How to Cast to Firestick from Android and Windows 10

Amazon’s Fire Stick device has proven itself to be one of the best streaming hardware in the market today. To cast your Android or Windows 10 device to Fire Stick, this is what you need to know.

Giving you a fast, affordable, and easy to use alternative to the media platforms available, Fire Sticks are a worthy buy.

Other than being a great source for endless entertainment, they are also hailed for their casting or mirroring capacity.

For you to cast Android and Windows 10 to Firestick, you must have a strong wireless connection and two devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network.  

There are a few steps you need to take in preparation before setting up the casting network. This is to make sure that all devices are in their best shape and function.

Preparing the Fire Stick 

First, you need to use the TV to prepare your Fire Stick device for mirroring. Using the remote, you can adjust the Fire Stick details in readiness for casting.

This is how to set up your Fire Stick for mirroring;

Using your remote, hold down the home button while on the main page. This action will present you with three options.

Between Sleep, Mirroring, and Settings, Click on mirroring and continue to select “enable display mirroring”

Have your Windows 10 laptop ready by this time to make the connection seamless. This is because if the Fire Stick starts searching for devices and cannot find one by the time you set up your laptop, phone, or tablet, you will need to repeat this procedure.

Preparing Windows 10 laptop

Click on the notification icon located on the bottom right corner of the Windows 10 laptop’s screen. From the list of items that are listed on the pop-up window, select “connect”

Alternatively, you can use the Windows + K shortcut by pressing the keys at the same time. This will take you directly to the “Connect” page.

Your Fire Stick device should appear on the pop-up. If it doesn’t, check to see that the Fire Stick device is set on mirroring mode.

Your mirrored screen might be too small. In this case, you need to adjust the resolution on your laptop. To do this, right-click on your desktop and select graphics properties.

You should see a display option though the menu will differ based on the laptop model you are using. from the variety of display dimensions offered, select the 1280 x 720 resolution and nothing less.

As the setup reconfigures, your screen may flash, and casting may be unavailable but this is only temporary. Within seconds, you should be back to steady streaming and casting.

Table summary: Issues Casting Fire Stick from Android and Windows 10 

Issue	Solution
Fire Stick not found	Enable screen mirroring
Random mirroring issues	Check Wi-Fi network Reboot devices
Can’t click on Connect icon	Update Windows drivers

 

Preparing Android device 

Unlock your Android device and go to settings then connections. Here you can enable screen mirroring. Also, in the quick-setting tile that drops down on your phone, you should find mirroring titled as a screencast, smart view, Wireless display, or Miracast. 

Once the setup is complete, you will see your Fire Stick device listed among the available devices. Select it and wait for the casting to start.

Mirroring Errors: Troubleshooting

While the casting process is quite easy to follow, it may be plagued by some problems from time to time. Gratefully, they are not major issues and you can solve them quickly if you know what to do.

Fire Stick Not Found 

If this error pops up on your Windows 10 screen, it could either mean the mirroring function has not been activated or that the two devices are not operating on the same Wi-Fi network.

To fix it, restart or reboot your Fire Stick and repeat the preparation process. Before reconnecting through Windows 10 device, confirm that they are both on the same network.

Random Mirroring issues

Experiencing a slow connection, unstable casting, and a lack of mirroring options, the problem is routed in your Windows 10 device.

What you need to do is run a Windows’ drivers check and see that all your applications are up to date. Go to the Windows button and tap on it to then type in Settings.

In the search box that appears, enter the word “drivers”. From the options, select “check for updates” and Windows will do an automatic search.

If any drivers need updating, you will be guided through the installation process. Once this is done, reboot your Windows 10 device to activate the changes.

Finally, reconnect following the steps advised above, and casting should be enjoyable.

Unable to click on “Connect”

This will be when the “connect” button appears greyed out meaning it is inactive or inaccessible. It usually happens in cases where the Windows 10 software was an update from an older Windows version.

On these devices, mirroring will not be possible. The only solution to this lies either in an upgrade of the device or by using a wireless display transmitter.

It can be plugged into your USB port to offer you the WiDi or Wireless Display properties that your laptop lacks.

Conclusion 

Fire Stick from Amazon provides the best entertainment value with it. You can stream movies, TV shows, and even play casual games.

Using all the tips and tricks provided, you are well prepared for anything the Fire Stick casting setup requires whether from your Android or Windows 10 device.

FAQ

How do I connect my Android phone to Fire Stick?

Download the Fire Stick Remote app to your Android phone. After installation, check that the phone and Fire Stick are connected on the same Wi-Fi network. Launch the app and select your preferred Fire Stick option.

Can I use a mobile hotspot to connect Fire Stick?

Yes, you can. Fire Stick will see the hotspot as a normal WiFi network so it shouldn’t be a problem to connect. You will use Bluetooth to control the Fire Stick remote so all operations will run seamlessly.