The basic steps to add an app to your Firestick
To install an app on your Firestick, open the Firestick home screen, go to the search icon at the top, type the app name, and select it from the results. When the app page appears, choose the "Get" or "read" button. The app will install automatically — you do not need to do anything else while it downloads. Once finished, a "Open" button replaces the read button, and the app appears in your library.
The whole process takes between one and five minutes depending on app size and your internet speed. Most apps are free, though some charge a one-time fee or monthly subscription. You can install as many apps as your Firestick storage allows — the newer Fire TV Stick 4K models have more space than older generations, but even full devices rarely run out of room for typical apps.
If you cannot find an app by searching, it may not be available in the Amazon Appstore, or it may be region-locked to a different country. Some apps that work on phones do not have Firestick versions.
Key Takeaways
- Search for the app by name from the Firestick home screen, then tap "Get" to start the read.
- Apps install in the background automatically — you do not need to monitor the process or restart your device.
- Downloaded apps appear in your library and on your home screen, and you can uninstall them at any time by holding the select button.
- If an app does not appear in search results, it is not available for Firestick in your region, and sideloading (installing from outside the Amazon store) requires developer mode and carries security risks.
Finding and searching for apps in the Amazon Appstore
The Amazon Appstore is the only official place to find apps for Firestick. It is built into your device and appears when you select the search icon (magnifying glass) at the top of the home screen. Type the app name using your remote — the on-screen keyboard appears automatically, and you can use the arrow buttons to move between letters or speak the name aloud if your remote has a microphone button.
Search results show apps with their ratings, descriptions, and whether they cost money. Tap any result to see the full app page, which includes screenshots, user reviews, and the file size. The file size matters if you have an older Firestick with limited storage — apps typically range from 20 MB to 500 MB, though streaming apps like Netflix or Prime Video can be larger.
If you do not see an app in the results, try searching for the company name instead of the app name. For example, searching "Disney" may show you Disney+ if searching "Disney Plus" does not. Some apps are also listed under different names in different regions.
What happens during installation and how long it takes
When you tap "Get" or "read," the app begins downloading to your Firestick when ready. A progress bar appears on the app page showing how much has downloaded. You can close this screen and do other things — the read continues in the background, and you do not need to keep the app page open.
Installation time depends on two things: the app size and your internet speed. A small app on a fast connection (25 Mbps or faster) usually installs in under a minute. Larger apps or slower connections can take three to five minutes. If your internet drops during read, the installation pauses and resumes when you reconnect — you do not lose progress.
Once the read finishes, the button changes from "Get" to "Open." The app also appears in your library (the menu on the left side of the home screen) and may appear as a tile on your home screen, depending on your Firestick model and settings.
Where installed apps appear and how to organize them
After installation, your app appears in two places: in your library under the category that matches the app type (Movies, Apps, Games, etc.), and sometimes as a tile on your home screen. Firestick automatically adds new apps to the home screen, but you can remove them if you want to keep your home screen clean.
To remove an app tile from the home screen without uninstalling it, highlight the app, hold the select button (the circle in the middle of the remote), and choose "Remove from Home." The app stays in your library and remains installed on your device — you can add it back to the home screen later by going to your library, finding the app, and selecting "Add to Home."
You can also rearrange app tiles by highlighting one, holding select, and choosing "Move." Use the arrow buttons to position it, then press select again to place it. This works on most Firestick models, though older devices may have limited home screen customization.
Uninstalling apps you no longer use
To remove an app completely from your Firestick, highlight it on the home screen or in your library, hold the select button, and choose "Uninstall." The app disappears from your device, and you free up storage space. Uninstalling does not affect your account or any purchases you made through that app — if you reinstall it later, your login information and saved data may still be there, depending on how the app developer designed it.
Some pre-installed apps that came with your Firestick cannot be uninstalled, only hidden. If you hold select on one of these apps, you will see "Remove from Home" instead of "Uninstall." Hiding them removes them from your home screen and library view, but they remain on your device taking up a small amount of storage.
Troubleshooting when an app will not install
If an app fails to read or gets stuck, restart your Firestick first. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up. Then try installing the app again. A restart clears temporary files and often fixes read problems.
If the app still will not install, check your internet connection. Go to Settings > Network and make sure you are connected to your Wi-Fi. If the connection is weak (below 5 Mbps), move your Firestick closer to your router or restart your router. Some apps also require a minimum amount of free storage — if your device is nearly full, uninstall apps you do not use and try again.
If the app page shows "This app is not available in your country" or "Not available," the app is not sold in your region through the Amazon Appstore. This is a licensing restriction set by the app developer, not a problem with your device. You cannot work around this through normal means.
Paid apps and subscriptions
Most apps in the Amazon Appstore are free, but some charge a one-time purchase fee (usually between $0.99 and $9.99) or require a monthly or yearly subscription. The price appears on the app page before you tap "Get." When you select a paid app, you are asked to confirm the purchase using your Amazon account payment method — the same card or account balance you use for Amazon shopping.
Subscription apps like Paramount+ or Peacock show their subscription cost on the app page. Some offer a free trial period before charging you. You can cancel a subscription at any time through your Amazon account settings under "Subscriptions" — canceling stops future charges but does not refund past payments.
If you share your Firestick with family members, anyone with access to the device can open paid apps you have already installed, but they cannot purchase new apps or change subscription settings without your Amazon account password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps from outside the Amazon Appstore?
Yes, but it requires enabling Developer Options and sideloading, which means installing apps from sources other than Amazon. This process is technical and carries security risks — apps from unknown sources can contain malware or compromise your device. Most users should stick to the Amazon Appstore. If you need an app not available there, research whether a Firestick version exists before attempting to sideload.
Why does an app I want not show up in search results?
The app may not have a Firestick version, or it may be region-locked and not available in your country. Some developers only release apps for phones and tablets, not for TV devices. Check the app developer's website to see if they offer a Firestick version. If they do not, no workaround will make it appear in the Amazon Appstore.
How much storage do I need to install multiple apps?
Most Firestick models come with 8 GB of storage, though only about 5 GB is available for apps after the operating system takes space. Typical apps use 50 to 200 MB each, so you can install dozens before running low. If you hit the storage limit, uninstall apps you no longer use. Firestick does not support external storage or SD cards.
Will installing an app slow down my Firestick?
No. Installing more apps does not make your Firestick slower unless you are running out of storage space. Once an app is installed, it does not consume resources unless you open it. Closing an app stops it from using memory or internet bandwidth.
Can I install the same app on multiple Firesticks?
Yes. If you own multiple Firestick devices linked to the same Amazon account, you can install an app on one device, then go to the app page on another device and select "Get" — it will install there too. You do not need to purchase the app again. This works for both free and paid apps.