and IPTV Boxes.
Following up the Fire TV Stick 4k was Amazon’s release of the Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen and the Fire TV Stick Lite in the fall of 2020.
These “cheaper” alternatives provide all the streaming capabilities of the Firestick 4k with a smaller price tag.
However, both are missing various features such as 4k capabilities and power and volume control.
One of the main reasons the Fire TV Stick is so popular is because of its accessibility. This little device is about the size of a flash drive and can be used nearly anywhere.
The Firestick features a built-in HDMI connector that will plug into almost any television. It will access your TV’s Input and allow for multiple functions via wi-fi connection.
The 4k version offers up to 4K UHD video streaming which means all content will be in High Definition quality.
Users can also game in 4K with various firestick gaming options:
Retro Gaming on Firestick with RetroArch
Install Happy Chick on Firestick/Fire TV
Antstream on Firestick and Fire TV
After purchasing the Fire TV Stick, there is no additional fee or subscription price.
You will simply install various applications on the device that allow you to stream, game, and everything in between.
While some of these apps do charge a small fee, there are hundreds of free ones as well.
Free TROYPOINT Supercharge Fire TV/Stick Guide
Where to Buy Firestick?
The Amazon Firestick is available for purchase in-store at select retailers and online as well.
Most purchase the Firestick directly from Amazon for quick shipping, however, the following stores also keep this item on the shelf:
Best Buy
Target
Staple’s
Radio Shack
Toys R Us
Sears
more
Currently, the price for each Firestick is shown below:
Fire TV Stick 4k: $49.99
Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen: $39.99
Fire TV Stick Lite: $29.99
However, Amazon also features numerous sales a year on this device.
For the latest deals on Fire TV Stick and more info on how to purchase one, use the resource guide below:
Where to Buy a Firestick and Firestick Deal
How To Get Started
If you would like to stream free movies, TV shows, live channels, sports, and pay-per-view events for free, you will want to side-load apps that will allow this onto your Firestick.
Many people refer to this as “jailbreaking,” which is highlighted in our list of Hidden Firestick Settings.
While we are not actually “jailbreaking” the device, we are enabling unknown sources within the settings of the device for 3rd party app installation.
This is how we get applications and secret Unlinked codes not available within the Amazon App Store onto our device for unlimited streaming.
The most popular tutorial among cord-cutters is the TROYPOINT Jailbreak Firestick Guide.
This tutorial is the quickest way to unlock the full potential of your Firestick and/or Fire TV.
How Does a Firestick Work?
A frequently asked question many like to know prior to purchasing a Fire TV Stick is whether or not it will work with their television.
Because nearly all television sets have HDMI ports, Firesticks are fully functional with just about every TV available.
Most streaming devices operate by connecting directly to their HDMI port. This includes the popular Roku device that rivals the Amazon Firestick.
Due to its closed source software, however, TROYPOINT recommends using a Firestick instead of a Roku.
Roku vs Firestick – Everything You Need to Know
The Amazon Firestick uses wi-fi to install and use the applications and is controlled with a provided remote.
Because of the device’s portability, it will work with a wireless Hot Spot or nearly every other wireless internet connection.
This makes the Firestick one of the most versatile streaming devices available today. With a compact design and a simple setup, you can take the firestick with you almost anywhere.
Be sure to check out the TROYPOINT Firestick Setup Guide after purchasing your Firestick or Fire TV. This instructional guide will get you up and running on your device in less than 2 minutes.
One of the greatest assets of the Firestick is the included Alexa Voice Remote. This device works great for those who don’t like to type out an entire search option.
The remote is able to use your voice to control the device and can even connect to an Amazon Echo or Alexa device.
Newly upgraded as well, the firestick remote now includes Power and volume buttons. This means no more switching back and forth between multiple remotes for use!
There are 3 variations of the firestick remote that are included with different models of the device.
The Fire TV Stick Lite remote comes equipped with basic functions including Alexa and a Live option.
The Firestick 4k remote features power and volume buttons to control your television.
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen. comes with the all-new Firestick Remote with designated app buttons.
This model of the firestick remote was released in April of 2021 and features a new Alexa voice button and app-specific buttons for quick access.
For complete information regarding the Amazon Firestick remote, use the resource guide below:
Firestick Remote – How To Fix, Pair, and Much More
New Firestick Remote with 3rd Gen Fire TV Stick.
Although the Firestick does come with the Alexa remote, numerous other remotes are compatible with the device as well.
