This guide will discuss Funimation and how to use and install it. This app can be installed on almost any device, e.g. Firestick, Fire Cube, Nvidia Shield, Android box, Chromecast, phones, tablets, and PCs (via an emulator such as Bluestacks or Nox). Funimation can be installed from the most popular app stores; however, if it’s not available, it can be sideloaded.
The Amazon Firestick is a popular streaming device that offers excellent value for money and can be jailbroken with minimal effort. It is a perfect choice for anyone looking to cut the cord, regardless of their experience with streaming devices.
Table of Contents
What is Funimation?
Funimation is an official streaming service that offers free streaming, supported by ads.
Established in 1994, Funimation was one of the leading anime distributors, licencing popular series such as Dragon Ball, Yu Yu Hakusho, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, Assassination Classroom and many more. In March 2022, the company was consolidated into Crunchyroll, LLC but the Funimation brand is still in use today.
With over 13,000 hours of content, Funimation is one of the biggest and best services to stream anime subbed and dubbed. However, not all titles are free, and you need to sign up for an account to watch videos that contain mature content.
Funimation Features and Content
With a clean and straightforward-to-use interface, Funimation gives menu options for Home, My Queue, My Library, Shows, Genres, SimulDub, Search and Settings. Genres include Action/Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fan Service, Fantasy, Horror, Live-Action, Psychological, Romance, Sci-Fi, Shoujo, Shounen, and Slice of Life.
The massive collection of anime includes many series with options for dubs and subs in English.
The built-in search engine works well to get right to your favourite anime episodes and movies.
Is Funimation Legal?
Yes. Funimation is an official streaming service and, therefore, 100% legal. However, its content is only available in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. If it’s unavailable in your area, you can use a VPN to bypass any location blocks.
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Is Funimation Free / Do I Need an Account?
A limited amount of content is free, with ads, in 1080p, and you don’t need to sign up for an account. However, you won’t be able to stream mature content without signing up for an account to remove this restriction. Signing up for an account is completely free, all you need is a valid email address.
Access to the entire content library requires a subscription with a 14-day free trial. Currently, the premium plan costs £5.99 per month or £59.99 per year. Upgrading to a Premium account gives you:
- Ad-free access to entire Funimation library.
- Subs and Dubs.
- 5 Simultaneous streams.
- Download for offline viewing on supported mobile devices.
However, it is worth mentioning that whilst I was enjoying the free plan, using the Funimation app on my Fire TV stick 4K Max, some videos gave an Unable to Play Video At This Time error. But the same video on the Funimation website played without any errors. It may be worth switching platforms if you come across the same error.
How to Install Funimation
Funimation is available to stream everywhere. As an app on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, and some Smart TVs.
Go to your App Store and search for Funimation. You can also stream content in your web browser by visiting the website.
But if you can’t get the app from your app store, you may be able to sideload it. To do so, your device must be capable of installing apps from unknown sources. Once your device is enabled for sideloading, you can install the app from my Downloads page.
Sideload Funimation - Firesticks, Fire TV, Android & Android TV
- Firstly, ensure you have enabled sideloading on your device.
- Open the Downloader app, then select the Search box.
- Enter 28907, then select Go.
- Wait for my Download page to load fully, then press the Menu (or Options) button on your remote 2x to enter full-screen mode.
- Select the Anime category from the list at the top of the page. Or move down to view the Anime category.
- Find the Funimation app in the list, then select it.
- On the next page, move down until you see the blue Download – Fire TV/Android TV button.
- Select the Download – Fire TV/Android TV button, then select Install.
- When the app has finished installing, select Delete 2x to remove the installation file, as it’s no longer required.
The app is installed; open it from your apps screen!
Sideload Funimation - Android Phones and Tablets
- Firstly, ensure you have enabled sideloading on your device.
- Open a web browser and go to firetvsticks.com.
- Select Downloads from the menu.
- Select the Anime category from the list at the top of the page. Or move down to view the Anime category.
- Find the Funimation app in the list, then select it.
- On the next page, move down until you see the blue Download – Mobile button.
- Select the Download – Mobile button, then select Download.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to view the downloaded APK file and tap on it.
- Then select Install.
The app is installed; open it from your apps screen!
How to Use Funimation
Funimation is simple and easy to use. Browse, then select a title, or use the search if you have something specific in mind.
Once you’ve selected a series, you’ll have options to start watching, choose the season (if applicable), add to queue, follow show and rate. There’s also the option to select the language if you want to watch dubbed. Click to start watching and enjoy!
English subtitles can be turned on for most videos.
Wrapping Up
Funimation is an excellent and popular app for anime fans, with many videos subbed and dubbed. However, only a limited amount of content is available to watch for free. If you’re looking for a more extensive library of free anime, consider an alternative such as Anime Fanz Tube.
