How to Set up and Use Amazon Fire TV

This article explains how to set up and use the Amazon Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD. It includes information on assembling and attaching the device to your TV and walks through the process of the initial setup of the device using the Alexa Voice Remote.

Connect the Amazon Fire TV

Amazon Fire TV comes with three pieces you need to connect. There’s a USB cable, the square (or diamond-shaped) Fire TV device, and a power adapter. They only connect one way, and there are directions in the box.

After you've made these connections:

1. Plug the power adapter into a nearby outlet or power strip.

2. Run the USB cable behind the television and connect the Fire TV to an available HDMI port.

3. Turn on your TV.

4. Use the Source button on your TV’s remote control to locate the HDMI signal for the Fire TV.

Set up Amazon Fire TV

The first time your Fire TV starts up you’ll see the logo screen. Now you’re ready to set up the device.

1. When prompted, press the Play button on the Alexa Voice Remote. Use the remote to complete the rest of the steps here.

2. Choose your language.

3. Select your Wi-Fi network. If more than one exists choose the fastest one.

4. Input your Wi-Fi password and click Connect.

5. Wait while the software updates and the Fire TV stick initializes. This could take 3 to 5 minutes.

6. When prompted, accept the default registration information (or you can opt to use a different Amazon account).

7. Choose Yes to let Amazon save your Wi-Fi password.

8. Choose Yes or No to set up parental controls. If you choose Yes, create a PIN as prompted.

9. Watch the introductory video. It’s very short.

10. Click Choose Apps and select the apps you want to use. Use the right-facing arrow to see more. When you’re finished, click the Play button on the remote control.

11. Click Download Apps.

12. Wait while Amazon finishes the setup process. 

Explore Amazon Fire TV 4K Settings

The Amazon Fire TV interface is separated into sections that run across the top of the screen. These sections let you access movies, videos, settings, and so on. You use the Amazon Fire remote to navigate through these sections to see what type of media is available to you.

If you downloaded the Hulu app during setup, for instance, you’ll see Hulu as an option. If you pay for Showtime or HBO through Amazon, you’ll have access to those as well. There are also games, Amazon Prime movies, access to your personal Amazon library, the photos you keep on Amazon, and more.

For now though, to complete the setup process, navigate to Settings and explore what’s there including but not limited to configuring options for:

• Notification options
• Networks and network passwords
• Display and sound preferences
• Apps you own and apps you can get
• Controllers and Bluetooth devices like remote controls keyboards, and game controllers
• Alexa preferences and performance
• General app preferences
• Access permissions for connected devices
• Help and help videos

Explore Help first. You can watch videos on almost everything the Amazon TV stick offers including but not limited to how to set up Amazon Fire TV, how to stream media, how to manage the Fire TV apps list, how to use the Amazon app, and how to use the Firestick channels and more.

Explore Amazon Fire TV Remote Control Options

You can control Fire TV with the Alexa Voice Remote that’s included with the device. Remove the cover by sliding it forward, and then insert the batteries as detailed in the instructions. Then, familiarize yourself with these remote control options; you’ll need to use some of them during the setup process:

• Microphone button: Tap this to engage Alexa on your TV. Give a vocal command stating what you’d like to do, watch, or access. You could say, for instance, “Show me Prime Movies” or “Play the game Sonic the Hedgehog”.
• O-Ring: Position your finger on the outside of the O-ring, on the top, left, bottom, and right, and click in the direction you’d like to move to on the screen. You’ll see items highlighted as you move around. Tap inside the ring to apply the highlighted selection. This can start a movie you’ve selected or open an app that you’ve browsed to, among other things.
• Back button: Tap to go to the previous screen in the Fire TV interface.
• Home button: Tap to go to the Fire TV’s start page, which displays available media, apps, games, and so on.
• Options button: Tap this button (the one with three lines) to access options, which may or may not be available based on what is currently selected.
• Rewind, Play, and Pause: Tap and tap or hold as applicable to move through currently playing media. Note that this might not work on all apps or with all video services.