How to Set Up the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick: Quick and Straightforward Tutorial
Got a brand new Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick device? Your entertainment options are about to increase exponentially! Setting up Fire TV is a nice and straightforward process that doesn’t take a computer science genius to complete. To learn all you need to know, just check out our guide below on how to set up Fire Stick and Fire TV.
What You Need to Set Up Fire TV
Fire TV devices are some of the easiest streaming devices to set up. You don’t need much in the way of accessories, just a base unit, an internet connection, and a TV. Check the list below to make sure you’ve got all the necessities.
Compatible TV : Fire devices work with any HD-ready TV that has HDMI input ports. Most newer flat screen devices have at least one HDMI port. Double check to make sure yours does, otherwise you can’t connect your Fire TV.
Fire TV or Fire Stick: A base Fire TV unit that includes either the box hardware or Fire Stick. You can buy them used, but since they’re so inexpensive, you might as well get a brand new device. Newer Fire TV devices come with a lot of the items below, making the setup process much easier.
HDMI and Power Cables: Fire TV connects to your TV via HDMI cable. You’ll need a male-to-male cord that’s long enough to connect one end to your Fire device and the other to your TV. You’ll also need access to an open outlet to plug in the Fire TV or Fire Stick. New Fire TVs come with both cables included.
Remote with Batteries: Fire TV requires a remote to set up and use. New devices come with a voice-enabled remote and two Amazon brand AAA batteries. You can also use third party accessories or a Fire TV app to navigate menus.
Wi-Fi Network: You’ll need a home Wi-Fi network your Fire TV can connect to, preferably one secured with a password. Speed is crucial for streaming HD content, but as long as it can connect to the internet, you’ll have access. Some Fire devices were sold with an Ethernet adapter, but for most people it’s recommended to use Wi-Fi for convenience purposes.
Amazon Account: All Fire TV devices require an active Amazon account to use. If you don’t have one, it’s best to set one up on your PC before turning on your Fire device, though you can create one during the Fire setup process if you like. Once you have a login name and password, all you need to do is enter them once on your Fire TV and you’re set.
How to Set Up the Fire TV
Amazon has gone to great lengths to make the Fire TV setup process as straightforward as possible. Gather your materials and carve out some free time, you’ve got a streaming device to install!
Step 1 – Unpack
Take everything out of the Fire TV’s shipping box and make sure it’s intact. You should have most of the items listed in the section above, enough so that you can connect the device and get it running.
Step 2 – Power
Take the Fire TV or Fire Stick out of the plastic and connect the power adapter to the port on the side. Plug the other end into a convenient outlet.
Step 3 – Connecting
Plug one end of your HDMI cable into your TV, then plug the other end into the back/side of your Fire TV or Fire Stick. Make sure the device is sitting securely on your entertainment center. Fire Sticks are light enough that they can hang from an HDMI port without damage. Optimally, though, you’ll want the port to be parallel to the surface, not facing to the side.
Step 4 – TV Setup
With a powered Fire device connected, turn on your TV and select the input channel for the Fire’s HDMI port. If you’re not sure which channel it is, keep flipping until you see a loading screen with the Amazon Fire TV logo displayed on a blank background.
Step 5 – Remote
While the initial booting process takes place, take your remote out of the plastic and find two AAA batteries (included in new models). Grip the remote face down in your hands, then place your thumbs on the arrow at the bottom. Push down and up to slide the cover off, then lift it to access the battery slots. Insert both AAA batteries, then replace the cover.
Step 6 – Pair the Remote
Once the batteries are in, your Fire TV remote should automatically pair with the device. If it doesn’t, hold the home button down for about ten seconds, then it will try again.
Step 7 – Connect to Wi-Fi
The Fire TV will prompt you to set up an internet connection. Follow the on-screen instructions to find a network, enter your password, and give the Fire Stick access to online content.
Step 8 – Register
With an internet connection present, your Fire TV will ask to register your device. Enter your Amazon account details here. This is the only time you’ll need to register your device.
Step 9 – Start Streaming
If everything went smoothly you’ll be ready to stream. Pick a channel from your Fire TV’s default selection, or install something new.
