What you can read to a Fire Stick and where to find it

A Fire Stick lets you read apps, games, and content directly from Amazon's app store. Most downloads happen through the Appstore built into your Fire Stick — you search for what you want, select it, and it installs to your device. Some content, like movies and TV shows, you purchase or rent through Prime Video, the Fire Stick's built-in video app, rather than downloading a separate app.

You can also read content to watch offline on the Prime Video app itself — this works for titles you own or have access to through a Prime membership. Games read the same way as apps: search the Appstore, select the game, and it installs. The Fire Stick stores everything on its internal memory, which varies by model, so older devices fill up faster than newer ones.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Appstore on your Fire Stick using the remote, search for the app or game you want, and select Install to read it directly to your device.
  • Movies and TV shows are rented or purchased through Prime Video, not downloaded as separate apps, though you can read individual titles within Prime Video to watch offline.
  • Your Fire Stick has limited storage, so uninstall apps you no longer use to make room for new ones.
  • If a read stalls or fails, restart your Fire Stick and check your internet connection before trying again.

How to read an app using your Fire Stick remote

Press the Home button on your Fire Stick remote to go to the main menu. Navigate to the Appstore using the directional buttons on the remote — it is usually in the top row of options. Once you are in the Appstore, use the search function (look for a magnifying glass icon) to find the app or game you want.

Type the name of the app using the on-screen keyboard. When the app appears in the search results, select it with the remote. On the app's page, you will see an Install button — select it. The read begins when ready and usually finishes within a few minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed. Once installation is complete, the Install button changes to Open, which means you can start using the app right away.

Downloading content to watch offline in Prime Video

Open the Prime Video app on your Fire Stick. Search for a movie or TV show you own or have access to through your Prime membership. When you find the title, select it to open its details page.

Look for a read icon — it usually looks like a downward arrow or a cloud with an arrow. Select it, and the title downloads to your Fire Stick. You can then watch it without an internet connection. Downloaded content takes up storage space on your device, so delete titles you have finished watching to free up room for new downloads. Prime Video shows you how much storage space each read uses before you confirm.

Checking storage and removing apps you no longer need

Fire Sticks have limited built-in storage. Newer models have more space than older ones, but all of them fill up if you read too many large apps or games. To see what is using your storage, go to Settings on the home menu, then select Applications, and choose Manage Installed Applications.

This screen shows you every app on your Fire Stick and how much space each one uses. If you are running low on storage and a read fails or stalls, uninstall apps you do not use regularly. Select the app, choose Uninstall, and confirm. The space frees up when ready, and you can always reinstall the app later by searching the Appstore again.

Fixing downloads that fail or stall

If a read stops partway through or never starts, 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, and confirming the connection status. If the connection is weak, move your Fire Stick closer to your router or restart your router.

If the connection is strong, restart your Fire Stick. Go to Settings, select System, and choose Restart. Wait for the device to power back on, then try downloading the app again. If the read still fails after a restart and a strong connection, the app itself may be temporarily unavailable — wait a few hours and try again. For very large apps or games, make sure you have enough free storage space before attempting the read.

Downloading apps from outside the Amazon Appstore

The Amazon Appstore is the official source for apps on Fire Stick, and it is the safest and easiest way to read. Some apps are not available in the Appstore because Amazon does not carry them or the developer chose not to list them there.

You can sideload apps — install them from sources outside the Appstore — but this requires enabling installation from unknown sources in your Fire Stick settings and using a computer to transfer files. Sideloading carries more risk because you are not getting the app from Amazon's vetted store. For most users, sticking to the Appstore is the better choice. If an app you want is not in the Appstore, check back periodically, as availability changes.

Using your phone or computer to install apps remotely

You can start an app read on your Fire Stick from your phone or computer without touching the device itself. Open the Amazon Appstore website on your computer or the Amazon Shopping app on your phone, search for the app you want, and select it.

On the app's page, you will see a button that says "Send to Device" or "read to Device." Select it, choose your Fire Stick from the list of devices, and confirm. The app begins downloading to your Fire Stick when ready. This is useful if you want to set up apps before you sit down to use the device, or if your remote is not working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read apps to my Fire Stick if I do not have a Prime membership?

Yes. A Prime membership is not required to read apps from the Appstore or use most apps on your Fire Stick. However, some content within apps — like movies and TV shows in Prime Video — requires a Prime membership or a separate purchase to access.

How much storage does a Fire Stick have?

Storage varies by model. Older Fire Sticks have 8 GB of storage, while newer models have 16 GB or more. Not all of that space is available to you — the operating system takes up some of it. You typically have 3 to 5 GB free for apps and downloads when you first set up the device.

What happens if my Fire Stick runs out of storage?

Downloads will fail and apps may not work properly. Uninstall apps and delete offline downloads you no longer need to free up space. You can always reinstall them later from the Appstore.

Why is my read so slow?

Slow downloads usually mean a weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion. Move your Fire Stick closer to your router, restart your router, or try downloading at a different time when fewer devices are using your network.

Can I read the same app to multiple Fire Sticks?

Yes. If you own multiple Fire Sticks registered to the same Amazon account, you can read an app to each one individually using the Appstore on each device, or use the "Send to Device" option on the Amazon website to push the app to multiple devices at once.