As a small business owner, I rely on Amazon Prime not just for quick shipping but also for downtime entertainment. However, I used to struggle with getting Prime Video set up across my household TVs. If you also find the process confusing, this guide is here to help!
Why Watch Prime Video on TV?
Here are some key reasons to watch Prime Video on your biggest screen:
- Enhanced experience: Movies and shows come alive on a big screen with better sound and visuals
- Convenience: Easy access from your couch compared to small mobile devices
- Exclusive content: Critically acclaimed Amazon Originals you can’t watch anywhere else
Prime Video usage on living room devices grew over 3X from 2020 to 2021. Clearly, viewers are shifting to TV screens for the best experience.
Connect Your Smart TV
Over 80% of TVs sold today are smart TVs with integrated internet and apps. If you bought a new TV recently, getting Prime Video is quick:
- On your smart TV’s home screen, find and select the Prime Video app. If you can‘t find it, use the Search function.
- Download and install the app if not already there. This takes less than 2 minutes on average.
- Open the app and log in with your Amazon credentials.
- Browse movies & shows and start watching!
Leading smart TV brands with Prime Video apps include:
| Brand | Steps to Install |
|---|---|
| Samsung | From Samsung‘s content store |
| LG | From LG Content Store |
| Sony | From Sony Channel Store |
| Vizio | Pre-installed app – just log in |
I currently use a Samsung Smart TV and find the Prime Video app fast and easy to navigate with my watchlist and recently watched shows on the home screen.
Connect Streaming Devices
If you have an older "dumb" TV, specialized streaming devices can add smart capabilities:
Fire TV Stick
The Fire TV Stick is purpose-built for Amazon Prime Video and includes:
- Access to exclusive Amazon content
- Personalized home screen with watchlist and recommendations
- Voice search capabilities via Alexa
- Available in regular, 4K, 4K Max versions
Here is how to set up a Fire TV Stick:
- Plug the stick into your TV‘s HDMI port
- Connect to your home WiFi in Settings
- Register device with Amazon account
- Use included remote to navigate Prime Video app
I suggest the 4K Max version for snappy performance even with shaky rural internet speeds.
Roku
Roku devices are a popular way to stream media across thousands of channels including Prime Video.
To use Roku:
- Connect Roku TV stick to TV‘s HDMI port
- Set up Roku account and WiFi connection
- Add Prime Video channel from Roku Channel Store
- Open channel and log into Amazon account
While convenient, Roku cannot directly access exclusive Amazon Originals requiring you to search Prime listings separately.
Chromecast and Game Consoles
Chromecast plugs into TVs to cast content from mobile apps. PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles also have Prime Video apps available.
The processes are very similar – plug the device into your TV, connect to WiFi, install the Prime Video app from the platform‘s store, and log into your Amazon account.
Get Watching!
Whichever device you opt for, the setup takes just a few minutes before you can put your feet up. As a business owner, being able to unwind with my favorite movies and shows is invaluable when free time is scarce.
With this guide, you now have easy access to top-tier entertainment on the TV screen it deserves. So kick back and start streaming! Have any other setup tips? Share in the comments below!
