The fastest way to get an app on your Fire Stick
The easiest method is to search for the app directly on your Fire Stick using the remote. Press the home button, navigate to the search icon at the top, type the app name, and select it from the results. Then press the install button. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else or visit a computer.
If you already own the app on your Amazon account (because you bought it or installed it on another device), it may show as "Free" or "Get" even if it normally costs money. This is because Amazon remembers your purchase. Selecting it will still install it on your Fire Stick at no charge.
Most common apps — Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Spotify — are available this way. Smaller or specialized apps may not appear in Fire Stick search results, which is when you use the Appstore method described below.
Key Takeaways
- Search for the app name on your Fire Stick remote using the home button and search icon, then select install from the results.
- Apps you have already bought on Amazon install for free on your Fire Stick, even if they normally cost money.
- If an app does not appear in search results, open the Appstore app on your Fire Stick and browse or search there instead.
- Installation happens automatically in the background — you can start using the app as soon as it finishes, usually within seconds.
- You can manage installed apps and remove ones you no longer use from the Settings menu under Applications.
Using the Appstore app when search does not find the app
If searching from the home screen does not show the app you want, open the Appstore app directly. It is usually on your home screen or in the "Your Apps and Channels" row. Once inside, you can browse by category (Games, Entertainment, Utilities, etc.) or use the search function at the top to look for a specific app by name.
The Appstore shows ratings, descriptions, and screenshots so you can confirm you are installing the right version. Some apps have multiple versions — for example, a free version with ads and a paid version without. Read the description to see which one you are about to install.
Once you find the app, select it and press the install button. The process is identical to installing from home screen search.
What happens after you press install
The app begins downloading when ready. You will see a progress bar or a "downloading" message on the app's tile. Most apps finish within 10 to 30 seconds, depending on file size and your internet speed. You do not have to wait for it to finish — you can go back to watching or using other apps.
Once installation is complete, the install button changes to "Open" or "Uninstall". You can then select "Open" to launch the app, or leave it and open it later from your home screen or apps list. The app stays on your Fire Stick until you manually remove it.
Installing apps from a computer or phone using your Amazon account
You can also install apps to your Fire Stick remotely using a computer or smartphone. Go to amazon.com, sign in with the same Amazon account linked to your Fire Stick, and navigate to the Appstore. Search for the app you want, select it, and choose "Send to Device" or "Install". Select your Fire Stick from the list of devices, and the app will begin installing on that device automatically.
This method is useful if you want to install an app without using the Fire Stick remote, or if you want to set up multiple apps at once before you sit down to watch. The app will be ready to use by the time you turn on your Fire Stick.
Removing apps you no longer use
To uninstall an app, go to your home screen and highlight the app tile. Press the menu button on your remote (the three horizontal lines). Select "Uninstall" from the menu. The app will be removed when ready, and the space it took up will be freed.
If you uninstall an app by mistake, you can reinstall it at any time using the same search or Appstore method. Your Fire Stick will remember that you owned it, so it will install for free if it was a paid app.
Checking your storage and managing app space
Fire Sticks have limited storage, and installing many large apps can slow performance. To see how much space you have left, go to Settings, select Device, then Storage. This shows your total storage and how much is in use.
If you are running low on space, uninstall apps you do not use regularly. Streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu take very little space because they stream content rather than storing it. Games and utility apps tend to use more storage. Removing even a few unused apps can free up enough space to improve performance.
Troubleshooting apps that will not install
If an app fails to install, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your Fire Stick is connected to your Wi-Fi network by going to Settings, then Network. If the connection is weak, move your Fire Stick closer to your router or restart both devices.
Some apps are not available in all regions or on all Fire Stick models. If an app does not appear in search or the Appstore, it may not be compatible with your device. Check the app's description in the Appstore to see which Fire Stick models it supports. Older Fire Stick models (first and second generation) have fewer compatible apps than newer ones.
If an app installed but will not open, try uninstalling it and reinstalling it. Go to Settings, select Applications, find the app in the list, and select "Uninstall". Then search for it again and reinstall. This usually fixes launch problems caused by incomplete installation or corrupted files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for apps on Fire Stick?
Most popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify are free to read on Fire Stick, though you may need a subscription to use them. Some apps cost money upfront, and the price is shown in the Appstore before you install. If you have already bought an app on Amazon, it installs free on your Fire Stick.
Can I install apps from outside the Amazon Appstore?
Fire Stick is designed to install apps only from the Amazon Appstore. You cannot sideload apps from other sources without enabling developer mode, which is not recommended for most users because it can create security risks.
Why is an app I want not showing up in search?
The app may not be compatible with your Fire Stick model, may not be available in your region, or may have been removed from the Appstore. Check the Appstore directly to see if it exists there. If it does not appear anywhere, contact the app maker to ask if they plan to release a Fire Stick version.
How much storage do apps take up on Fire Stick?
Most streaming apps use 50 to 200 megabytes. Games and utility apps can use 500 megabytes to several gigabytes. You can check how much space each app uses by going to Settings, Applications, and selecting the app from the list.
Can I install the same app on multiple Fire Sticks?
Yes. If you have multiple Fire Sticks linked to the same Amazon account, you can install an app on all of them using the "Send to Device" method from amazon.com, or install it individually on each device using the remote.