How to Cast to Firestick from iOS, Android, PC

While we love our smartphones, laptops, and tablets, there’s a catch. The size of the viewing screen is limited to the size of the device. And that screen certainly doesn’t do your favorite TV shows and movies justice!

Fortunately, there’s a solution to this issue. Your Amazon Firestick can act as a casting receiver that will put what’s on your small screen onto your TV screen.

This article lays out the steps to help you cast to your Firestick from any device. We’ll guide you on how to cast from iOS devices, Macs, PCs, and Android devices. Afterward, we provide answers to some common questions about casting to a Firestick.

When you’re done, you’ll never have to watch shows on a small screen at home ever again!

To cast from a device to your Firestick, you must first enable the Firestick to receive casts. You can accomplish this easily in a couple of clicks from the settings menu. 

Once complete, you’ll be ready to cast from Windows PC or Android devices. 

For iOS or macOS, there’s a different path to cast your device with some extra preparation. But don’t worry! We explain everything in detail in the Mac/iOS sections below. 

Windows PC and Android users must follow these steps in order to mirror their device:

1. Open Fire TV and on your Firestick remote, hold down the ‘Home’ button. It’s the button with a house icon. This will bring up an options menu where you’ll select ‘Mirroring’.
2. A screen will appear that states you cannot use Alexa’s functions while in mirroring mode. Also, if you press any button on the remote, you’ll exit the display. 

Note: Mirroring and casting are basically the same thing—see the FAQ for details. If using the terms interchangeably doesn’t make sense, just read mirroring as casting and vice versa.

Many people run multiple Wi-Fi networks in their home via extra routers or extenders. Because of this, there is some extra preparation needed to ensure that your device casts properly to your Firestick.

The key item to check is that your device—laptop, smartphone, or tablet—is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Firestick. It won’t work otherwise, and it doesn’t matter if the device is from Apple, Android, or Windows.

Here are the steps to check your Firestick’s Wi-Fi connection:

1. Start your Firestick, and on your home screen, scroll over to ‘Settings’. It’s the gear icon on the top right.
2. From there, scroll down and select ‘My Fire TV’ on the bottom left of the menu.
3. Select ‘About’.
4. Scroll down to ‘Network’
5. On the right side of the screen, you’ll see your network information appear. Check that the name listed under SSID matches the network name for the network connection on your device.

If the names match, it’s highly likely both devices are on the same network. After confirming this step, you can move forward.

Casting content from Apple devices is a little more complex than its Windows and Android counterparts. Instead of actual casting, you’ll actually use a different process called screen mirroring. 

To accomplish this, you must download the AirScreen application on your Firestick. Both OS X and iOS support AirScreen’s AirPlay feature, so you can mirror to your heart’s content.

Fortunately, the Amazon Application Store hosts the AirScreen application, so you won’t need to sideload it as a third-party app. Follow these instructions to install AirScreen on your Firestick.

1. Open your Firestick and scroll over to ‘Find’. From there, scroll down and select the ‘Search’ icon.
2. Use your remote to type in AirScreen. Then select it from the suggestions menu that appears below.
3. Select the AirScreen icon. The application should appear under the APPS & GAMES category.
4. Click the icon that reads ‘Download’ or ‘Get’
5. When the download and installation process completes, you’ll see a notification banner appear. Click ‘Open’ to launch AirScreen.Note: AirScreen has a free version with ads and a paid Pro version. If you opt for the free version, you may have to watch sponsored ads occasionally when this screen appears.
   

Follow these steps to cast from your iPhone or iPad to your Firestick. Just remember to be sure that your device and the Firestick are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You can use the ‘Preparation’ section of this article to check.

1. Open AirScreen on your Firestick. An introduction message will appear asking you to run a confirmation that the device you want to mirror is on the same network. Since you’ve already checked this previously, there should be no issue. Select ‘Confirm’ as it’s your only option.
2. The next menu gives you two options. You can use your iPhone or iPad to scan the QR code on the screen. Or, you can type the URL below the QR code into your device’s browser.
3. A menu will appear on your device after you scan the QR code or type the IP address into your browser. You can disregard this menu as it only provides instructions on how to mirror from a macOS.
4. The AirScreen home screen will appear on your display.
5. From your iPhone or iPad, open the Control Center by swiping down from the top right-hand corner of your screen. Then, select the ‘Screen Mirroring’ icon. It’s the icon with two interconnected rectangles.
6. Last, select AS-AFTMM[AirPlay]. Your iPhone or iPad screen will then mirror to your Firestick.
7. When you flip your screen into landscape mode, it will also mirror this on the display.

These steps will allow you to mirror your Mac screen to a Firestick. Again, make sure that both devices are on the same network.

