Are you a Verizon Fios subscriber excited to try out the new Fios TV app on your Firestick or Fire TV? As a streaming expert, I‘ll walk you through how to install the app, use all of its features, and get the most out of Fios TV on your Fire device.
First, let‘s quickly recap what Fios TV offers…
Fios TV is Verizon‘s cable TV replacement that gives you access to live channels, thousands of on demand titles, and cloud DVR. It starts at $65 per month for around 425+ channels. Fios TV competes directly with live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, and Sling TV.
Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Service | Price | No. of Channels |
| Fios TV | $65+ | 425+ |
| YouTube TV | $65 | 85+ |
| Hulu Live | $70 | 75+ |
| Sling TV | $40 | 50+ |
As you can see, Fios provides one of the largest channel lineups compared to the competition. Now let‘s see how you can install and start streaming Fios TV on your Firestick or Fire TV…
How to Install Fios TV App on Firestick
The Fios TV app is available for Firestick and Fire TV models running Fire OS 6 or 7 (released 2017 and later).
Here are the step-by-step instructions to install it from your Fire TV home screen:
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Select the "Find" option and search for "Fios".
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Choose the Fios TV app from the search results.
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Click "Get" to begin the download.
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Once installed, go ahead and open the app.
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Log in with your Fios account credentials or pair it with your Fios TV One box.
That‘s all it takes to get up and running! The entire process only takes about 2-3 minutes.
Now let‘s explore what you can do with the Fios TV app on your Firestick or Fire TV.
Using Fios TV App on Fire TV
The Fios TV app brings the full Fios TV experience to your Fire device. Here are some of the key features available:
Live TV – Stream live channels just like you would on a cable box. Browse channels or view the guide.
Cloud DVR – Watch your recorded shows or schedule new recordings. Up to 200 hours of storage.
Video on Demand – Instantly watch movies and shows from Fios‘ extensive on demand library. Over 50,000 titles!
Rentals and Purchases – Rent new release movies or buy shows and movies outright to own digitally.
Profiles – Set up customized profiles for household members and tailor recommendations.
Fios TV App vs Cable Box
The Fios TV app provides almost all the same capabilities as the Fios TV One cable box. The only missing element is you can‘t control or change live channels from the app since it doesn‘t tune directly to channels.
You‘ll get the best experience pairing it with a Fios TV One box. This allows you to start a show from your phone and then transfer it to play on the TV.
Now let‘s go over some of the benefits of using Fios TV on Firestick and Fire TV.
Benefits of Fios TV App for Fire OS
There are a number of advantages to streaming Fios TV on your Fire devices:
No cable box rental fees – Access Fios on additional TVs without paying for extra boxes. Saves up to $15/month per TV.
App is free for Fios subscribers – Adds value without any additional cost.
Live TV on the go – Stream outside the home on Fire tablets when traveling.
Alexa voice commands – Use Alexa to change channels, search shows, play recordings.
More streaming options – Firestick and Fire TV give you access to more apps like Netflix, Hulu, etc.
Easy set-top box replacement – Upgrade older TVs without installing new cables or equipment.
The Fios TV app really expands the usefulness of your Fios TV subscription. It allows you to enjoy the full experience on any TV with a Firestick plugged in.
Next let‘s go over some of the limitations to be aware of.
Drawbacks of Fios TV App
While the Fios TV app is great for expanding your streaming access, there are some drawbacks to note:
Requires Fios internet and TV service – Not a standalone streaming option if you cut the cord completely from Verizon.
Limited live TV controls – You can‘t change channels or view recordings outside of the app.
No Google Assistant support – Doesn‘t work with "Hey Google" commands on Android TV.
Fewer features than cable box – Things like Caller ID on TV and viewing photos aren‘t available.
If you want full live channel access plus added streaming features, the Fios TV One box is still recommended as your main TV‘s set-top box.
The Fios app is squarely aimed at existing Fios subscribers looking to add TVs without extra Verizon fees. But if you‘re interested in exploring non-Fios alternatives, there are a few other options to consider.
Alternatives to Fios TV for Firestick
If you‘ve cut the cord or want to avoid paying for Fios TV, you still have plenty of ways to stream free or low-cost live TV on your Firestick.
Here are just a few solid alternatives:
Pluto TV – Totally free live TV streaming with over 250 channels
Philo – Low-cost TV streaming service starting at $25/month
Sling TV – Stream live cable channels from $40/month
Cinema APK – Install this Firestick app to watch free movies and shows
The Cinema APK isn‘t available in the Amazon App Store but you can easily sideload it using Downloader. I have a full tutorial on installing Cinema APK on Firestick here.
And if you‘re looking for a wider range of free streaming options, using Kodi on Firestick opens up even more possibilities!
Okay, you should now have Fios TV set up on your Firestick and understand what it offers compared to other choices.
To wrap things up, here are a few final tips for getting the most out of Fios TV on your Fire TV:
Tips for Optimizing Fios TV App on Firestick
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For best performance, connect Firestick to your router via Ethernet instead of WiFi
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Enable HDMI CEC in settings so your TV remote can control the Firestick
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Assign Fios TV to the homescreen of Firestick for quick access
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Check for updates often to ensure you have latest features and fixes
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Use a VPN like IPVanish when streaming Fios outside the home for security
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Enable Downloader on Firestick to easily sideload unofficial apps like Cinema APK
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Compare Firestick models – Firestick 4K Max has the most power for smoothest streaming
I hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to watch Fios TV on your Firestick or Fire TV! The Fios TV app makes it so easy to enjoy your Fios subscription on any TV in your home.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I‘m always happy to help fellow cord cutters and streamers get the most out of their devices.
