Customer Ratings & Reviews

Hi Jimmymac,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. We're sorry to hear that you've been experiencing glitchy performance with the device and that it's been frustrating enough that you've stopped using it. We understand how disappointing it is when a new device doesn't work smoothly, and we appreciate you letting us know about your experience.

Glitchy behavior—such as freezing, lagging, or unresponsive performance—can sometimes be resolved through a few troubleshooting steps:

Restart your Fire TV Stick: Unplug the device from power for about 60 seconds, then plug it back in and allow it to fully reboot.
Ensure proper power supply: Make sure you're using the Amazon power adapter and cable that came with the device, and that it's plugged directly into a wall outlet (not a shared power strip or USB port on your TV).
Check for software updates: Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates to ensure your device is running the latest software.
Improve ventilation: Make sure the Fire TV Stick has adequate airflow and isn't overheating—avoid placing it behind the TV or in enclosed spaces.

If you've already tried these steps or if the issues persist, our support team can help diagnose the problem further and explore options including a potential replacement if the device is defective. You can reach them at 1-888-280-4331 or through the Fire TV settings menu under Help & Feedback.

We appreciate you giving the Fire TV Stick 4K Select a try, and your feedback helps us understand where we need to improve.

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.

Thank you for your feedback TyNG.

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 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.

Hi AustinT,

Thanks for sharing your feedback about the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I understand your frustration with the software restrictions on sideloading apps.

Amazon has implemented stricter security measures in recent Fire TV software updates that limit the ability to sideload third-party applications. While this change was designed to enhance device security and protect users from potentially harmful apps, I recognize it impacts users who previously relied on sideloading for legitimate purposes.

If you're looking for specific apps or functionality that aren't available through the Amazon Appstore, I'd recommend:

Alternative options:

Check if the apps you need are now available in the Amazon Appstore - the catalog has expanded significantly
Explore official alternatives that provide similar functionality
Consider using screen mirroring or casting from another device for content not available through official channels

I appreciate you taking the time to share this feedback - user input about feature changes helps inform future product development decisions.

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 LevarD,
Thank you for your feedback on the Fire TV Stick 4K. I am sorry to hear the Fire Stick is running slow. To fix a slow, lagging, or unresponsive Fire TV Stick, restart the device by unplugging it for 10-30 seconds, clear app caches via Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, and uninstall unused apps to free up storage. Ensure the device is updated (Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates) and use the official power adapter for optimal performance. 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.

Hi Pix503,
Thank you for your feedback on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I am sorry your having problems downloading apps. To download apps, use the search function on the home screen or voice search with your remote. I hope this information was helpful, have a nice 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.

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 Trayrob21,

Thank you for sharing your feedback about the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. I'm sorry to hear that you're finding it more restricted compared to the standard Fire TV Stick 4K—I understand how frustrating it can be when a newer model feels like a step backward in functionality.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is designed as a more streamlined version with some differences from the standard Fire TV Stick 4K, which may account for the restrictions you're experiencing. Here are some key differences:
App availability: As mentioned in another review, some apps may have limited availability due to the newer Fire OS
Feature set: Certain advanced features may be scaled back in the Select model

If the restrictions are significantly impacting your streaming experience, here are some options:

Check for updates: Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates to ensure you have the latest software, which may expand functionality
Compare models: If the Select model doesn't meet your needs, the standard Fire TV Stick 4K or Fire TV Stick 4K Max offer more features and fewer restrictions

Your feedback about the restrictions in the Select model is valuable and helps us understand how product positioning and feature differences impact user experience.

Thank you for your feedback, user575283.

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 Dramos2072,
Thank you for your feedback on the Fire Stick 4K Select. I am sorry to hear it was slow. There are a few things to try if the Fire Stick is working slowly, first restart the device and your modem/router. Then, clear the cache for apps, uninstall unused apps, and check for system updates. 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 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.