Customer Ratings & Reviews

Hello Pelonstake. Thank you for your review. For enhanced security, only apps from the Amazon Appstore are available for download. Registered developers are still able to sideload. I hope that helps and have a great day!

Hello GreatTV,
Thank you for your feedback on the Fire TV Stick 4K. I am sorry to hear some streaming services were not available. Some apps or streaming services are simply not made for the Firestick's operating system or hardware, or they are exclusive to other platforms. I hope this information helps.

Hi AymanC,

Thank you for sharing your feedback about the Fire TV Stick 4K. I'm sorry to hear that you're unable to download anything on your device—that's definitely not the experience you should have with a new streaming device.

Download issues can sometimes be caused by:

Wi-Fi connectivity problems preventing access to the Amazon Appstore
Account setup issues that need to be completed before downloads work
Software updates that need to install first before apps can be downloaded
Storage or system errors that may require a factory reset

Since you're describing the device as not functioning at all for downloads, this sounds like it may be a defective unit or a setup issue that needs immediate attention. I'd recommend:

Contacting Amazon or Best Buy support right away—they can troubleshoot remotely or arrange a replacement
Trying a factory reset if you haven't already (Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults)
Returning for exchange at Best Buy if you're still within the return window

A brand-new Fire TV Stick should work right out of the box, and we want to get this resolved for you quickly.

Hi JeffreyE,

Thank you for sharing your feedback about the Fire TV Stick 4K. I'm sorry to hear that you had to return the device due to Wi-Fi password recognition issues.

I understand how frustrating it must be when a streaming device won't connect to your network, especially when your cable provider has confirmed that you're not the only customer experiencing this problem. Connectivity issues like this can stem from various factors, including compatibility with certain router configurations or Wi-Fi security protocols.

If you decide to give it another try in the future, our support team can help troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity issues, including steps like resetting network settings, checking router compatibility, or exploring alternative connection methods. They are available 24/7 at 1 888-280-4331.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience—your feedback helps us identify patterns and work toward improvements.

Hello DavidH. Thank you for your review. For enhanced security, only apps from the Amazon Appstore are available for download. Registered developers are still able to sideload. I hope that helps and have a great day!

Hello SharonCC. Thank you for your review. For enhanced security, only apps from the Amazon Appstore are available for download. Registered developers are still able to sideload. I hope that helps and have a great day!

Hi photog6,

Thank you for sharing your feedback about the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I'm sorry to hear that you were misled about the local station capabilities – that's definitely frustrating when a product doesn't meet your expectations for a specific feature.

I understand your disappointment about not being able to access local stations the way you expected. You're absolutely right that the Fire TV Stick 4K Select's approach to local channels is different from dedicated over-the-air (OTA) solutions. The Fire TV Stick can access local content through streaming apps and services, but it doesn't have a built-in tuner for traditional broadcast television signals like devices such as Tablo or the Fire TV Cube with an antenna setup would provide.

For viewers specifically looking for traditional local broadcast channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, etc.) via antenna, you're correct that:

Tablo: Works as a DVR that connects to an antenna and streams local channels to your devices
Fire TV Cube: Can integrate with antenna setups and cable/satellite boxes for a more comprehensive viewing experience including local channels

However, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select does offer access to local content through:

Streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV (which require subscriptions)
Individual network apps that may offer local content
Free streaming services with some local news and content

Your feedback about the clarity of local channel capabilities is valuable and helps us improve how we communicate product features.

Hi K9karl,
Thank you for your feedback on the Fire TV Stick 4k. I am sorry to hear your images are slow and lagging. Slow, lagging images on your Fire Stick are usually fixed by restarting your device, clearing app cache/data, freeing up storage, or updating the software, as these issues stem from overloaded memory, poor connection, or outdated software. If these steps do not help and you are still experiencing issues, you can reach out to Amazon Customer Support 24/7 at 1-888-280-4331.

Hello Reviewer,

Thank you for sharing your feedback on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I appreciate your honest assessment of the device's capabilities.

You're correct that the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is designed as a streamlined, entry-level 4K streaming device, which is reflected in its price point. It's built for straightforward streaming experiences with legitimate apps and services from the Amazon Appstore, and it includes features like AI-powered search, 4K streaming support, and access to free and live TV.

