How to Set Up an Amazon Fire TV Stick and Start Streaming

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a small device — about the size of a USB thumb drive — that plugs into the back of your TV and turns it into a smart TV. Once set up, you can watch Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, YouTube, and hundreds of other streaming services.

If your TV is older and does not have apps built in, the Fire TV Stick is one of the least expensive ways to add streaming — prices start around $25. If your TV already has apps, the Fire TV Stick is still useful because it is often faster and more reliable than the apps built into older smart TVs.

The Fire TV Stick plugs into your TV's HDMI port — the same type of rectangular port that a DVD player or cable box uses. Every modern TV has at least one HDMI port, usually on the back or side.

You control the Fire TV Stick with a remote that comes in the box. The remote uses voice commands through Alexa — press the microphone button and say "Play Stranger Things on Netflix" or "Find action movies." You can also navigate with the directional buttons like a traditional remote.

You will need an Amazon account (free to create) to set up and use the Fire TV Stick. Many apps like Netflix require their own separate subscription — the Fire TV Stick itself does not give you access to paid services.

The Fire TV Stick requires a Wi-Fi connection. It will not work without the internet.