With the release of the 3rd generation Amazon Fire TV Stick, most models now support Dolby Atmos audio. The entire lineup, with the exception of the Fire TV Stick Lite, allows you to enjoy the latest cinematic audio format. If you have a Fire TV Stick 4K and compatible audio gear, you can enjoy Atmos.
In this guide, I’m going to explain how to get Dolby Atmos working on the Fire TV Stick 4K. This guide applies to other models as well, but I happen to have the 4K version. I’ll explain the hardware required, how to hook up your Fire TV Stick, and also what streaming services offer Atmos-enabled content.
What is required for Dolby Atmos?
You already have the Fire TV Stick 4K, but what else is required? Since Dolby Atmos is an audio format for immersive sound from movies and TV shows, you’ll need an audio system that supports Atmos. Many sound bars support Atmos, which is the cheapest and easiest solution.
Dolby Atmos supported sound bar #commissionsearned
The other option is to use a compatible home theater receiver. Make sure the receiver supports Dolby Atmos, and that you have Atmos-enabled speakers, or are using traditional speakers in a Dolby Atmos speaker layout. For more information on how to set up your home theater speakers for Dolby Atmos, check out this setup guide.
How do I hook up my Fire TV Stick for Dolby Atmos?
Once you have your Fire TV Stick and Atmos-enabled sound system, you need to make sure to hook it all up correctly. All the connections will need to be HDMI, as optical audio doesn’t support Dolby Atmos.
If your TV has an ARC (audio return channel) or eARC (enhanced audio return channel) HDMI port, make sure to plug your sound bar or home theater receiver into that port. Your Fire TV Stick can be plugged into any other HDMI port on the TV.
If your TV is older, and does not have an ARC or eARC HDMI port, you can plug the Fire TV Stick directly into your home theater receiver, and then hook the receiver up to any HDMI port.
Dolby Atmos content
With everything connected, you are ready to experience Dolby Atmos audio. But there is one more thing you need. In order to get Atmos audio, the content you are watching on your Fire TV Stick needs to be Atmos-enabled.
Most streaming services offer titles with Atmos. Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max all offer content that features Dolby Atmos audio. When browsing, try to filter by Ultra HD or 4K content. Usually, high resolution content will feature the latest audio formats. On many streaming services, the video and audio features are listed on the information page for each title, so check for the Dolby Atmos logo there.
If you are watching other kinds of media, like Blu-ray Discs, look on the box for the Dolby Atmos logo. Content from YouTube, Twitch, and other online platforms won’t have Dolby Atmos support. As of this post, Hulu also does not offer Dolby Atmos content.