Within a few months of its initial release, the Amazon Fire Stick quickly became one of the top-selling products on Amazon. Just consider that for a moment. It’s not just one of the top-selling Amazon products; it’s one of the top-selling devices across the millions of things you can buy on the platform. Amazon Fire Stick is essentially a plug-and-play device that works on most TVs. It allows you to not only stream your favorite content but also take advantage of other great features, like the smart assistant Alexa.
Unfortunately, the Fire Stick is region-locked so that it only works in the US (with a few very small exceptions). So if you want to unlock the potential of the Fire Stick no matter where you are in the world, be sure to follow this essential guide.
So Why Can’t I Use My Fire Stick Outside the US?
This isn’t an exclusive Fire Stick problem. In fact, many devices like Chromecast and Sling along with platforms like YouTube, Hulu, and HBO Now are restricted outside the US. The main reason for this has to do with licensing and copyright issues. These providers generally only have the US rights to a product, whereas another entity may own them outside the country.
That’s why even Netflix, which is available in more than 190 countries, has very different content depending on what country you’re in. Amazon’s Fire Stick is even more restricted because much of its content revolves around Prime Video, which is exclusively modeled for the US. Not only that, many of its great features, such as using Alexa to order five new pairs of socks only work from inside the country. Amazon is gradually starting to expand its offerings into a handful of other countries, but it’s overall a much more limited experience. And even in these places, users report a variety of different issues.
How Can I Use My Amazon Fire Stick Anywhere?
Fortunately, no matter where you are, you can use your Fire Stick. It just takes a few easy steps. Every computer has an IP address. It allows computers to communicate with each other across the internet. It also contains additional information, like your geographical location. That’s why you see pop-ads that are oddly specific like “find a cheap home in Tucson, Arizona.” Platforms then use this information to deliver region-specific and region-blocked content. So if you’re in the US, you’ll see US content in English. Likewise, if you’re in France, you’ll see French content accordingly. The same goes for any kinds of region blocks.
Now you need to ask yourself, “How do I hide my IP?” If you can learn how to hide your IP address, then you’ll always have access to your favorite content.
So How Can I Hide My IP Address?
There are many different ways you can hide your IP. You can quickly do it by using a proxy. However, most major platforms, including Amazon, easily recognize proxies and prevent access. For that reason, you need a VPN. A VPN or virtual private network anonymizes your IP address (https://nordvpn.com/features/hide-ip/). All you need to do is to connect to a third-party server in a select location that will then connect to your target destination. So to the website, it will look as if you are browsing from that country.
How to Install and Use a VPN
You can install a VPN in a few minutes. Even in countries like China and Turkey, which restrict VPN usage, it’s still possible to find one in your App Store and start using it right away. After you’ve selected a quality VPN service provider, download and run the software.
Once you’ve logged in, all you have to do is select a server in your target country — -in this case, the US — and you’re good to go.
What About the Amazon Fire Stick?
With the Amazon Fire Stick, you may need to take an extra step or two. With computers and phones, you can directly install and run a VPN. With a Fire Stick, you have two options. For home use, you can install a VPN directly onto your router. This will not only allow you to use Fire Stick but offer you all the advantages of VPNs across all your devices.
For frequent travelers, however, they may want to install a VPN directly onto the Fire Stick. This is also very easy. All you have to do is download the VPN app directly from the Amazon app store. This means that you will need to pick a VPN provider that has an app in that particular store. Log in with your credentials, and you’ll be good to go!
Use Your Fire Stick from Anywhere
The Amazon Fire Stick is one of the best streaming devices on the market. It’s small, convenient, and packed with so many great apps and features. So if you want to use it while you are abroad, simply download a VPN, and you’ll have access to all your favorite content no matter where you are.