How to Access Local Channels on FireStick in 2025 (Free & Paid): In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of getting local channels on FireStick. The steps provided here will work across all Amazon Fire TV Stick models, including the FireStick 4K, FireStick Lite, FireStick 4K Max, and Fire TV Cube.
Local Channels, Cable, and Cord-Cutting
Now is the perfect time to say goodbye to your cable subscription. With the growth of streaming platforms and devices, cable TV users have more affordable and flexible options than ever before. One common concern, however, is how to keep watching live TV and local news channels. Luckily, if you have an Amazon FireStick, accessing local channels is easier than you might think.
Streaming Local Channels with Amazon FireStick
The Amazon FireStick is a top-rated streaming device known for its user-friendly interface, fast performance, and versatile support for both official and third-party apps.
While it’s great for on-demand content like movies and TV shows, your Fire TV device can also stream live TV channels, including local ones. There are several ways to watch local channels on FireStick.
Steps For Streaming
Here are some of the options:
- Subscribing to a Paid IPTV Service
- Accessing Free Services for Local Channels
- Using Standalone Network Apps
- Utilizing the Amazon News App
- Streaming Local Channels with Third-Party Apps
- Live TV Kodi Addons
- Connecting a Digital Antenna with Fire TV Recast
In this guide, I’ll walk you through each of these methods. They offer either free or budget-friendly alternatives to a traditional cable TV subscription.
Disclaimer
The following list is for educational purposes only. Firesticktricksapps does not create, own, host, run, manage, sell, or distribute any streaming apps, add-ons, websites, IPTV, or services. We also don’t earn commissions from featuring these services on our site. Our goal is to review and give an honest opinion from the end-user’s point of view to help people decide if these services are useful.
We cannot verify whether the services mentioned have legal licenses to distribute content everywhere. It’s up to our readers to make sure they are using these media services in line with the copyright laws of their countries. Firesticktricksapps assumes that all users are following the copyright rules in their region.
How to Access Local Channels on FireStick – 7 Methods
You can stream local channels on your FireStick using IPTV services like DIRECTV STREAM, Sling TV, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. These official apps offer access to networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, with subscription plans ranging from budget-friendly to premium. Most are available through the Amazon App Store and offer additional features like DVR and multi-device support. Availability may vary by location, so check ZIP-specific listings for full channel access.
Method #1: Subscribing to a Paid IPTV Service
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) services are streaming platforms that provide live TV channels over the internet. These can either be from official or third-party sources. While official services tend to be more expensive, they are also safer and more reliable.
In this guide, we’ll focus on some of the top official IPTV services available. These include YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV, DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV), FuboTV, and Sling TV. All of these services have apps you can easily download from the Amazon App Store.
Here’s a breakdown:
1. DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV)
DIRECTV STREAM is a premium service that offers live TV, including local news, sports, entertainment, and more. Depending on the plan you choose, you can access up to 150 live channels.
Subscription plans range from $74.99 to $154.99 per month, with the added benefit of unlimited DVR cloud storage and the ability to stream on up to three devices simultaneously.
You can watch popular local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and others, depending on your location and ZIP code.
2. Sling TV
Sling TV is a more budget-friendly option for streaming both local and international channels. With a Sling TV subscription, you can access news, sports, entertainment, movies, and more.
Sling TV offers three main subscription options:
- Sling Orange ($40/month): Around 35 channels, but no local channels.
- Sling Blue ($45/month): Includes local channels and offers 46 channels.
- Sling Orange & Blue ($60/month): Combines both plans with local channels included.
Note that Sling TV is available only in the U.S.
3. fuboTV
fuboTV, originally known for its sports offerings, now features over 300 live channels, including top local networks like ABC, NBC, and FOX. Availability varies by region, and the service is available in the U.S., Canada, and Spain.
Subscription plans range from $32.99 to $109.99 per month.
4. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV provides both on-demand content and live TV, making it a complete entertainment package. At $76.99 per month, it offers access to local channels and global networks like ESPN, ABC, and BET. To watch local channels, simply enter your ZIP code on the Hulu + Live TV website to see which ones are available in your area.
