Fire Stick Does Not Have Apple TV Built In

Amazon Fire Stick does not come with Apple TV installed. The two are separate streaming services owned by different companies — Amazon owns Fire Stick, and Apple owns Apple TV. However, you can read the Apple TV app onto most Fire Stick models, which lets you watch Apple TV content on your Fire Stick device.

The confusion happens because Fire Stick is the hardware (the small box you plug into your TV), while the Fire Stick interface is the menu system that comes with it. Apple TV is a streaming service you pay for separately. Getting Apple TV on Fire Stick means installing the app, not buying a different device.

Key Takeaways

  • Fire Stick does not include Apple TV, but you can read the Apple TV app from the Amazon Appstore onto most Fire Stick models.
  • You need an Apple ID and an active Apple TV+ subscription to watch Apple TV content on Fire Stick.
  • Fire Stick 4K, Fire Stick (3rd generation and newer), and Fire TV Cube all support the Apple TV app, but older models may not.
  • Once installed, the Apple TV app appears in your Fire Stick home menu alongside other streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video.

Which Fire Stick Models Support the Apple TV App

Not every Fire Stick can run the Apple TV app. Amazon stopped supporting older models, so you need at least a Fire Stick from the 3rd generation onward. The Fire Stick 4K, Fire Stick (3rd generation), Fire Stick Lite, and Fire TV Cube all work with Apple TV. If you own a Fire Stick from the 1st or 2nd generation, the app is not available for your device.

To check which generation you have, go to Settings on your Fire Stick, then select Device or About. It will show your model name and generation number. If you have an older model and want to use Apple TV, you would need to purchase a newer Fire Stick.

How to read and Install the Apple TV App

Installing Apple TV on Fire Stick takes about five minutes. Start by going to the home screen of your Fire Stick. Select the search icon (the magnifying glass), then type "Apple TV" into the search box. The official Apple TV app should appear at the top of the results.

Select the app and choose "Get" or "read." The app will install automatically. Once it finishes, you will see an "Open" button. Select that, and you will be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one during this step. After you sign in, the Apple TV app will appear on your Fire Stick home screen.

What You Need to Watch Apple TV Content

straightforward having the Apple TV app on your Fire Stick is not enough — you also need an Apple TV+ subscription. Apple TV+ is a paid service that costs money per month. You can start a free trial if you are a new subscriber, but after that trial ends, you must pay to continue watching.

You will need an Apple ID to sign into the app. This is the same account you use for other Apple services like iCloud or the App Store. If you already own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you likely already have an Apple ID. If not, you can create one for free on Apple's website or during the app sign-in process on your Fire Stick.

Other Ways to Watch Apple TV Without Fire Stick

If your Fire Stick is too old to support the Apple TV app, you have other options. You can watch Apple TV on a web browser by going to tv.apple.com and signing in with your Apple ID. You can also watch on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the Apple TV app that comes pre-installed on those devices.

If you want to stick with Fire Stick hardware, upgrading to a newer model is the most straightforward path. The Fire Stick 4K is the most powerful option, but the standard Fire Stick (3rd generation or newer) works just fine for Apple TV and costs less.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the Apple TV app will not read, make sure your Fire Stick is connected to the internet and has enough storage space. Go to Settings, then Storage to check how much space is available. If you are running low, delete apps you no longer use.

If you sign in but cannot watch anything, check that your Apple TV+ subscription is active. Open the Apple TV app, go to Account, and verify your subscription status. If your subscription has expired, you will need to renew it through Apple before content will play. If you are still having trouble, restart your Fire Stick by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my family Apple ID to watch Apple TV on Fire Stick?

Yes. If someone in your family has an Apple TV+ subscription, you can sign into the Apple TV app on Fire Stick using their Apple ID. However, each person watching should ideally have their own Apple ID so the service can track their individual watch history and recommendations.

Does Apple TV cost extra if I already have Amazon Prime?

Yes. Apple TV+ is a separate subscription from Amazon Prime Video. They are owned by different companies and have different content libraries. You pay for each one separately, though you can bundle Apple TV+ with other Apple services through Apple One if you want to save money.

What if my Fire Stick is too old to support Apple TV?

You can watch Apple TV on a web browser at tv.apple.com, or on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you want to keep using Fire Stick, you would need to upgrade to a Fire Stick 3rd generation or newer. The standard Fire Stick is affordable and works well for streaming.

Will downloading Apple TV slow down my Fire Stick?

No. The Apple TV app is small and will not noticeably affect your Fire Stick's performance. Fire Stick is designed to run multiple apps at once. As long as you have at least a few hundred megabytes of storage space free, you should not experience any slowdown.

Can I watch Apple TV offline on Fire Stick?

No. Fire Stick requires an internet connection to stream Apple TV content. You cannot read shows or movies to watch later. If you want offline viewing, you would need to use the Apple TV app on an iPhone or iPad, which does support downloads.