The device is optimized for standard consumer use with official apps and services, which ensures security, stability, and compliance with content licensing agreements. For customers seeking more advanced customization options or alternative app installations, Amazon offers other devices in the Fire TV lineup with different specifications that might better suit various needs.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective, as it helps other customers understand what to expect from this particular model.

Hi NODOWNLOADER,

Thank you for sharing your feedback about the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. We're sorry to hear about your frustration with downloading apps.

We want to clarify that the Fire TV Stick 4K Select does support app downloads from the Amazon Appstore, which includes thousands of popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, and many others. However, we understand there may have been confusion or technical difficulties you experienced.

If you're having trouble accessing the Amazon Appstore or downloading apps:

Press the Home button on your remote and navigate to the "Find" menu or "Apps" section
You can also use the AI-powered search feature by pressing and holding the voice button and saying "Find [app name]"
Ensure your Fire TV Stick is connected to the internet and has completed any pending software updates

Regarding the "Downloader" app specifically, while some sideloading apps have varying availability, the Amazon Appstore offers a wide range of official apps that are optimized for Fire TV devices.

If you're still experiencing issues or if the device isn't meeting your needs, please reach out to our customer service team at 1-800-280-4331 or through the Amazon app. They can help troubleshoot the issue or discuss your options.

We appreciate your feedback and want to ensure you have a positive streaming experience.

Hi JeffS,

Thank you for reaching out about the issue you're experiencing with your Fire TV Stick 4K Select. We're sorry to hear you're having trouble adding downloads and accessing the app downloader.

We want to let you know that the Fire TV Stick 4K Select model has limited availability to the Amazon App Store compared to other Fire TV models. This means some apps and features, including certain downloaders, may not be accessible on this particular device.

If you need access to a wider range of apps and features, you may want to consider exchanging for the standard Fire TV Stick 4K or Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which offer full access to the Amazon App Store and all available apps.

If you have questions about the specific apps available on your Select model or would like assistance with an exchange, we recommend reaching out to Amazon Fire TV support directly at 1-800-456-7962 or through the Fire TV app. They can provide more details about the Select model's capabilities and help you find the best solution for your streaming needs.

We appreciate your feedback and want to make sure you have the right device to enjoy all your favorite content!

Hello RodrigoL,

Thank you for sharing your feedback on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing difficulties downloading apps and encountering storage limitations with the device.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select comes with 8GB of storage, which can fill up more quickly than expected, especially with multiple apps, app data, and cached content. This can prevent new app downloads and affect overall performance. Here are some steps that might help free up space:

Clear cache from Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, then select individual apps and clear their cache
Uninstall unused apps to free up storage space
Delete downloaded content you no longer need
Restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in

If you're finding that 8GB isn't sufficient for your needs, you might want to consider the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which offers 16GB of storage—double the capacity—and may better accommodate your app requirements.

If these steps don't resolve the issue or if you continue to experience problems downloading apps, I recommend contacting Amazon Customer Service at 1-888-280-4331 or through your Amazon account for further assistance.

We appreciate your feedback as it helps us understand when storage capacity may not meet customer needs.

Hello Roman,

Thank you for sharing your feedback on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I'm sorry to hear that you're dissatisfied with the Fire OS experience on the device. We appreciate your honest feedback about the operating system, as it helps us understand where improvements are needed.

I'm glad to hear that despite your frustration with the product, you received excellent five-star customer service from the Best Buy team. Great customer service can make a significant difference, and it's wonderful that they were able to assist you effectively.

If you're experiencing specific issues with the Fire OS—such as navigation difficulties, app performance, or interface concerns—Amazon does regularly release software updates that can improve the user experience. You can check for updates in Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates.

However, if the operating system simply doesn't meet your preferences or needs, we completely understand. Your feedback about the OS experience is valuable and will be shared with our product team.

Hello ShenC. Thank you for your feedback on the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I understand your frustration with the difficulty installing VLC and the changes in the newest model. Amazon continuously updates Fire TV devices with enhanced security features to protect customers from potentially harmful applications and ensure a safe streaming experience. While some advanced customization options like sideloading third-party apps may have changed, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select offers robust security measures, AI-powered search capabilities, and access to thousands of apps through the Amazon Appstore including many media player alternatives to VLC that are optimized for Fire TV devices.