5. YouTube TV
YouTube TV, owned by Google, is another popular IPTV service, with over 8 million subscribers. It offers more than 100 channels, including local stations like CBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC, along with sports and entertainment networks.
The service also features DVR storage, high streaming quality, and a lag-free viewing experience, which makes it one of the best options for streaming local channels. YouTube TV is available in most U.S. regions.
The base plan costs $72.99 per month, which is on the higher end compared to other services, but many users find the quality and features worth the price.
Method #2: Accessing Free Services to Stream Local Channels
There are several free IPTV services available on the Amazon App Store that allow you to stream both local and international channels on FireStick. Here are some top options:
1. Airy TV
Airy TV is a free streaming service offering a wide range of content, including movies, sports, news, and TV shows. It doesn’t require any subscriptions, fees, or contracts, though you might encounter a few ads while streaming. Airy TV provides over 100 local channels, along with classic movies and decent streaming quality.
It’s one of the best apps for watching live TV on FireStick.
2. Haystack TV
Previously known as Haystack TV, Haystack News is a free, ad-supported service focused on news. It allows you to stream more than 400 channels, covering everything from local news to global events, business, and entertainment. Popular channels include CBS, Al Jazeera, ABC, and more. Haystack TV is available on many app stores, including Amazon and Google Play.
3. Xumo
Xumo offers a completely free, ad-supported service called Xumo Play. With over 300 channels for live and on-demand content, it covers various categories such as sports, news, entertainment, comedy, and more. Notable channels available on Xumo include ABC News Live, Fox Sports, PGA Tour, and TMZ. Xumo is available on multiple devices, including Fire TV and FireStick.
4. VUit
VUit is another excellent free streaming option. It offers both live TV and on-demand content, with a strong focus on local channels, including news, sports, and short clips. Local channels on VUit include ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and more. It’s available for download on FireStick through the Amazon App Store.
5. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a fantastic free service that lets you stream both on-demand content and live TV. This ad-supported platform offers over 250 live channels and thousands of movies and TV shows. No sign-up or subscription is required, making it easy to start watching immediately.
Method #3: Using Standalone Network Apps
Many local networks offer dedicated apps on the Amazon App Store, allowing you to stream their channels. However, each app only provides content from its specific network and affiliates. For broader coverage, you may need to install multiple apps. Popular networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC offer apps on the Amazon App Store.
For example, Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) lets you watch local CBS affiliates, CBS Sports HQ, CBSN, and ET Live.
Keep in mind that not all network apps provide free access to their local TV channels. Some require you to enter your cable TV provider details for full access.
It’s a good idea to test the apps for your favorite networks to see which ones offer the best content for your needs.
Method #4: Using the Amazon News App
Amazon’s News app is a great way to catch up on local and global news on your FireStick. The app offers a wide range of local channels such as ABC News Live, CBS News, Yahoo News, Bloomberg, ET Live, Yahoo Sports, and more. In addition to national channels, Amazon recently expanded the app’s coverage to 88 regional markets, including major cities like Detroit, New Orleans, and Phoenix.
The app will automatically detect the metro region closest to you and provide local news from that area. Features include:
- Customizable news playlists that are regularly updated
- No subscription required
- The app comes pre-installed on Fire TV devices
Guide to Using the Amazon News App on FireStick
Method #5: Streaming Local Channels Through Third-Party Apps
Several third-party platforms let you stream local channels for free, often by downloading their APK files. Below are some popular services for streaming local and international channels.
Legal Disclaimer: This tutorial is intended for educational purposes only. firesticktricksapps.com does not own, host, operate, resell, or distribute any streaming apps, addons, websites, IPTV services, or related content. Some of the services mentioned in this guide are unverified, and we cannot guarantee whether they have the proper licenses to distribute the content. firesticktricksapps.com does not verify the legality of each app or service in all regions. We strongly recommend that you conduct your own research and only stream content that is legally available in the public domain. The end-user is solely responsible for the media accessed and any consequences arising from its use.