1. Open AirScreen on your Firestick. An introduction message will appear asking you to run a confirmation that the device you want to mirror is on the same network. Since you’ve already checked this previously, there should be no issue. Select ‘Confirm’ as it’s your only option.
2. The next menu gives you two options. You can use your iPhone or iPad to scan the QR code on the screen. Or, you can type the URL below the QR code into your device’s browser.
3. Once you scan the QR code or type the IP address into your browser, a menu will appear. This provides instructions on how to mirror your Mac to Firestick. You can follow those instructions or continue here.
4. Return to your Mac and select the Control Center icon within the menu at the top of your screen. The icon features two selection boxes on top of each other, with one switched on and the other off. Then, click ‘Screen Mirroring’
5. Last, select AS-AFTMM[AirPlay] from the menu and your screen should mirror to your Firestick.

Casting to Firestick remains a relatively straightforward process, but the steps could differ between devices. However, most Windows 10 laptops use a technology called Miracast. This allows you to share your screen wirelessly with any connected device. 

The steps below present everything you need to do to cast to a PC. But if you haven’t already, review the ‘Preparation’ section above to put your fire in ‘Mirroring’ mode.

1. With your Firestick in ‘Mirroring’ mode, go to your PC and select the ‘Notifications’ icon. It’s the text box on the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. If your notification panel is collapsed, click ‘Expand’ to see all options.
3. Click the ‘Connect’ icon.
4. Your computer will automatically start searching for devices to connect. When you see your Firestick device in the menu, click it to cast. If it doesn’t appear, click the ‘Find other type of devices’ link at the bottom of the menu. 
5. From the ‘Bluetooth & other devices’ menu, scroll down, find your Firestick device and select it.
6. Once connected, you can also bring the menu back up and click ‘Change projection mode’, and select from three different options:
   1. Duplicate – reproduces your screen to cast
   2. Extend – creates a second monitor.
   3. Second screen only – turns your PC or laptop screen off
      To disconnect from your Firestick, you have three options:
7. Re-open the ‘Connect’ menu and click the ‘Disconnect’ button.
8. Re-open the ‘Change projection mode’ menu and click the ‘Disconnect’ button there.
9. Click the ‘Disconnect’ button on the bar that appears in the middle of your computer screen.

Casting an Android device to your Firestick is also a simple process. But make sure that you first follow the steps listed in the ‘Preparation’ section to put your Firestick in ‘Mirroring’ mode. From there, follow these steps to connect your phone to your Firestick.

Note: The screenshots in this section are from a Google Android device.

1. With the Firestick in ‘Mirroring’ mode, open ‘Settings’ on your Android device.
2. With ‘Settings’ open, the next step depends on the type of Android device you’re using.
   • Google – Select ‘Connected Devices’, then ‘Connection preferences, then ‘Cast’ Samsung – Select ‘Wireless Display Application’, then ‘Smart View’
   • OnePlus – Select ‘Bluetooth & Device Connection’, then ‘Cast’
   • Vivo – Select ‘Bluetooth and device connection’, then ‘Smart Mirroring’
   • Oppo or Realme – Select ‘Connection & Sharing’, then ‘Wireless Transport’, then Screencast
   • Xiaomi – Select ‘Connection & Sharing’, then ‘Cast’
   • LG – Select ‘Connected devices’, then ‘Screen sharing’
3. Once you pick a ‘Cast’ setting on your device, choose the name of your Firestick from the list of available devices.
4. Your screen will then cast to your Firestick

You’ll be able to change your orientation and adjust the volume from your phone. However, you won’t be able to cast if your phone is locked or the screen is off.

Option 2

If your Android phone can’t find your Firestick, there is another option through the AirScreen application. We provided detailed instructions on downloading AirScreen in the ‘iOS’ section of the article. The sub-section is titled ‘Installing AirScreen to your Firestick’.

Note: If this is your first time opening AirScreen, a menu requiring you to scan a QR code or type in a web address from your device will automatically appear. Complete either option and follow the instructions from the site or follow the instructions below.

1. Open AirScreen to the home screen.
2. Go to your Android device and open the Google Home application. You may need to install it from the Google Play store.
3. Scroll down on the Google Home home screen and select AS-AFTSS[Cast]. This icon may take a moment to appear, so be patient.
4. Tap the icon at the bottom of your screen that reads ‘Cast my screen’.
5. You’ll see a prompt that informs you about mirroring. Tap ‘Cast screen’.
6. You’ll receive yet another warning letting you know that your display will have access to what’s displayed on your device. Tap ‘Start now’
7. Your screen will then mirror to your Firestick.

Again, you can change your orientation and adjust the volume from your phone. But you won’t be able to mirror if your phone is locked or the screen is off.

For most, casting or mirroring from a device is a means of streaming content outside of their Firestick. There are several reasons you could want to choose this route, such as:

• You’ve maxed out your Firestick memory and can’t install more streaming applications.
• You don’t want to use your Firestick to install third-party applications.
• You would rather use an application or the browser on your device to stream instead of Amazon Silk or another Firestick app.

Regardless, it doesn’t matter if you’re streaming content directly from your Firestick or from another device. If you don’t use a quality VPN—like ExpressVPN—then what you stream through your IP is visible to your ISP and government agencies.

