Device Setup
How to Set Up Streaming on Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
Set up an Amazon Fire TV or Fire TV Stick for streaming: placement, network, updates, installing apps from the Appstore, and the settings worth changing first.
Amazon’s Fire TV and Google’s Android TV — now mostly sold with the Google TV interface — are two of the most popular streaming platforms. Both are based on Android, which leads many people to assume they are interchangeable. They are not. They differ in app store, interface, voice assistant and the range of hardware available. This comparison sets out the differences without favouring either.
The shared foundation
Fire TV runs Fire OS, Amazon’s operating system based on Android. Android TV and Google TV run Google’s TV version of Android. That shared heritage means:
- Many apps are available on both.
- Both can install Android app files from outside their stores, with a setting change. See how to download streaming apps safely before doing so.
- Similar troubleshooting steps apply, such as clearing an app’s cache.
Key differences
| Fire TV | Android TV / Google TV | |
|---|---|---|
| App store | Amazon Appstore | Google Play |
| Interface | Amazon-designed; promotes Amazon services and content | Google TV: recommendation-focused; Android TV: app rows |
| Voice assistant | Alexa | Google Assistant (on most devices) |
| Hardware | Amazon sticks, Cube, and Fire TV-powered TVs | Many brands: TVs from several manufacturers, Google’s own streaming device, third-party boxes |
| Casting | Not Google Cast by default | Google Cast built in |
| Profiles | Supported | Supported on Google TV |
| Update timing | Controlled by Amazon | Controlled by each device manufacturer |
Apps
Most major streaming services offer apps on both platforms. Differences tend to be with smaller apps, which may only be in one store. Because Google Play is the standard Android store, its catalogue of TV apps is generally broad; the Amazon Appstore is curated by Amazon. Check the specific apps you need on each platform before buying.
Interface and advertising
Fire TV’s home screen puts Amazon content and services front and centre, with sponsored rows and featured content. Google TV’s home screen focuses on aggregated recommendations across services, and also includes promoted content. Older Android TV interfaces are more app-focused. Which feels better is personal; reviews and shop demos help.
Ecosystems
- If you use Alexa speakers and other Amazon services, Fire TV integrates neatly.
- If you use Android phones, Google Home and Google Cast, Google TV integrates neatly. Casting from phone apps is especially convenient.
Hardware choice and updates
Fire TV hardware is designed by Amazon, so updates come from one source. Android TV and Google TV run on devices from many manufacturers, which means more choice of features and prices, but update frequency and duration vary by maker. Check a device’s update history before buying.
Performance
Performance depends far more on the specific device than on the platform. Entry-level devices on either platform can feel slow with heavy apps; mid-range and premium devices are generally responsive. Storage is a common limitation on budget sticks. See freeing up storage.
Which should you choose?
Choose Fire TV if:
- You use Alexa or Amazon services heavily.
- You like Amazon’s interface and the devices fit your budget.
Choose Android TV / Google TV if:
- You want Google Play and Google Cast.
- You use Android phones and Google services.
- You want a wider choice of hardware brands, including TVs with the platform built in.
Either way, check that the apps you need are available, that the device supports your TV’s resolution and HDR formats, and that it has enough storage. How to choose a streaming device has a full checklist.
Setting up either platform
Our step-by-step articles cover both: Fire TV and Fire TV Stick setup and Android TV and Google TV setup. IPTVNomad customers will also find device-specific player steps in our Fire TV and Android TV guides.
Common questions
Can I install Google Play on Fire TV?
Fire TV uses the Amazon Appstore and does not officially support Google Play. Workarounds circulate online, but they involve unofficial modifications that can be unreliable and insecure. If Google Play matters to you, choose a Google TV device instead.
Which platform gets updates for longer?
It depends on the specific device. Amazon updates its own hardware; Google TV devices are updated by each manufacturer, so support varies widely by brand. Check a device’s update history before buying.
Can I cast from my phone to Fire TV?
Fire TV supports some screen mirroring and casting features, and certain apps have their own casting, but Google Cast is not built in by default. Google TV devices include Google Cast, which many phone apps support directly.
Summary
Fire TV and Android TV/Google TV share Android roots but differ in store, interface, assistant, casting and hardware variety. Neither is universally better: the right choice depends on your apps, your ecosystem and the specific device you buy.