The Firestick is an infinitely useful device that consolidates thousands of apps to one location. Similarly, the Spectrum app puts everything that a customer would need in one place. Many users of both wonder how to get the Spectrum app on Firestick.
You can get the Spectrum app on Firestick directly through the Amazon App Store. Alternatively, you can sideload the Spectrum app via apps like Downloader and ES Explorer, but that isn’t always ideal. It is better to get the Spectrum app on your Firestick through the Amazon App Store, otherwise, you won’t be able to install updates.
Luckily, you can also cast the Spectrum app onto your Firestick if your phone or PC has screen mirroring capabilities.
Simply enable the screen mirroring function on both your phone and Firestick and you will be able to start streaming right away. Follow along as we explore how to get the Spectrum app on Firestick.
Is the Spectrum App on Fire TV Already?
The Spectrum app is available for Fire TV already, but it doesn’t come downloaded. You have to download the Spectrum app on your Firestick for it to be available. Fire TV includes over 16,000 apps to choose from on the Amazon App Store.
However, the overwhelming majority of these apps including Spectrum must be manually installed. Fire TV also lets you mirror the Spectrum app from your phone or PC and access all of its content.
Can I Use the Spectrum App Instead of the Cable Box or Service?
You can use the Spectrum app on your Firestick instead of the cable box or service. This only applies to Spectrum subscribers, however, and it’s a popular alternative to using a cable box. Spectrum allows TV and Internet customers to use the app to access all of the content that you typically can.
How to Install the Spectrum App on Your Fire TV
The easiest way to install the Spectrum app on your Fire TV is to do it through the Amazon app store. However, you can also install the Spectrum app via the Downloader app and through ES Explorer. Granted, the latter two options offer less support than if you go through the Amazon app store.
1. Install the Spectrum App
You can simply search for the Spectrum app on the store and download it. Amazon will prompt you to confirm the download which should only take 1-3 minutes. Once installed, all that you need to do is enter your Spectrum information and you use it as if it was a cable box.
Via the Downloader App
You can also install the Spectrum app if you download it through the Downloader app. Search for the Downloader app in the Amazon app store and download it. From there, you need to follow a few quick steps to download the Spectrum app:
- Open the app and pull up the search bar
- Copy this link and paste it into the search bar to pull up the Spectrum app download menu
- Select “Download XAPK” and press it to install the app
Wait for the APK version of the Spectrum app to download it. You can enter your Spectrum information and sign in like you would if you downloaded it via the Amazon app store.
Via the ES Explorer App
Alternatively, you can also get the Spectrum app on Firestick via the ES Explorer app. Much like Downloader, you can use a separate browser within ES Explorer. This will let you paste the link to the Spectrum app’s APK downloader. It only takes a few quick clicks to get the Spectrum app on your Firestick from here:
- Select the “Download XAPK” option
- Click “Open File” and “Install”
- Open the Spectrum app and enter your account information
Now you will be able to use the Spectrum app, but it may not always perform at its peak. You will lose access to updates that you’d be able to access if you download it through the Amazon app instead.
Related Read: Firestick Keeps Losing Connection? (hint: check your Wi-Fi!)
2. Mirror Your Phone
One of the most convenient aspects of the Spectrum app on Firestick is that you can control it with your phone. Firestick lets you mirror your phone screen to your TV if your phone has the Spectrum app.
However, this will only work if you enable it via your Firestick’s settings with a few simple steps:
- Open the “Settings” tab on your Firestick’s home screen
- Choose “Display” and select “Enable Display Mirroring”
- Enter your phone’s “Settings” menu
- Enable the casting, projection, or mirroring option on your phone
- Connect your phone to your Firestick in the “Devices” menu
From there, you will be able to mirror the Spectrum app on your phone to your Firestick. The only downside to this option is that it will limit what you can do with your phone while screen mirroring.
3. Mirror Your PC
It is equally easy to mirror your PC to get the Spectrum app on Firestick, especially if you have Windows 10. The mirroring feature on PCs with Windows 10 is the most reliable. Pull up the settings on your Firestick to get started.
- Next, select “Display” and “Enable Display Mirroring”
- Hold “P” and the “Windows” key simultaneously
- Wait for the “Connect to a Wireless Display” bar to appear
- Scroll through the list of available devices until you find your Firestick
Now, you will be able to cast the Spectrum app from your PC to your Firestick. Keep your PC connected to a power source while screen mirroring if you intended to use the Spectrum app for a while.
TIP: Do Not Sideload The App
It is rarely a good idea to sideload the Spectrum app onto your Firestick. Fire TV doesn’t recommend sideloading because of the increased risk of malware that can be harmful to the device and your privacy.
The Amazon App store has checks and balances to prevent an app that has malware from being downloaded.
You can’t guarantee that an app is safe if you download it through means beyond the Amazon App Store.
The Spectrum app won’t perform as well if you sideload it because updates won’t be available. You will miss out on updates and new features that increase the performance as intended by Spectrum.
Do You Need a Spectrum Cable Subscription to Use the Spectrum App?
You need a Spectrum cable or Internet subscription to use the Spectrum app. Spectrum lets you access all of the channels that you would otherwise be able to access with a cable box. This includes premium channels, but you can only watch them if you are already a subscriber.
Related Read: Firestick Connected to Wi-Fi But Not Internet? (hint: Restart It!)
So, What’s the Solution?
Download the Spectrum app through the Amazon app store to get it on Firestick. You can also get the Spectrum app on Firestick through existing apps such as ES Explorer and Downloader. However, Firestick doesn’t recommend that you sideload Spectrum or any other app.
Sideloading the Spectrum app onto your Firestick will restrict your access to updates that are often useful. You also may be putting your Firestick at risk for malware if you sideload apps instead of using the Amazon app store.
The easiest alternative is screen mirroring if you have the Spectrum app on your computer or smartphone.
Pull up the “Display” feature in the settings on your Firestick and enable screen mirroring. Enable the screen mirroring on your smartphone as well and scroll through the list of available devices to find your Firestick. Select your Firestick to link the devices and start screen mirroring the Spectrum app directly to your TV.