TROYPOINT has come up with a list of some of the best replacement remotes for the Firestick or Fire TV.
Fire TV/Stick Replacement Remote
Because apps are installed on the device itself, a firestick is portable and able to be used on nearly every TV.
This is great for those who travel and want to watch their favorite content while on the go.
To use at any location, simply connect the power cord to an outlet, the firestick to an HDMI port, and access a local wi-fi network.
For the small fee of only $49.99, the Amazon Firestick as a media streamer can’t be beaten.
However, there are a couple of upgraded versions of this device as well. For $69.99, you can purchase the Amazon Fire TV and for $119.99, the Amazon Fire TV Cube.
Firestick Apps to Install
The home-screen of Firestick and Fire TV devices generally include tons of options including News, Live Events, Free Content, and more.
The Amazon App Store is available directly on the home page and can easily be searched using the search option.
This is a great place to get tons of apps for Movies, TV Shows, Music, and much more.
The following applications are available within the Amazon App Store and may require payment:
Netflix
Hulu
HBO Max
YouTube
Sling
Peacock
Crackle
Prime Video
Spotify
Pandora
Many of these options can also be found within our list of Best Firestick Channels.
A firestick will also give users access to thousands of apps and APK’s that are not available in the Amazon App Store.
Because of its side-loading abilities, Firestick’s app possibilities are endless.
If you can’t find an application in the Amazon App Store, you can likely side-load it using the Downloader Application.
TROYPOINT has created a list of Best Apps for Firestick & Fire TV to help get you started. This list includes apps in the App Store and those you must side-load as well.
Users can also install the following applications for FREE that allow for the streaming of unlimited Movies, TV Shows, and more.
Kodi
This application provides an open-source platform for users to install various add-ons to stream content.
These add-ons are available in all shapes and sizes and hold numerous options for streaming.
TROYPOINT has created a list of Best Kodi Add-Ons with instructional guides for add-ons with Movies, TV Shows, Live Television, Music, and more.
Users can easily side-load Kodi onto a Firestick or Fire TV using the instructional guide below:
How To Install Kodi on Firestick
Free TROYPOINT Supercharge Kodi Guide
Cinema APK
Cinema is an APK or android application that serves up Movies and TV Shows.
Unlike Kodi, you will not have to install 3rd-party add-ons within Cinema to see titles for viewing. All content is stored within the app that also features a user-friendly interface.
Cinema is featured as one of the Best APK’s by TROYPOINT.
How To Install Cinema APK on Firestick
Aptoide TV
Aptoide is a “Google Play Alternative” that works as an App Store for 3rd party applications.
Installing Aptoide TV opens the door to thousands of apps that are not available in the Amazon App Store.
This includes nearly all apps from the Google Play Store and tons of others as well.
Installing Aptoide is the first step in the TROYPOINT Jailbreak Firestick tutorial.
Silk Browser
The Silk Browser is the most popular web browser used among Firestick/Fire TV device users.
Installing Silk allows you to access the same websites on a Firestick/Fire TV as you would on a PC, tablet, or mobile device.
From accessing free movie streaming sites, social media, online shopping, and more, the Silk Browser has it all!
Refer to the link below for more information on the Silk Browser and how to install it on your Fire TV device.
How To Install Amazon Silk Browser
IPVanish
Anyone who uses 3rd party apps to stream content should always install a VPN for their protection.
A VPN will encrypt your IP address which makes it impossible to track or log your internet activity.
In addition, some of the apps that you would want to download are restricted by the Amazon App Store since they are unverified apps.
However, you can side-load them into your device without using the official app-distribution method with the help of a VPN for Firestick, Fire TV, Fire TV Cube.
TROYPOINT recommends IPVanish for all cord-cutters because of its easy to use application and zero log policy.
IPVanish is available in the Amazon App Store.
How To Install VPN on Firestick
Free TROYPOINT Rapid App Installer
These APK’s are available for side-load on any Fire TV device including the Firestick.
Installing one or some of these apps will provide access to unlimited Movies and TV Shows with NO BUFFERING.
Best APK’s for Movies and TV Shows
Live TV on Firestick
Movies and TV Shows are not the only content Firestick users will have access to.
In fact, the Amazon Firestick recently added a new Live TV Tab to its main menu screen. This features tons of free and paid options for streaming live television without a cable subscription.
Live TV apps are also available for download and usually come in the form of an IPTV Service.
IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television and oftentimes provides thousands of live channels for a small monthly fee.
