It's no surprise that Amazon decided to release its latest Fire TV Stick version with support for Dolby Atmos. With the steady increase in the popularity of home theaters, users seem to prefer experiencing cinematic effects from the comfort of their homes. But how can you browse Dolby Atmos content on an Amazon Fire TV Stick?
The Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max all support Dolby Atmos audio. The Fire TV Stick Lite is the only one that does not support Dolby Atmos audio. To get Dolby Atmos audio, you have to be using a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar or A/V receiver.
Let's take a closer look at how to set up your Amazon Fire TV Stick for Dolby Atmos so that you can enjoy the incredible sound it provides when you enjoy your next series or movie right at home.
Key Takeaways
- Dolby Atmos on Fire TV Stick: Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, and Fire TV Stick 4K Max all support Dolby Atmos.
- Enable Dolby Atmos on Fire TV Stick by connecting to a compatible device, ensuring TV compatibility, and choosing Ultra HD content.
- Latest updates: New models support Dolby Atmos; new features include HDR support and an Alexa-enabled remote.
Does the Fire Stick Support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, it does. Recently, Amazon added Dolby Atmos support to its latest Fire TV Stick (on Amazon), which features a handful of exciting perks for its users.
These models support Dolby Atmos:
- 3rd Gen Fire TV Stick (on Amazon)
- Fire TV Stick 4K (on Amazon)
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max (on Amazon)
- 2nd Gen Fire TV Stick (on Amazon)
- Fire TV Cube (on Amazon)
- 3rd Gen Fire TV box
These models DON'T support Dolby Atmos:
- Fire TV Stick Lite (on Amazon)
- 1st Gen Fire TV Stick Basic Edition
Note: Dolby Atmos offers full support for Dolby Digital Plus as well. (Source)
What’s New in the Latest Fire TV Stick?
To offer its users a cinematic experience with a more stable connection, the new Fire TV Stick hosts several amazing features for its users. Here are some of our favorites, including 4k resolution, Dolby Atmos and HDR10 (source):
- Support for Dolby Atmos
Unlike some of the old devices, the latest Fire TV Stick provides a surround sound experience for movies and videos, offering users immersive audio quality to bring the theater experience closer to home.
You must couple this streaming device with compatible speakers and Atmos content to take complete advantage of this newly added feature.
- Support for HDR
To further the sound experience, the new Fire TV Stick brings HDR10 support to enhance video quality. By extending the difference between the dark and bright ranges, HDR helps improve the video’s sharpness and detail.
- Alexa-Enabled Remote Control
As its signature offering, Amazon always couples its voice assistance technology with Fire TV Sticks. The same is available with the new version too.
This new version of the streaming device includes Alexa Voice Remote. In addition, it has dedicated buttons for different operations such as powering on, volume adjustment, and more.
How Can You Stream Dolby Atmos on a Fire TV Stick?
Now that the Fire TV Stick supports Dolby Atmos, you can finally watch movies with immersive audio.
Here are a few things you'll need before starting to use the Fire TV Stick:
A Fire TV Stick that Supports Dolby Atmos
Of course, you'll need a Fire TV stick or box that supports Dolby Atmos to get Dolby Atmos audio to your TV, soundbar, or AV receiver. We've listed the supported models at the beginning of this article.
Compatible Soundbar or AV Receiver with Speakers
You don't need the latest TV for Atmos sound with the Fire TV Stick; nearly any TV works, but having HDMI ARC or eARC is beneficial.
For Dolby Atmos support, ensure your soundbar or AV receiver and speakers are compatible. Connect them to your TV's HDMI ARC/eARC port and the Fire TV Stick to another HDMI port.
If you are using the ARC port, you'll need to make sure that your TV's HDMI ARC port supports Dolby Atmos passthrough. Most newer TVs usually do, yet it's hard to tell sometimes.
Alternatively, connect the Fire TV Stick directly to the soundbar/receiver's HDMI input if your TV lacks HDMI ARC or its port doesn't support Dolby Atmos.
Also, if you plan on using Digital Optical to send the audio signal to the receiver or soundbar, think again because Digital Optical cables can't send Dolby Atmos audio.
Note: Some smart TVs support Atmos sound without a soundbar or receiver, allowing direct access to Atmos content via the TV's apps. However, the audio quality may not match that of a soundbar or AV receiver with speakers.
Atmos-Enabled Content
Make sure to browse content that supports the Atmos sound format. When using Amazon Prime with the Fire TV Stick, choose the videos listed as Ultra HD. This can also be done through Plex. To find out if the content supports ‘Ultra HD’ or not, check the content's title.
Not all Amazon Prime movies and TV shows support Dolby Atmos. This is the same with all of the major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, etc.
It's good to note that Hulu and YouTube don't support Dolby Atmos content at all, so don't go looking there for Atmos-enabled content.
How To Test Dolby Atmos On Fire TV
Dolby Atmos is a great feature that really makes a difference in improving audio quality by adding height channels and creating a more immersive and realistic three-dimensional sound experience.
To check if you're getting Dolby Atmos sound on your Firestick or FireTV, play a Dolby Atmos-enabled movie or TV show. Look for the on-screen indicator during playback.
Listening to the immersive audio experience with three-dimensional sound and perceiving sounds from various directions might be enough to notice the difference.
If you have an AV receiver, confirm on its display that it is successfully decoding Dolby Atmos audio, ensuring your entire audio system is optimized for the cinema-like experience.
Dolby Atmos Not Working On Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
If you're experiencing issues with Dolby Atmos on your Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Check Compatibility: Confirm that your content and connected audio equipment support Dolby Atmos.
- Settings Verification: Go to “Settings” on your Firestick 4K, navigate to “Display & Sounds,” then “Audio.” Confirm that Dolby Atmos is enabled if the option is available.
- Cable Connection: Ensure all your cables are damage-free and properly inserted.
