How to Use the Fire TV Stick Remote
There have been a number of different Fire TV Stick remotes released over the years but they all generally function the same.
Press the small circle button at the top of the remote with the microphone or white circle icon before saying a voice command—the large ring functions as arrow keys for navigating the Fire TV Stick operating system and apps. Press the large ring’s center to make a selection when you highlight an item on the TV.
Use the button with the house icon to return to the Fire Stick Home screen. The button with three horizontal lines on it brings up an additional menu when pressed. It kind of works like a right-click on a mouse or a long press on a smartphone or tablet.
The arrow button to the left of the Home button is the Back button. Press it to return to the previous screen in an app or menu.
The media control buttons are pretty self-explanatory though it’s important to note that the Play button also wakes a Fire Stick from sleep.
What Fire Stick Do I Have?
It can be a bit hard to check what model Fire TV Stick you own, as the sticks themselves have almost no labeling on them.
The easiest way to work out what Fire Stick you have is to check the packaging if you still have it. If you threw away the box and manuals, you can still view your Fire Stick’s type within its operating system. To do this, turn it on and select Settings > My Fire TV > About.
The model type should be highlighted, while its serial number and other details should be visible to the right.
Does Fire Stick Work With Any TV?
What Can I Do With a Firestick?
Many local TV channels offer apps that you can download to watch their live broadcast, and most also provide content that you can watch on-demand. Many global TV stations such as the BBC, Al Jazeera, and NHK World also offer their content via their Fire Stick apps.
If you have access to a cable channel as part of your cable, mobile, or internet provider’s plan, you can also view their content on your Fire Stick if they have an app. For example, if your plan includes the Hallmark Channel, you can download the Hallmark Channel app on your Fire Stick, log in with your account information, and watch it.
Is There a Monthly Fee for Firestick?
Fire Sticks are generally free to use after the initial purchase, though additional paid subscriptions are required to access streaming services via many apps.
While you can use apps such as YouTube, Spotify, and several others for free, services such as Disney Plus, Netflix, Paramount Plus, and cable channel apps need a paid membership to use just as you would if you were accessing their content on a smartphone or computer.
What Channels Are Free With Firestick?
The selection of channels that are available to use for free will depend significantly on what service provider, if any, you use.
For example, your internet service provider’s plan may include free access to various cable channels such as History Channel, Hallmark, and Cartoon Network. In this case, you can download those apps on your Fire Stick, log in with your provider’s information, and access their content without paying any additional fees.
If you don’t currently pay for a cable or internet package that includes access to channels, there are still many free apps that you can use. Here are some free apps worth trying. You can download each app on your Fire Stick.
Your local TV channels’ apps Tubi Crackle Plex Pluto TV NHK World TED Talks BBC iPlayer Al Jazeera Fox News Red Bull TV Vudu Crunchyroll YouTube Twitch
Some video games worth trying on your Fire Stick are the Asphalt 8, Tetris, Pac-Man Championship Edition DX, Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame, and Sega Classics. You can also cast games to your Fire Stick from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to play them on your TV.
