The USA Network has long been a staple of American cable television, home to popular shows like Law & Order: Organized Crime, Chrisley Knows Best, Temptation Island, and a massive library of acquired movies. With the shift towards cord-cutting, accessing USA Network no longer requires a traditional cable subscription. This detailed, 1500-word guide will walk you through every step of getting USA Network on your Amazon FireStick, from initial setup to choosing the right subscription plan and troubleshooting common issues.
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Understanding Your Access Options
Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand how you can legally stream USA Network. There are two primary methods:
- USA Network App (TV Everywhere): This is a free app that allows you to log in with credentials from a participating cable, satellite, or live TV streaming service provider (e.g., YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DIRECTV STREAM, etc.). This gives you access to live TV and on-demand content, but requires an active subscription to one of these services.
- Peacock Premium: Since NBCUniversal (the parent company of USA Network) has shifted much of its content strategy to Peacock, many current and past USA originals are available on the Peacock platform. More importantly, Peacock Premium tiers (especially Peacock Premium Plus) often offer live streams of your local NBC channel, which can include simulcasts of some USA programming. For new or exclusive content, Peacock is increasingly the primary destination.
This guide will focus primarily on the first method—using the USA Network app with a live TV provider—but will also cover the Peacock option.
Part 1: Installing the USA Network App on Your FireStick
The installation process is straightforward and takes place entirely on your Fire TV device.
Step 1: Prepare Your FireStick
Ensure your FireStick is plugged into your TV’s HDMI port, powered on, and connected to your Wi-Fi network. Navigate to the home screen.
Step 2: Navigate to the Search Function
Using your Fire TV remote, use the directional pad to go to the top menu and select the Search option (it has a magnifying glass icon). Alternatively, you can press and hold the microphone button on your remote and use voice search.
Step 3: Search for the USA Network App
- Text Search: Type “USA Network” using the on-screen keyboard. As you type, search results will appear below.
- Voice Search (Easier): Press and hold the microphone button and say, “USA Network.” The search will be populated automatically.
Step 4: Select and Download the App
From the search results, click on the USA Network app icon. This will take you to the app’s download page. Select Download or Get to begin the installation. The app is free to download. The FireStick will automatically download and install the application. This usually takes less than a minute.
Step 5: Open the App
Once the installation is complete, the “Download” button will change to an “Open” button. You can select Open to launch the app immediately, or you can find it later in the Your Apps & Channels section on your home screen.
Part 2: Subscribing and Activating the USA Network App
Simply installing the app isn’t enough. When you open it for the first time, you will be greeted with an activation screen. This is where you prove you have a paid TV subscription that includes USA Network.
Step 1: Launch the USA Network App
Open the app from your FireStick home screen.
Step 2: The Activation Process
You will see a message prompting you to select your TV provider and a unique activation code (usually 6-7 characters). Keep this screen open. You will need to go to a web browser on another device, such as your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Step 3: Activate on a Second Device
On your computer or phone, open a web browser and go to the official activation website: www.usanetwork.com/activate.
- Pro Tip: Always ensure you are on the official NBCU activation site to protect your login information.
Step 4: Enter the Code and Choose Your Provider
- On the website, you will be prompted to enter the activation code displayed on your TV screen. Type it in carefully and click Continue.
- You will now be presented with a long list of participating TV providers. Scroll through or use the search function to find yours (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum, YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM, etc.).
- Select your provider. This will redirect you to your provider’s own login portal.
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Step 5: Log In with Your TV Provider Credentials
- You will now be asked to enter the username and password for your TV provider account. This is the same login you use to view your bill online or access your provider’s own app.
- After successfully logging in, your provider will ask you to confirm that you grant USA Network permission to access your subscription information. Confirm this.
Step 6: Success and Return to FireStick
Once you confirm, the website will tell you that activation was successful. You can now return to your FireStick. The app screen should automatically refresh within 30-60 seconds, and you will be granted full access to the live stream and on-demand library. If it doesn’t refresh automatically, simply close the app and reopen it.
Part 3: What If I Don’t Have a Cable Provider? Subscription Options
If you don’t have a traditional cable login, you can still access USA Network by subscribing to a live TV streaming service. These are cord-cutting solutions that run over the internet. Here are the most popular options that include USA Network in their base plans:
- Sling TV: The Sling Blue plan ($40/month) includes USA Network. This is often the most economical way to get USA and other entertainment channels.
- YouTube TV: ($72.99/month) Includes USA Network, local channels, and a very comprehensive channel lineup with unlimited cloud DVR.
- Hulu + Live TV: ($76.99/month) Bundles a vast live TV package (including USA) with the entire Hulu on-demand streaming library.
- DIRECTV STREAM: ($79.99/month for the Entertainment package) Includes USA Network and a robust selection of channels.
- FuboTV: (Starts at $74.99/month) Primarily focused on sports, but also includes USA Network and entertainment channels.
How to Do It:
- Choose a service from the list above.
- Sign up for an account on their website using a computer or smartphone. You will create a username and password.
- Complete the billing information.
- Once your account is active, return to the USA Network app on your FireStick and go through the activation steps outlined in Part 2, but this time select your new streaming provider (e.g., “YouTube TV”) when prompted.
Part 4: The Peacock Alternative
As mentioned, Peacock is NBCUniversal’s flagship streaming service. It does not offer a live feed of the USA Network channel 24/7, but it is the exclusive streaming home for many USA originals the day after they air. Furthermore, Peacock Premium Plus ($11.99/month) includes your local NBC live feed, which can be crucial for events that are simulcast.
To install Peacock:
- Search for “Peacock” on your FireStick.
- Download and install the app.
- Open it and choose a subscription plan: Free (limited content), Premium ($5.99/month with ads), or Premium Plus ($11.99/month with no ads and your local NBC channel).
- Create an account and pay directly through Amazon or on Peacock’s website.
Part 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues
- “Content Not Available” or Login Errors: Double-check that your TV provider subscription includes USA Network. Some basic plans may not have it.
- Activation Code Not Working: Codes expire after a short time. Close the app, reopen it to get a new code, and try again.
- App is Frozen or Crashing: This is often resolved by clearing the app’s cache and data. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > USA Network > Clear Cache and Clear Data. You will have to activate the app again after this.
- Playback Errors: Ensure your internet connection is stable. Restart your FireStick by unplugging it from power for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.
- Video Quality is Poor: Check your internet speed. A stable connection of at least 10-15 Mbps is recommended for HD streaming. Also, ensure your FireStick has a strong Wi-Fi signal.
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Conclusion
Getting the USA Network on your FireStick is a simple process that unlocks a world of entertainment. By downloading the free app and authenticating with a participating TV provider—be it a traditional cable company or a modern live TV streaming service—you can enjoy live television and a vast on-demand library directly on your big screen. For those without any provider, services like Sling Blue offer an affordable entry point into live TV streaming. Remember to also consider Peacock for the most comprehensive access to NBCUniversal’s content. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite shows.
