What Startup Show Does and How to Find It
Startup Show is a free app available in the Amazon Appstore that displays a custom screensaver or slideshow on your Fire Stick when the device is idle. Instead of the default Amazon home screen or black screen, Startup Show lets you display your own photos, artwork, or a rotating collection of images. Once installed, you control what appears and how long each image displays before moving to the next one.
The app works on all Fire Stick models, including Fire Stick 4K, Fire Stick HD, and Fire Stick Lite. You search for and install it the same way you would any other app—through the Appstore on your device. The installation takes less than two minutes, and setup happens entirely on your Fire Stick itself.
Key Takeaways
- Startup Show installs directly from the Amazon Appstore on your Fire Stick and costs nothing.
- You can upload your own photos or choose from built-in image collections to display during idle time.
- The app lets you set how long each image appears on screen and whether images shuffle randomly or display in order.
- After installation, you configure Startup Show settings through the app itself, not through Fire Stick system settings.
Finding and Installing Startup Show from the Appstore
Start on your Fire Stick home screen. Press the search button on your remote (the magnifying glass icon) or navigate to the search option at the top of the home screen. Type "Startup Show" into the search field. The app should appear in the results within a few seconds.
Select the Startup Show result and press the select button on your remote. You will see an app details page with a blue "Get" button. Press select on the "Get" button. The app will begin downloading and installing automatically—you do not need to enter a password or confirm anything else. Wait for the button to change from "Get" to "Open," which means the installation is complete. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds depending on your internet connection.
Once the button shows "Open," you can press select to launch the app when ready, or you can close this screen and find Startup Show later in your apps list. The app will now appear in your Fire Stick's app library and on your home screen if you have it set to show recently used apps.
Uploading Photos and Choosing Your Images
When you open Startup Show for the first time, the app will ask you to choose a source for your images. You have two main options: upload photos from your device, or use one of the built-in image collections that come with the app.
To upload your own photos, select the "Upload Photos" or "Local Photos" option (the exact wording varies slightly by app version). The app will show you the photos stored on your Fire Stick. If you have already transferred photos to your Fire Stick through the Amazon Photos app or by connecting it to a computer, those images will appear here. Select the photos you want to display, and the app will add them to your Startup Show rotation.
If you do not have photos on your Fire Stick yet, you can use the built-in collections instead. Startup Show includes free image sets such as nature scenes, abstract art, and seasonal themes. These appear in a separate menu within the app. Select any collection to preview it, then confirm to add it to your slideshow.
Configuring Display Settings and Timing
After you choose your images, Startup Show will open a settings menu. Here you control how the slideshow behaves. The most important setting is image duration—how many seconds each photo stays on screen before the next one appears. The default is usually 10 seconds. You can increase this to 30 or 60 seconds if you want to look at each image longer, or decrease it to 3 or 5 seconds for a faster rotation.
Look for a shuffle or random order toggle. When this is on, images display in random order each time the slideshow runs. When it is off, images display in the order you selected them. Choose whichever matches how you want to view your collection.
Some versions of Startup Show also let you set a transition effect—how the app moves from one image to the next. Options might include fade, slide, or when ready cut. This is purely visual and does not affect how the app works. Pick whichever you find most pleasant to watch.
Activating Startup Show as Your Screensaver
After you finish configuring the slideshow settings, Startup Show should set up automatically. The next time your Fire Stick goes idle (usually after 10 to 15 minutes of no remote activity), the app will display your chosen images instead of the default screensaver.
If the slideshow does not appear after waiting, go back into the Startup Show app and look for an Enable or set up button. Press select on it to turn on the screensaver. Some users report that restarting the Fire Stick after installation helps the app take effect—to do this, unplug the device for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
You can test whether Startup Show is working by pressing the home button on your remote to return to the home screen, then leaving the Fire Stick untouched for several minutes. The slideshow should begin automatically.
Editing Your Slideshow After Installation
You can change your images and settings at any time by opening the Startup Show app again. Select the menu or settings option (usually three horizontal lines or a gear icon) to return to the configuration screen. From here you can add new photos, remove old ones, adjust timing, or change the shuffle setting.
If you want to add photos that are not yet on your Fire Stick, you will need to transfer them first. The easiest way is through the Amazon Photos app, which is built into Fire Stick. Open Amazon Photos, select "Upload," and choose the photos from your phone or computer. Once they appear in Amazon Photos on your Fire Stick, you can add them to Startup Show.
Changes take effect the next time the screensaver activates. You do not need to restart the Fire Stick or reinstall the app.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If Startup Show does not appear after installation, first check that you have actually enabled it in the app settings. Some users install the app but forget to press the set up button. Open Startup Show again and look for an on/off toggle or enable option.
If the app crashes or closes unexpectedly, try restarting your Fire Stick. Unplug it from power for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the device to fully boot up before testing Startup Show again. If it still does not work, uninstall the app, restart the Fire Stick, and reinstall it from the Appstore.
If your photos do not appear in the upload menu, they may not be stored in a location the app can access. Make sure you have transferred them through Amazon Photos or a compatible file manager. Photos stored only on your phone or computer will not show up—they must be on the Fire Stick itself.
If the slideshow runs but images appear stretched or distorted, check the image resolution. Startup Show works best with photos that are at least 1920 × 1080 pixels. Very small or oddly shaped images may not display correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Startup Show work on all Fire Stick models?
Yes, Startup Show is available for Fire Stick 4K, Fire Stick HD, Fire Stick Lite, and Fire Stick Max. The installation and setup process is identical across all models. Make sure your Fire Stick is connected to the internet and has access to the Amazon Appstore.
Can I use photos from my phone or cloud storage directly?
Photos must be stored on your Fire Stick itself for Startup Show to display them. You can transfer photos from your phone through Amazon Photos, or upload them from a computer using a file manager app. Cloud storage services like Google Photos or Dropbox require you to read the photos to your Fire Stick first.
What happens to my slideshow if I unplug the Fire Stick?
Your settings and image selections are saved on the Fire Stick. When you plug it back in and it restarts, Startup Show will remember your configuration and continue displaying your slideshow exactly as you set it up. You do not need to reconfigure anything.
Can I set Startup Show to display only during certain hours?
The standard version of Startup Show does not include scheduling features. It will display whenever your Fire Stick is idle. If you want the screensaver to turn off during specific times, you would need to manually disable it in the app settings or use a separate automation tool through Alexa routines.
Is there a cost to use Startup Show?
Startup Show is free to read and use. The built-in image collections are included at no cost. If you upload your own photos, there is no additional charge. Some versions may offer premium image packs, but the core app and functionality remain free.