What to Know

After you’ve made these connections:

  • Plug the power adapter into a nearby outlet or power strip.
  • Run the USB cable behind the television and connect the Fire TV to an available HDMI port.
  • Turn on your TV.
  • Use the Source button on your TV’s remote control to locate the HDMI signal for the Fire TV.

The first time your Fire TV starts up you’ll see the logo screen. Now you’re ready to set up the device.

Plug the power adapter into a nearby outlet or power strip.

Run the USB cable behind the television and connect the Fire TV to an available HDMI port.

Turn on your TV.

Use the Source button on your TV’s remote control to locate the HDMI signal for the Fire TV.

If all your television’s HDMI ports are in use, remove one of your existing devices to make space for your new media streamer. If you have devices that are both USB and HDMI compatible, those can be moved to an open USB port. If not, a USB to HDMI converter might work for DVD players and similar devices. Connect your Fire Stick directly to your TV.

When prompted, press the Play button on the Alexa Voice Remote. Use the remote to complete the rest of the steps here.

Choose your language.

Select your Wi-Fi network. If more than one exists choose the fastest one.

Input your Wi-Fi password and click Connect.

Wait while the software updates and the Fire TV stick initializes. This could take 3 to 5 minutes.

Choose Yes or No to set up parental controls. If you choose Yes, create a PIN as prompted.

Watch the introductory video. It’s very short.

Click Choose Apps and select the apps you want to use. Use the right-facing arrow to see more. When you’re finished, click the Play button on the remote control.

Click Download Apps.

For now though, to complete the setup process, navigate to Settings and explore what’s there including but not limited to configuring options for:

  • Notification optionsNetworks and network passwordsDisplay and sound preferencesApps you own and apps you can getControllers and Bluetooth devices like remote controls keyboards, and game controllersAlexa preferences and performanceGeneral app preferencesAccess permissions for connected devicesHelp and help videos

You can control Fire TV with the Alexa Voice Remote that’s included with the device. Remove the cover by sliding it forward, and then insert the batteries as detailed in the instructions. Then, familiarize yourself with these remote control options; you’ll need to use some of them during the setup process:

  • Microphone button: Tap this to engage Alexa on your TV. Give a vocal command stating what you’d like to do, watch, or access. You could say, for instance, “Show me Prime Movies” or “Play the game Sonic the Hedgehog”.O-Ring: Position your finger on the outside of the O-ring, on the top, left, bottom, and right, and click in the direction you’d like to move to on the screen. You’ll see items highlighted as you move around. Tap inside the ring to apply the highlighted selection. This can start a movie you’ve selected or open an app that you’ve browsed to, among other things.Back button: Tap to go to the previous screen in the Fire TV interface.Home button: Tap to go to the Fire TV’s start page, which displays available media, apps, games, and so on.Options button: Tap this button (the one with three lines) to access options, which may or may not be available based on what is currently selected.Rewind, Play, and Pause: Tap and tap or hold as applicable to move through currently playing media. Note that this might not work on all apps or with all video services.

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