1. Live NetTV
LiveNet TV is a popular third-party app that offers over 800 live TV channels worldwide. The app is easy to navigate and includes categories like sports, news, entertainment, music, and more. No account sign-up or subscription is needed to use LiveNet TV.
2. HD Streamz
HD Streamz is a third-party app that offers live TV, movies, TV shows, sports events, and radio stations. The app supports SD, HD, and full HD streams for an excellent viewing experience. It provides a wide range of local and international channels.
3. OLA TV
OLA TV provides access to thousands of live local and international channels, including sports, entertainment, news, and movies. The app is free and works on many devices, including Fire TV and FireStick.
4. TVTap
TVTap is another app for streaming live TV. It offers a variety of local and international channels, covering genres like cartoons, news, and sports. The app also provides personalized channel suggestions based on your preferences.
5. Rokkr
Rokkr is an entertainment app for streaming live TV, movies, sports, and TV shows. It’s available for download via third-party sources like the Downloader app. You don’t need to register or pay for a subscription to use Rokkr.
6. Rapid Streamz
Rapid Streamz is a third-party app offering access to live TV channels from multiple regions and genres. It also lets you download content for offline viewing, making it a great option for live TV enthusiasts.
7. HDtv Ultimate
HDtv Ultimate offers over 1,000 live TV channels, including news, sports, movies, and TV shows. It’s a solid choice for accessing both local and international content.
8. Sports Fire
Sports Fire is a third-party service that specializes in sports content, including live streams, scores, and schedules for various games like basketball, football, and tennis. The app provides streams in HD and SD and is easy to navigate.
Stops to Install SportsFire on FireStick: A Simple Guide
Your FireStick or Fire TV is ready to stream your favorite content, but before you start, keep in mind that all your online activities can be tracked by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the government. Streaming free movies, TV shows, and sports could potentially get you into legal trouble.
The best way to protect yourself and keep your streaming activities private is by using a reliable VPN for FireStick. A VPN will mask your real IP address (for example, 2401:4900:8819:8ba7:b013:bb41:1723:3056), helping you avoid online surveillance, ISP throttling, and bypassing content geo-restrictions.
I personally recommend ExpressVPN, which is fast, secure, and easy to install on Fire TV or FireStick. It’s compatible with most streaming apps, ensuring your connection stays safe and your online activities hidden.
We do not encourage illegal streaming. However, it’s often hard to tell if a streaming source is legitimate. If you want to stay safe, follow these steps to use ExpressVPN to keep your FireStick streaming private.
- Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN [here]. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
- Step 2: Power on your Fire TV Stick and go to Find, then select the Search option.
- Step 3: Type “ExpressVPN” into the search bar and select ExpressVPN when it appears.
- Step 4: Click Download to install the ExpressVPN app on your Fire TV / Stick.
- Step 5: Open the app and sign in using the credentials you created when you subscribed to ExpressVPN.
- Step 6: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. Now your connection is secure, and your online activity is protected.
For detailed instructions on using ExpressVPN with Fire TV, check out our full guide.
Method #6: Using Live TV Kodi Addons
Kodi is a versatile media player that supports both live and on-demand content. You can install live TV addons on Kodi to access local and international channels. Here are some popular live TV Kodi addons:
1. The Crew
The Crew is an all-in-one Kodi addon offering live TV and Video on Demand (VOD). It has a dedicated live TV section for quick browsing. You can access local and international channels, and the addon also supports premium services like Real Debrid and Trakt for high-quality streams.
- Source URL: https://team-crew.github.io
- Repository: The Crew
- How to Install The Crew Kodi Addon
2. Daddy Live
Daddy Live is a live TV addon that features a variety of channels, including live sports and local TV. The addon has a clean interface and smooth streaming.
- Source URL: https://team-crew.github.io
- Repository: The Crew
- How to Install Daddy Live Kodi Addon
3. Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers over 100 live channels for free, including local news, entertainment, sports, and comedy. It’s a reliable option for streaming live TV and is available as a Kodi addon hosted in the SlyGuy repository.