For media playback, you can explore apps available in the Amazon Appstore, or other video player apps that provide similar functionality to VLC while maintaining the security and compatibility standards of the Fire TV platform. The device is designed to provide a secure, user-friendly streaming experience with regular software updates that enhance performance and protect your personal information. I hope this clarifies that the changes prioritize your security while still offering robust streaming and media playback capabilities.

Hi SamuelG! Thank you for your feedback about the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing difficulties installing apps with the new software update. To resolve this issue, ensure your device software is fully updated (Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates), restart by unplugging for 30 seconds, verify strong internet connectivity, and check available storage space (Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications). Clear the Amazon Appstore cache (Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Amazon Appstore > Clear Cache) and confirm you're properly signed into your Amazon account. If these steps don't resolve the issue, contact Amazon Customer Support at 1-888-280-4331 (available 24/7) for guidance on this software update issue. I hope this helps restore full app installation functionality.

Hello De30,

Thank you for sharing your feedback on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing severe buffering issues and persistent internet connectivity problems. These are fundamental issues that prevent you from enjoying the streaming experience you paid for, and your frustration is completely understandable.

Connectivity and buffering problems can sometimes be resolved through troubleshooting:

Restart your Fire TV Stick by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in
Check your internet speed to ensure you're getting adequate bandwidth (4K streaming requires at least 25 Mbps)
Move your router closer to the Fire TV Stick or reduce interference from other devices
Try connecting via Ethernet using an Amazon Ethernet Adapter for Fire TV if Wi-Fi continues to be unreliable
Check for system updates in Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates

However, if your Fire TV Stick won't maintain a stable connection despite these steps, I recommend contacting Amazon Customer Service at 1-888-280-4331 or through your Amazon account. They can run diagnostics and determine if there's a hardware defect that warrants a replacement.

Your feedback helps us identify when products aren't delivering the reliable streaming experience our customers expect, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Hello Michael! Thank you for your feedback on the Fire TV Stick Select. I'm sorry to hear about your disappointment with this device and that it hasn't met your expectations. The Fire TV Stick Select is positioned as an entry-level streaming device, and while it provides basic streaming functionality, it may have limitations compared to other models in the Fire TV lineup in terms of processing speed, available features, and app compatibility.
If you're looking for a Fire TV device with better performance, you might consider the Fire TV Stick 4K or Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which offer enhanced processing power, more memory, and support for additional features and apps, though I completely understand if you've decided to explore other streaming options given your experience. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which you already own, typically provides the most robust performance in the Fire TV Stick lineup when it's functioning properly.If these troubleshooting steps don't resolve the issue Amazon Customer Support is available 24/7 at 1-888-280-4331. Thank you for taking the time to share your honest feedback it's essential for helping improve product development and ensuring customers receive devices that meet their expectations and needs.

Dear FIREFLOES,

Thank you for sharing your feedback about the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I'm truly sorry to hear that you've had such a disappointing experience with this device and that it hasn't met your expectations.

I understand how frustrating it is when a product doesn't deliver the streaming experience you were hoping for, especially with a newer model that should provide reliable performance. Your dissatisfaction is completely valid, and I genuinely want to understand what went wrong so we can help make this right.

We'd really appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the specific issues you encountered with the Fire TV Stick. Whether it's performance problems, connectivity issues, interface concerns, or other technical difficulties, our support team is ready to work with you to troubleshoot and resolve these problems. In many cases, we can address issues through software updates, settings adjustments, or other solutions that can significantly improve your experience.

Please reach out to our support team so we can help turn this around for you. Your feedback is important to us, and we're committed to ensuring you have a positive experience with our products.

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns.

Hi Brian,

Thank you for sharing your feedback about the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I understand your frustration with the app restrictions on this newest model.

You're right that the Fire TV Stick 4K Select has enhanced security features that limit app downloads to only those available in the Amazon Appstore. This is a significant change from previous Fire TV models, and I can see how this would be disappointing if you were expecting the same flexibility you had with earlier devices.

The Amazon Appstore does include most major streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, and many others. However, I recognize this may not include all the apps you were hoping to use.

If the app restrictions are a dealbreaker for your needs, you might want to consider exchanging it for the standard Fire TV Stick 4K or Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which offer more flexibility with app installation while still providing excellent 4K streaming performance.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, as feedback like yours helps us understand what matters most to our customers.