How to Install Local Channels on Amazon Fire Stick?

Want to know how to install local channels on Amazon Fire Stick then go through this post. Fire TV Stick holders primarily have four options to access local channels:

• Individual networks
• Standalone streaming services provided by TV providers
• Third-party services
• Over-the-air hardware

The minimum expensive route is to use apps that access a TV provider’s streaming service, for example Charter’s Spectrum TV subscription. With this service, you can stream local channels along with selectable cable-based networks over the internet—no coaxial cabling or set-top-box rentals required. These cost money, but services such as Spectrum TV are separate from the traditional cable and satellite TV subscriptions.

The next-best method is to use network-specific apps. The disadvantages here is that to access a network’s full content portfolio, viewers must have a TV subscription either through a provider’s traditional package (basic cable, etc) or its standalone streaming service. Just follow the guidelines below to install local channels on Amazon Fire Stick.

To Install Local Channels on Amazon Fire Stick With Network-Based Apps

Through this method, you need a subscription plan with your local TV provider. Moreover, you’ll need the plan's login credentials at least once. Then, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick will use that information to pair network apps with your TV subscription.

First, let's find and grab a major network app. This example uses NBC.

Step 1: Click up the remote’s direction ring until you highlight the Home category.

Step 2: Right-click on the remote’s navigation ring to highlight the Apps category.

Step 3: Press the Select button.

Step 4: A sub-menu appears below Apps. Tap down on the direction ring to highlight Features on the sub-menu and then press right on the ring to highlight Categories. Press the Select button.

Step 5: Navigate to the Movies & TV category through the remote’s navigation ring. Press the Select button.

You’ll see these apps for the major networks on the following screen:

1. ABC
2. CBS All Access
3. FOX Now
4. NBC
5. PBS
6. The CW

Step 6: Navigate to an app using the remote’s navigation ring and clicking on the ‘Select’ button.

Step 7: Underline the Get button on the following screen and press the remote's Select button.

Step 8: Once the app is installed, you can stream a limited library of full episodes, news stories, and other network content.

Step 9: Go to NBC’s app and navigate to its Live category listed on the menu.

Step 10: With the guide open, select any broadcast. Here we chose the local NBC station.

Step 11: The app shows a screen listing different TV providers such as Cox, DirecTV, Spectrum, Verizon, and more. Select your TV provider.

Step 12: You may or may not need to log in through credentials before the app links your TV provider.

Step 13: If you ever need to unlink your TV provider from the app, navigate to More on the menu and press the Select button.

Step 14: Select My Profile. 

Step 15: Click on the Unlink button listed under TV Provider and press the remote’s Select button.

Limited Streaming Services from TV Providers

The options to watch streaming services from cable TV providers are currently limited. You can download AT&T's WatchTV, TV, and U-verse apps along with DISH Anywhere.

Watch Live TV Using an Antenna

One method to take local programming is to purchase a digital antenna and connect it to a PC. For its part, the PC needs software like Plex Media Server for Windows, MacOS, or Linux to deliver those over-the-air broadcasts across your local network. 

The disadvantage, although, is not only the additional hardware cost, but the varying quality of digital over-the-air broadcasts.

The other option is to purchase a Tablo DVR or something familiar. Then, you must purchase a digital antenna, but you don’t need a PC acting as a server. Rather, a Tablo DVR accesses your local network through Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connection. It broadcasts captured over-the-air TV to your devices, adding Amazon’s Fire TV Stick.

Cable-Based Networks Have Apps Too

Now, you will find more than 30 apps provided by cable-based networks. These include A&E, AMC, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, FreeForm, Lifetime, MTV, SyFy, TBS, TNT, and many more.

Usually, you can enjoy a limited library of content from each cable network, just like ABC and NBC. To open everything, you will need a subscription with a cable provider. Further, you may find cable networks providing subscriptions to unlock exclusive content.

For example, AMC Premier removes ads for around $5 per month. The plan also gives viewers access to episodes 48 hours early, exclusives, extended episodes, and curated content from BBC America, IFC, and Sundance. AMC should be a part of your TV subscription package, however.