How to set up IPTV on a Firestick in the UK

Which Fire TV have you got?

Amazon has started replacing Fire OS (built on Android) with Vega OS (built on Linux) on some new sticks. Vega OS can’t sideload apps — no Downloader, no APK files — so on those you’re limited to players listed in the Amazon Appstore.

To check, open Settings › My Fire TV › About. If the software line says Fire OS, every step below applies. If it just says OS with a version that starts with 1., you’ve got a Vega OS stick.

Vega OS stick? Jump to Step 3 and look for a player in the Appstore. If the one you need isn’t there, an older Fire OS stick, an Android TV or Google TV device or your telly’s own app store are the realistic alternatives.

Before you start: account and region

• Sign in to Amazon first. The stick needs to be linked to an Amazon account before it will let you search for or install anything.
• Mind the region. The Appstore catalogue follows your Amazon account’s country, so an app listed for one country may not show up in another. If a player seems to be missing, that’s the first thing to check.
• Install pending updates under Settings › My Fire TV › About › Check for updates so nothing interrupts the setup halfway through.

Step 1: Allow app installs (Fire OS sticks)

1. Find Developer optionsGo to Settings › My Fire TV. No Developer options? Open About and press Select on the stick’s name (for example “Fire TV Stick 4K Max”) seven times, until it says you’re now a developer. Step back once and the menu will be there.
2. Switch installs onDepending on your Fire OS version you’ll see either Apps from Unknown Sources (turn it on) or Install unknown apps (a list where you’ll allow Downloader in the next step).

Step 2: Add the Downloader app

Downloader is a free tool from AFTVnews, listed in the Amazon Appstore. It’s the usual way to fetch a player that isn’t in the Appstore itself.

1. Search for itOn the home screen choose Find › Search, type Downloader and install the one with the orange icon.
2. Give it permissionOn newer Fire OS versions go to Settings › My Fire TV › Developer options › Install unknown apps and set Downloader to On.

Step 3: Install your IPTV player

The player is the app that gives you the channel list, TV guide and picture. It doesn’t contain any channels itself — it plays whatever your subscription provides.

• Player in the Amazon Appstore? Search for it and install it like any other app. This is the only route on a Vega OS stick.
• Not in the Appstore? Open Downloader, type in the download link your representative sends you, and confirm the install when the stick asks.

Only install files from a source you trust. Fire TV warns you about apps from outside the Appstore, and that warning is a good reason never to use links from random websites or forums.

Step 4: Sign in

Players normally take one of two kinds of login. Your representative will tell you which to use:

• Type the server URL exactly as given, including http:// or https:// and any port such as :8080.
• Usernames and passwords are case-sensitive — a capital “I” and a lowercase “l” are easy to mix up.
• Typing long links with the remote is painful. The free Amazon Fire TV app for iPhone and Android gives you a proper on-screen keyboard.

Step 5: Set it up for smooth viewing

• Go wired if you can. Sticks have no Ethernet port, but Amazon’s Ethernet adapter plugs into the power port and takes most Wi-Fi drop-outs out of the picture. If the router is in another room, a powerline adapter pair can bridge the gap.
• On Wi-Fi, choose 5 GHz and don’t bury the stick behind the telly — the little HDMI extender in the box helps.
• Keep some storage free. A nearly full stick stutters, so uninstall anything you don’t use.
• Check your speed. As a guide, Netflix recommends 5 Mbps for a Full HD stream and 15 Mbps for 4K — for every telly watching at the same time.

Still seeing the spinning circle? Our buffering guide for UK homes goes through the fixes in order.

Common Firestick problems

Developer options or Install unknown apps is missing

Either the menu is still hidden (repeat the seven presses on the stick’s name under About) or your stick runs Vega OS, which has no sideloading switch at all.

“App not installed”

Usually the stick is short of storage, or the file is for a different kind of device. Free up space, then download the file again from the link your representative sent.

The player opens but no channels appear

Re-check the server URL and your login for typos, then restart the player. If it still fails, send your representative a photo of the login screen (cover the password).

Black screen with sound

Switch the player’s decoder between hardware and software in its settings.

Questions