The Fire TV Stick is the device most people use for IPTV, because it is cheap, plugs into any HDMI port and runs the best Android player apps. Amazon does not stock most IPTV players in its own store, so the job has two halves: allow apps from outside the Appstore, then install a player and sign in with the details from your provider.
Before you start
- A Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K or Fire TV Cube, updated to the latest software.
- Your login from the welcome email. With Viking IPTV that is a server address, username and password (Xtream Codes) plus an M3U link.
- Ten minutes and the remote. A phone with the Fire TV app makes typing long addresses easier.
Step 1: unlock developer options
Newer Fire TV models hide the developer menu. Go to Settings, My Fire TV, About and click your device name seven times. A message says you are now a developer, and Developer options appears in the My Fire TV menu.
Step 2: install Downloader
Search for Downloader in the Appstore (the orange icon by AFTVnews) and install it. Then open Developer options, Install unknown apps and switch Downloader on. This permission only applies to Downloader, not to every app.
Step 3: install a player
Some players, including IPTV Smarters, can be in the Appstore depending on your region, so search there first. For anything else, open Downloader and type the address the app maker publishes on its own website. Avoid "modded" versions from random sites: they are the main way malware reaches a Fire TV.
| Player | Why choose it | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| TiviMate | Best TV-style guide and favourites | Free, Premium unlocks extras |
| IPTV Smarters Pro | Simple menus, familiar to most support teams | Free |
| XCIPTV | Light and quick on older sticks | Free |
Step 4: sign in
- Open the player and choose Xtream Codes (sometimes "Login with Xtream Codes API").
- Type the server address exactly, including http:// and the port if one is shown.
- Enter the username and password, then save.
- Wait for channels and the TV guide to load; the first load takes a minute.
Step 5: tidy up for daily use
Move the player to the front row of the home screen (long-press the app, then Move). Hide channel groups you never watch so the list scrolls quickly. If the guide is empty, add the EPG link from your email in the player's guide settings.
Running out of space is the commonest Firestick problem after a few months. Uninstall apps you do not use and clear the player's cache from Settings, Applications if menus become slow.
If something goes wrong
Most "login failed" messages are typing errors in the server address. If channels load but stutter in the evening, the issue is usually Wi-Fi rather than the service; see our buffering fixes and Wi-Fi tips.
Questions and answers
Is it safe to enable apps from unknown sources on Firestick?
It is safe if you only allow Downloader and only install apps from their makers' own websites. The risk comes from modified apps shared on forums.
Which Firestick is best for IPTV?
A Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max: more memory and faster Wi-Fi than the basic stick, and 4K output if your TV supports it.
Can I use one Viking login on two Firesticks?
You can install it on both. Watching on both at the same time needs a 2 device plan.
More device setup guides
- IPTV on a Samsung smart TV
- IPTV on an LG smart TV (webOS)
- IPTV on Android TV and Google TV
- Android TV box for IPTV
- IPTV on iPhone
All Device Setup guides · Every IPTV guide