How To Put An App On Firestick Home Screen

The Firestick is a custom media streaming device for Amazon users. It's great for bingeing on movies and TV shows, playing video games, or just listening to music.

The built-in app store offers an impressive selection of popular streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. If a certain app isn't included in the library, don't worry – there's still a way to add it to your device. In this article, we'll show you how to install apps on Firestick via the Amazon website or sideloading.

How to Install Apps on Firestick?

Fire TV Stick has a handful of pre-installed apps available for certain users. For example, Amazon Instant Video is free for Amazon Prime subscribers as a built-in video streaming service.

Don't worry, as you're not limited to Amazon products. Since Firestick is primarily a digital streaming device, it supports a wide range of mainstream channels and streaming services. If you have a Netflix or a Hulu account, you can watch your favorite shows on Firestick without a hitch.

There are several different ways you can add content to your device. Here's how to install apps on Firestick:

By using the Amazon App Store.
By using the Search Function and Voice Control.
By using Amazon's official website.
By "sideloading" apps.

How to Browse and Download New Apps on Your Fire TV Stick?

You can go to the Amazon App Store to check what's available for download. There are countless apps to choose from, so scrolling through the library can be rather fun. Here's how to browse and download new apps on your Fire TV Stick by using your remote:

Remember to check whether your internet connection is secured before starting.
Go to your Home Screen.
Click on the "Up" button on the directional pad to access the top menu. Click the "Right" button until you get to "Apps."
To open the "Apps" tab, press the "Down" button.
A list of apps and featured games will appear. Select the app by pressing the central button on the directional pad.
Click "Get" to install.
Most apps on the Firestick are free. However, if that's not the case, click on the small shopping cart icon to purchase it.

Once you're done, the app will be added to your home screen. You can launch it immediately by simply clicking on it.

How to Use the Search Function to Find and Download Apps on a Fire TV Stick?

If you know what you're looking for, you don't have to waste time browsing. It's better to use the built-in Search Function when you have a specific app in mind.

By using this feature, you can locate any app available on your device or in the App store. Here's how to use the Search Function to find and download apps in a Fire TV Stick:

Open your Home Screen. In the top-left corner, you'll see a small magnifying glass. Click on the icon to open "Search Function."
A keyboard will appear. Using your remote, type in the name of the app that you want to download.
Select the app by clicking on the central button on the directional pad.
Click on "Get" to complete the installation. If this is your second time downloading the app, the button will instead read "Download."
To start the app, click "Open."

There's another way to initiate the Search Function. Recently, Amazon added a voice control feature on its streaming devices. You can now use your Alexa Voice Remote to control your Fire TV Stick. Here's how to download apps on the Firestick through voice commands:

Take your Alexa Voice Remote and click on the voice button.
Say the name of the app.
When the app appears on screen, use the voice command to "Get."

How to Download Apps to a Fire TV Stick Using the Amazon Website?

If you find the Fire TV keyboard impractical, there's another solution. Instead of downloading apps manually, you can do it on your computer.

Amazon's official website offers a way to install any app available on the store. It's a fairly automated process that requires just a few steps. You can either search the main website for the app or go directly to the store. The latter is perhaps more efficient.

Here's how to download apps to a Fire TV Stick using the Amazon website:

Open your browser and go to amazon.com/appstore.
On the left-hand side of the screen, there's a sidebar with a list of devices. Find your Fire TV Stick's model and click on the small box next to it.
The apps are divided into categories on the left-hand sidebar. Scroll until you find what you want and click on it.
Click on the box under "Deliver to" to open a drop-down menu.
Find your device on the list and click on "Get App" to download.

When you're done, open the Apps tab on your home screen. If the download is successful, you'll be able to locate the new addition there.

How to Enable Third-Party Apps in Settings on Firestick?

For any apps not available on the Amazon App Store, there's a way to download third-party apps on your Firestick called "sideloading." In order to do that, you have to make a few adjustments to your device. Here's how to enable third-party apps in Settings:

Open your Fire TV Home Screen.
In the right-hand corner, you'll see the "Settings" tab. Click to open.
Go to Device > Developer Option.
A small window will appear. Select the "Apps from Unknown Sources" option with your remote.
Click to "Turn on."

As of now, Amazon devices only support Android apps. The good news is that if you have them on your phone, you can transfer them to your Fire TV device. Here's how to do it:

First, make sure both your phone and Fire TV Stick are connected to the same network.
Find the app on your Android and open it. In the upper-right corner of the screen, tap on the three dots.
Click on "Select" and then "Network." This will scan all devices that share your network.
Look at the device name and IP address to locate your Firestick. Click on it.
The top bar has a section called "Local Apps." Open it and find whatever you wish to install.
Click on the app and confirm to "Install."

Once you're finished, the apps will automatically appear on your home screen.

You can also sideload apps by using the Downloader app by AFTVnews. Firstly, you have to install the app on your Fire TV device. You can use the Alexa Voice Remote or do it manually through the Search Function.

After that, you can open the app to start downloading. There are two ways to install third-party apps with Downloader. Here's how to do it through a direct URL:

Go to "Home" on the left-hand sidebar.
Click on the very first option ("Enter URL"). Open the keyboard by pressing "Select" on your Firestick remote control.
Type in the URL of the file you want to import. You have to save the file before doing this. Downloading from a website requires different steps.
Press "Go" to start the download.
Once it's finished, install the APK (Android Application Package) file by pressing "Install."
Downloader will notify you once the app is fully installed. If you want to open it immediately, click "Open." If not, click "Done."

You can delete the APK file afterward. Downloader also has a built-in browser that allows you to download files directly from the internet. Here's how to do it:

Open Downloader and choose "Browser" from the left sidebar.
Type in the address and click "Go."
Select "Fullscreen Mode" from the hamburger menu.
Scroll the page with your remote and find the download link.
Once the file is downloaded, click "Install."
A notification will appear when the app is installed. Click "Done" to finish or "Open" to use it right away.

Additional FAQS

1. What Programs Are on Amazon Firestick?

Pretty much anything on cable TV is also available on Firestick.

Major channels usually have individual apps that you can download from the store. These include:

· NBC News

· CBS

· ABC News

· PBS

· USA Today

· Fox News

· The Weather Network

If you have kids, they can watch Paw Patrol on Nick Jr. or one of the 1500 movies on Popcornflix Kids. There are a few more kid-friendly channels for Fire TV, so make sure to check out the App Store.

The Firestick also supports a host of premium streaming services. You can download the individual app and log in to your account. Here's a list of premium channels available on Fire TV Stick:

· Hulu + Live TV

· Netflix

· DirecTV Now

· Sling TV

2. What Are Free Apps for Firestick?

Most apps for Fire TV Stick are in fact free. Apart from the aforementioned premium channels, you can download and use most of them without charge.

Here's a list of free apps for Firestick divided into three categories.

Movies and TV shows:

· Kodi

· Tubi

· IMDB TV

· BBC iPlayer (in the UK only)

· Crackle

· Pluto TV

Sports:

· Mobdro

· OLA TV

· Live NetTV

· Redbox TV

Music:

· YouTube

· Twitch

· Spotify

Browsers and certain utility apps are also available free of charge. Apart from Downloader, Mouse Toggle and FileLinked don't cost anything.

It's Alright to Play With Firestick

As you can see, downloading apps on your Fire TV Stick is quick and painless. The Amazon App Store is both well-equipped and user-friendly.

If an app isn't available, there are alternative solutions. You can sideload the app through your phone (if it's an Android) or an intermediate utility app.

Do you find your Firestick easy to use? Do you prefer other streaming devices? Comment below and share with the community.