This makes a big difference when choosing the type of content you want to stream. Streaming copyrighted content without express permission or payment can cause legal action against you. Even if you are mirroring or casting the content to your Firestick! This is true in almost every country in the world, and many governmental agencies are cracking down on illegal streaming.

But even if you’re streaming content legally, it’s your right to keep what you watch away from prying eyes. That’s why you should use a VPN to hide your IP from anyone who would want access to your streaming data. 

There are other benefits to using a VPN on your streaming devices and Firestick, including:

• It adds an extra layer of security on your network that prevents hackers from accessing your personal information.
• VPNs can prevent your ISP from throttling your connection.
• You can access geo-restricted content.

Overall, using a VPN when browsing or streaming content on any device is best practice. But if you run a search, you’ll find that there are a lot of VPN choices available. 

Our top pick is ExpressVPN. They have 160 server locations available in 94 countries, and they’re constantly adding more. It’s secure, fast, and compatible with a wide range of devices, including Apple, Android, Windows, and Firestick.

Before you cast content from your device to your Firestick, download and install ExpressVPN. The instructions below will guide you on how to install it on your laptop. And we’ve included another set of instructions to help you install the application on your Firestick.

1. With any subscription, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out. You can get a full refund, if you don’t like how it performs.
2. After setting up a payment method, ExpressVPN directs you to a download page. Here, you’ll be able to download and install everything to your PC or Mac.
3. After downloading ExpressVPN, it should open and run. If not, open the application manually and sign in.
4. You can use the activation code provided when you signed up. Or, you can use an email sign-in link.
5. The ExpressVPN interface will appear upon login. The program will then auto-detect your closest location. You can also select any VPN location for your IP.
   Note: The location you choose can disrupt your ability to play certain links. Also, locations closer to you will run faster as the data doesn’t have to travel as far.
6. After you choose a location, click the ‘Power’ icon to connect to a server.

1. If you haven’t already, subscribe to ExpressVPN here.
2. Return to the Firestick home screen and highlight ‘Find’ and then click ‘Search’
3. Type ‘ExpressVPN’ in the search bar with your remote. Then, click the link that appears in the list at the bottom.
4. Select the ExpressVPN icon from the APPS & GAMES icons—it should be the first.
5. Select Download and the app will download and install on your Firestick.
6. Open the ExpressVPN app located within the ‘Apps & channels’ menu. Then, sign in using the email ID and password you created earlier when signing up. Then, click ‘Log in’.
7. A connection request notification screen will prompt the first time you login. Click ‘OK’
8. This brings you to the main ExpressVPN menu. You can select a location or use the smart location—just like on a PC. When you’re ready, click the ‘Power’ icon.
9. You’re now connected and ready to use ExpressVPN on your Firestick!

And with that, you’re now set up to cast your laptop, tablet, or smartphone to your Firestick. If you run into any issues, be sure to review the top section on how to prepare your Firestick. 

Devices won’t cast if they’re not on the same network. For PCs and Android devices, you must put the Firestick in ‘Mirroring’ mode. And for Apple devices, you must download the AirScreen app on your Firestick.

The sections above have detailed steps on how to cast any device to your Firestick. If you need step-by-step instructions, we advise you to scroll up and follow the steps listed for your device. But here is a brief version for the various devices:

PC

1. Put the Firestick in ‘Mirroring’ mode
2. Return to your laptop and select ‘Connect’ from the notifications menu
3. Select the Firestick device

Android

1. Put the Firestick in ‘Mirroring’ mode
2. Return to your device and select ‘Cast’ under settings
3. Choose the Firestick device

iOS

1. Download and install AirScreen on your Firestick
2. Open it and select ‘AirPlay’
3. Return to your device, and choose ‘Screen Mirroring’ from the Control Center
4. Choose ‘AS-AFTMM[AirPlay]’

Mac

1. Download and install AirScreen on your Firestick
2. Open it and select ‘AirPlay’
3. Return to your device, open ‘Control Center’ and select ‘Screen Mirroring’
4. Select ‘AS-AFTMM[AirPlay]’

The steps above all mirror your device to Firestick as well. Casting and mirroring are almost interchangeable terms. If you don’t understand the difference, read the question below regarding mirroring vs. casting.

You can mirror nearly any device to a Firestick as long as there are mirroring/casting functions installed on the device. This includes Android, iOS, Mac, PCs, and more. Just be sure that your device is on the same network and follow the steps listed above.

Casting is a means of sharing and displaying your screen through your Firestick. If you play a video on your device, it will cast the video to your Firestick. And thus, it will display on your TV screen.

Mirroring and casting are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, there is one subtle difference.

When you mirror from a device to another display, both screens continue playing. Meaning, what you see on your device is what you see on the display.

When you cast from a device to another display, you won’t be able to see the content on the device anymore. Meaning your content only shows up on the display and not the device anymore.

As long as your phone runs Android or iOS, it should be able to cast to your Firestick. Most models from the past five years have the software installed that gives them the ability to cast or mirror. To do this, follow the steps listed in the sections above that correspond to the type of device you’re using.