Users can install their preferred IPTV app on a Firestick and stream live News, Sports, and more.
This is especially popular among sports fans for Streaming UFC and Watching the NBA Online.
Oftentimes, these apps provide an EPG or Electronic Program Guide that will display TV Scheduling.
Check out our IPTV Resource Page for everything else IPTV.
There are also tons of Free options users can access with the device.
The Amazon News App is available directly on the Firestick home-screen and provides local news in over 80 markets.
These include:
Atlanta
Chicago
Denver
Dallas
Detroit
Los Angeles
New York
Miami
Phoenix
St.Louis
and more
You can also use Free IPTV Services that have thousands of channels including international options.
Fire TV Cube – The Other Option
In my opinion, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k is the best possible option available for unlimited streaming.
Because of its price point and awesome specs, this is a perfect choice for any cord-cutting enthusiast.
In June of 2018, Amazon also released another streaming choice – the Amazon Fire TV Cube.
This is a hands-free Alexa box that controls your television with only your voice.
TROYPOINT has created a Fire TV Cube Review that is completely unbiased and will help you determine if it is the right choice for you.
With a heftier price, many opt for the Firestick instead of the Fire TV Cube. However, if you would like more bang for your buck, the Fire TV or Cube is a better device.
The current release of the Fire TV Cube is priced at $119.99 and features 4k streaming, Alexa remote, and hands-free operation with built-in Alexa.
Overall, you cannot go wrong with either device you choose. Many have found that upon purchasing a Firestick or Fire TV, they have been able to cancel their Cable or Satellite subscriptions.
With the purchase of any firestick device, your streaming capabilities are endless.
Firestick Extras
Once your device is set up and ready to go, there are tons of different apps and tools you can install for streaming and more.
TROYPOINT has created a list of some Tips and Tricks that will help you get the most out of this awesome device.
Best Firestick Tricks and Tips for Ultimate Firestick Setup
Users can even connect numerous devices to their Firestick via casting.
This includes iOS, Android, and PC.
How to Control Firestick via Remote Access
If you are experiencing buffering problems or slow download speeds, refer to our popular guides below.
How to Stop Buffering on Firestick
Best Firestick Ethernet Adapter
VPN for Firestick
One of the most important tools for a Firestick owner, especially if the device is “jailbroken”, is a VPN application.
Doing so will anonymize your streaming activity and protect you from app developers, ISP, and more.
How To Install VPN on Firestick
Follow the quick steps below to install VPN on Firestick:
Step 1 – Register for an account at IPVanish by clicking HERE.
Step 2 – Hover over the search icon on your Firestick, Fire TV, or Fire TV Cube and type in “Ipvanish”.
Step 3 – Click the IPVanish VPN option that appears.
Step 4 – Click the Download button.
Step 5 – Click Open to launch IPVanish VPN application.
Step 6 – Input your IPVanish username and password and then click Login.
Step 7 – Click CONNECT button.
Step 8 – If you receive a VPN connection request such as this, click OK.
Step 9 – Click Disconnect button to stop service.
With a VPN active, you can now access all content on your device Anonymously.
Most VPN users do so to protect themselves when streaming on Kodi. Using Kodi on Firestick is one of the best ways to “jailbreak” your device and stream free content.
However, Kodi doesn’t do much without the great 3rd party addons that provide free movies, TV shows, channels, live sports, etc.
Outside of apps and Kodi addons, the Firestick can also be used for streaming websites to watch movies and TV shows.
Check out our popular lists below for even more Firestick streaming options.
Best Free Movie Websites
Best TV Show Streaming Sites
Putlocker Alternatives
Amazon Firestick FAQ
Where Can I Buy a Firestick?
Multiple retail stores have Firesticks for sale including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, and more. However, you can also purchase on Amazon.
What Channels Can I get on Firestick?
There are thousands of apps users can install on a Firestick including those that will provide free Movies, TV Shows, and even Live TV.
Can I Jailbreak a Firestick?
Yes, this is the best way to get tons of apps not available in the Amazon App Store. These apps are free and have unlimited content for streaming.
Does Firestick Have a Remote?
Yes, the Firestick comes with included Alexa remote for voice control of your device.
Is there a Monthly Fee for Firestick?
No. The firestick is a one-time purchase. However, some apps available for installation may require a monthly fee for use.
Is Roku Better than Firestick?
While Roku devices are a popular choice, they feature a closed Operating System which means apps that provide free content are unable to be installed. TROYPOINT always recommends a Firestick or Fire TV for streaming.