The Basic Steps to Install an App
To install an app on your Fire Stick, open the Alexa app on your phone or use the Fire Stick remote to navigate to the Amazon Appstore. Search for the app you want, select it, and choose "Get" or "Install." The app downloads and installs automatically—you do not need to do anything else. Once installed, the app appears in your "Your Apps & Channels" section and on your home screen.
The whole process takes less than a minute for most apps. You do not need a computer or any special equipment. If you already own the app through your Amazon account (because you bought it on another device), it may show "Get" instead of a price, and you will not be charged again.
Key Takeaways
- Install apps directly from the Amazon Appstore using your Fire Stick remote or the Alexa phone app.
- Most apps install in under a minute and appear automatically in your apps list once complete.
- You can uninstall an app by highlighting it, pressing the menu button on your remote, and selecting "Remove from Home Screen" or "Uninstall."
- If an app will not install, restart your Fire Stick and check that you have an active internet connection.
- Some apps require a subscription or account login after installation, but the app itself installs for free from the Appstore.
Using Your Fire Stick Remote to Browse the Appstore
Press the home button on your Fire Stick remote to return to the main menu. Use the directional buttons to navigate left or right until you see "Appstore" in the menu bar at the top. Press the select button (the center circle) to open it.
Once inside the Appstore, you will see featured apps and categories. Use the directional buttons to move up, down, left, and right through the options. Press select on any app to open its detail page. This page shows the app description, user reviews, and a "Get" button. Press select on "Get" to start the installation. A progress bar appears while the app installs—this usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.
Installing Apps Through the Alexa Mobile App
Open the Alexa app on your phone (available on iOS and Android). Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then tap "Devices." Select your Fire Stick from the list. Tap the menu icon again and choose "Appstore."
Search for the app you want using the search bar at the top. Tap the app name to open its detail page. Tap "Get" or the price button to install it. The app installs on your Fire Stick within seconds—you do not need to be in front of the TV. This method is faster if you already know the exact app name, because typing on the Fire Stick remote is slower than typing on your phone.
Finding and Managing Your Installed Apps
After installation, your new app appears in the "Your Apps & Channels" section on your Fire Stick home screen. Scroll right on the home screen to see this section. Your most recently installed apps appear first. You can also search for any app by pressing the search button (magnifying glass) on your remote and typing the app name.
To move an app to a different position on your home screen, highlight it, press the menu button (three horizontal lines) on your remote, and select "Move." Use the directional buttons to place it where you want, then press select. To remove an app from your home screen without deleting it, select "Remove from Home Screen." To delete the app entirely from your Fire Stick, select "Uninstall."
What to Do When an App Will Not Install
If an app fails to install or gets stuck, first check your internet connection. Press the home button, go to "Settings," select "Network," and confirm you are connected to Wi-Fi. If the connection is strong, restart your Fire Stick by unplugging it from power for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
If the app still will not install, the Appstore may be temporarily unavailable or the app may not be compatible with your Fire Stick model. Try searching for a different app to confirm the Appstore is working. If other apps install but this one does not, the app may not be available in your region or on your specific Fire Stick version. Check the app's detail page for any compatibility notes. You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the app by going to "Settings," "Applications," "Manage Installed Applications," selecting the app, and choosing "Uninstall," then reinstalling it from the Appstore.
Understanding App Permissions and Accounts
When you install an app, the Appstore may ask for permission to access certain features of your Fire Stick, such as your microphone, camera, or location. Read these permission requests carefully. You can usually change permissions later by going to "Settings," "Applications," "Manage Installed Applications," selecting the app, and choosing "Permissions."
Many apps require you to sign in with an account after installation—for example, Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu. The app installs for free, but you may need to pay for a subscription or sign in with an existing account to use it. Some apps are free to use without an account. Check the app's detail page in the Appstore to see what is required before you install.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps that are not in the Amazon Appstore?
The Amazon Appstore is the official source for Fire Stick apps. Apps from outside the Appstore are not supported by Amazon and may not work correctly. Stick to the Appstore for the safest experience.
Do I need an Amazon Prime membership to install apps?
No. You need an Amazon account to use your Fire Stick, but you do not need Prime. Most apps in the Appstore are free to install. Some apps may require their own subscription (like Netflix or Hulu), but that is separate from Prime membership.
How much storage space do apps use?
Storage varies by app. Most streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube use 50 to 200 megabytes. Games can use more. Your Fire Stick has built-in storage, and you can see how much space is available by going to "Settings," "Applications," "Manage Storage." If you run out of space, uninstall apps you no longer use.
Can I install the same app on multiple Fire Sticks?
Yes. If you own multiple Fire Sticks registered to the same Amazon account, you can install an app on each one. Use the Alexa app on your phone to select which Fire Stick to install to, or install directly from each Fire Stick's Appstore.
What happens if I uninstall an app and then want it back?
You can reinstall it anytime by going to the Appstore, searching for it, and selecting "Get" again. Your settings and login information may not be saved, so you may need to sign in again when you reinstall.