- Source URL: https://k.slyguy.xyz
- Repository: SlyGuy
- How to Install Pluto TV on Kodi
4. Samsung TV Plus
Samsung TV Plus lets you stream live channels from various regions, such as Austria, Canada, Germany, India, and the UK. It covers multiple genres, including comedy, movies, sports, and news.
- Source URL: https://k.slyguy.xyz
- Repository: SlyGuy
- How to Install Samsung TV Plus Kodi Addon
5. Stirr
Stirr is a free streaming platform offering hundreds of live TV channels, including local news, entertainment, and more. The Stirr Kodi addon lets you stream content directly from the Stirr website.
- Source URL: https://k.slyguy.xyz
- Repository: SlyGuy
- How to Install Stirr Kodi Addon
Method #7: Using a Digital Antenna with Fire TV Recast
Note: Fire TV Recast has been discontinued, so if you don’t have the device, you can skip this section. However, you might want to consider purchasing a refurbished Fire TV Recast.
Fire TV Recast is a simple solution for streaming local channels on your FireStick. It’s a device that connects to your digital antenna to capture Over-the-Air (OTA) broadcast TV and stream it to your FireStick.
Fire TV Recast was available in two models:
- 500GB version with two tuners
- 1TB version with four tuners
While not the cheapest option, the Fire TV Recast is more affordable than traditional cable TV subscriptions in the long run. It works with an antenna and a router, allowing you to watch and record local channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS. Recast also functions as a DVR, allowing you to record up to two or four programs simultaneously (depending on the model) and watch them later. You can stream local news, sports, and movies directly to your FireStick.
For more detailed instructions on using Fire TV Recast, check out our tutorial video.
FAQs
Can I watch regular TV on FireStick?
Yes, you can watch regular TV on FireStick through several methods, including paid IPTV services, free streaming services, network apps, third-party apps, and Kodi.
How can I get free local channels without cable on FireStick?
You can access free local channels on FireStick using apps like Pluto TV, Xumo, Haystack News, and VUit. These services offer live streaming of news, sports, and entertainment content without any subscription fees. Simply download them from the Amazon App Store and start watching.
Are local news channels available on FireStick?
Yes, several apps provide access to local news channels on FireStick. Haystack News, Amazon News, and network-specific apps like ABC or CBS News allow you to stream regional news based on your location. Many of these apps update content in real time.
Do I need a VPN to stream local channels on FireStick?
While not mandatory, using a VPN is highly recommended when streaming local channels—especially through third-party apps. A VPN secures your online activity, bypasses geo-restrictions, and reduces the risk of throttling from your ISP.
Can I use Kodi to watch local channels on FireStick?
Yes, Kodi supports live TV streaming through various addons. Addons like Pluto TV, The Crew, and Stirr provide access to local and regional channels. You’ll need to install these addons from trusted repositories to get started.
What app lets me watch all local channels in one place?
There isn’t one single app that aggregates all local channels, but services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream offer a wide range of local networks in one platform. These apps require a subscription and offer DVR features as well.
Are third-party apps safe for watching local channels?
Third-party apps like Live NetTV or HD Streamz can provide access to local content, but their safety and legality can vary. It’s crucial to use them cautiously, ensure they’re from a trusted source, and pair them with a VPN to protect your privacy.
Do I need an antenna to get local channels on FireStick?
No. While an OTA antenna connected to a device like the Fire TV Recast is one way to stream local channels, you can also use IPTV services, free apps, or Kodi addons to access local TV content.
Is a subscription required to view local channels on FireStick?
Many live TV streaming services require a subscription, but there are also free options, such as the Amazon News app and third-party apps like Live NetTV, which are ad-supported.
What are the major local TV channels?
The major OTA TV networks in the U.S. include ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and CW. These networks have affiliates in nearly every U.S. city and provide local TV content.
Wrapping Up
This guide covers several ways to watch local channels on your FireStick, including live TV services, Kodi addons, and digital antenna options. Depending on your preferences and setup, you can enjoy local news, sports, entertainment, and more on your device. Let us know which method you prefer in the comments below!
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