If you have an Amazon Firestick, you’re probably wondering, what’s next? These devices are fantastic and are therefore able to deliver a huge array of content from all over the world. This includes everything from films to on-demand services, to live TV, and much, much more. This tutorial will act as a simple guide because it allows you to convert your Firestick into a super-strength streaming machine.
Let’s face it, there’s no denying that the Firestick is one of the most well-known and well-used streaming tools of modern times. Due to its low cost and fantastic versatility, it’s the perfect choice for a huge range of online streaming fans. This is regardless of age, location, or taste.
Amazon even released a new addition to the Fire family – the Fire TV Stick 4K. This device came out back in 2018. Even though it’s tiny, it’s capable of providing access to a huge range of 4K TV shows and movies, as well as other features.
Despite coming at a very affordable price, it’s become a streaming titan. Therefore, tens of thousands of purchasers have ditched the tradition TV areal or cable, and now use their Internet connection to catch up on the latest TV shows and movies.
Can You Jailbreak Your Firestick Device?
Many decide to purchase their Firestick with the hope of ‘jailbreaking’ it. What’s jailbreaking? It’s a way of altering the device that allows you to stream and download an even bigger array of TV shows, movies and more. You will also be able to download many different apps that usually aren’t available. In short, it converts your ordinary Firestick setup into a super-powered one.
I’ll be going into this more – as well as other ways to make the most of your Firestick – later on in the article. But before getting into that, you first need to set your Firestick up for regular use. If it doesn’t work normally, it can’t be jailbroken.
Here are the directions to follow in order to set up your Firestick in just a couple of minutes.
How to Complete the Firestick Setup
Please note, although the following guide will show you how to set up your Firestick, and the Fire TV Stick 4K, the very same steps are similar to the setup of various other Fire TV devices. This includes the Fire TV Cube and the 3rd generation Fire TV stick.
After purchasing your Fire TV or Firestick, you should have these items:
- Fire TV or Fire Stick
- Alexa Voice Remote
- 2 x AAA batteries for the remote
- Power cable for the Fire Stick
- HDMI cable extender (only included with Firestick)
For correct Firestick setup, you will need:
- A TV with an HDMI port
- A reliable Internet connection
- An Amazon account
1.Unpackage the remote and insert the batteries into the back.
2. Plug in the power adapter, then connect the USB cable to both the power adapter and the Firestick.
3. Insert the Firestick into an HDMI port on your TV. If this isn’t possible due to the location of the HDMI port, use the HDMI extender to make this easier.
Caution: Please note that you should plug the USB cable that powers the Firestick into the TV. You should only plug it into the included power supply from a main power outlet. This is just to ensure stable and adequate power, and to avoid any issues when setting up.
4. On your TV, select the chosen HDMI input that corresponds to where the Firestick is plugged in.
5. Your Fire TV or Firestick should automatically detect the included remote when booting up. If this doesn’t happen, the remote will need to be manually paired with the device. This is done by pressing the Home button on the remote, and then allowing the Firestick/Fire TV and remote to detect each other.
6. Once the Fire TV or Firestick have paired with the remote, press the ‘Play’ button to initiate setup.
7. Choose your desired language.
8. Allow the device to scan for available Wi-Fi networks.
9. After selecting your network, enter your password.
10. Then the Fire TV or Firestick will tell you to log in to your Amazon account. If you don’t have it, you’ll need to make one at this point to continue. Click the corresponding selection for you, and follow the instructions.
11. Click Continue.
12. It will then give you the option to save passwords onto your device, making it easier to connect to other devices. Choose Yes or No depending on your preference. This feature can be disabled in the network settings for the Fire TV or Firestick.
13. The next step is to choose whether or not you enable Parental Controls. This means that a PIN is required before launching certain apps, or before making any purchases for digital content through Amazon.
14. After this, select the brand of your TV in order to set up your Firestick remote to work with the volume buttons.
15. Sync the volume on your TV with the volume controls on your Firestick remote by pressing the corresponding buttons. When the ideal volume has been selected, click Yes.
16. A video will play which outlines how the Firestick or other Fire TV device is used, but pressing Fast Forwards will skip this.
17. You can then select whatever streaming services or apps you would like to install on your device. But if you’re jailbreaking your device then this isn’t necessary. So, you can skip this part.
18. Now you will be at the Home screen, where you can browse apps, films, TV shows and more. You have officially completed the Firestick setup!
What Happens If You Choose to Jailbreak Firestick?
Many people have already chosen to ‘jailbreak’ their device. This is because they want to access the added range of content available. By getting rid of Amazon’s restrictions, you’ll have access to a wider range of unauthorized software, giving you a more customizable and varied experience catered to your interests.
There is a huge range of benefits to jailbreaking your Firestick or Fire TV device, which includes the following:
- The ability to download apps from unauthorized providers, which offer a wider range of content than can be found on the Amazon Store.
- Access to a huge range of high-quality content.
- A more personalized media setup and library catered to your needs.
- Access to more live TV channels, giving you more to experience with friends and family.
- The ability to play the latest array of online games.
Using a VPN for Firestick
The best thing about Amazon Firestick is the sheer range of apps that are available for download. But with such a huge library to pick from, it can often be difficult or confusing to decide which apps you would like to install.
However, we have decided to collect a list containing the very best apps available for both the Fire TV and the Firestick, which will help you decide. By installing these apps, you’ll have an unlimited library of TV shows, movies and live shows to watch.
And by using the IPVanish VPN, you can access geographically restricted content that aren’t usually available in your country. Not only that, but by using a VPN, you’re able to ensure your privacy online, and protect your personal data from both your ISP (Internet Service Provider), and the government. We recommend using IPVanish, as it’s the best VPN service available out there!
Firestick Keyboard
Although the voice activated feature that’s included in the Fire TV and Firestick is incredible, many of the third-party or authorized apps aren’t compatible with it. So, if you do decide to jailbreak your device, you won’t be able to use this feature. The solution to this is simple – a Fire TV/Firestick compatible Bluetooth keyboard, that:
- Can connect directly to the existing remote, making it super handy
- Work via Bluetooth
- Backlits for easy viewing
- Comes with a built-in rechargeable battery
- Incorporates IR technology
- Does a fast search
Having researched into this, we’ve managed to find the best Firestick or Fire TV keyboard out there.
Use AppTuner to Fully Load Your New Firestick Device
AppTuner is an app which lets you install other apps onto your Firestick remotely. This is one of the greatest tools for the Firestick as it requires just a PC and the Firestick itself. It’s compatible with Windows PC operating systems, and is quick and easy to use, adding even more flexibility to your viewing and media library.
The best part about AppTuner is its reputation. Having been around for such a long time, it’s trustworthy and doesn’t pose any risk to your computer or other devices. Users can even try a 3-day trial before committing to the paid version.
What are your thoughts on Firestick and other Fire TV devices? How was your Firestick setup process? Let us know with a comment below!
