Amazon’s Fire TV, found on various devices and embedded in select TVs, is not just a regular entertainment tool – it is a versatile way to make your favorite content accessible wherever you go.
Enjoy the latest streaming hits on Prime Video, watch content from your beloved platforms, engage in video games, and more. Plus, with Alexa’s assistance, managing both your Fire TV and home environment becomes super convenient right from your couch.
If you find yourself in love with the Firestick streaming, it’s worth delving into a few setting tricks to amplify your experience. Discover how to enhance privacy and make your viewing sessions more comfortable with these quick tips.
In this Article:
Go Hands-Free with Alexa
Make the most of Alexa’s voice assistant, available on both the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV 4K. If you own an Amazon Echo speaker, sync it effortlessly with your Fire TV through the Alexa app on iOS or Android. Navigate to More > Settings > TV & Video, select “Fire TV,” and tap “Link Your Alexa Device.” Pick your Fire TV from the list and choose the associated Echo speaker.
With Alexa, you can command various actions like controlling playback, playing music, or finding content based on specific criteria. From playing and pausing to fast-forwarding and rewinding, Alexa streamlines your Fire TV experience. Not sure what else to ask? Explore the handy guide in Settings > Alexa > Things to Try for inspiration.
Use Parental Control on Fire TV
For added security, leverage Fire TV’s parental control tools to restrict access to videos, purchases, and potentially sensitive content. Here is a simple guide to activate parental controls:
- Launch Fire TV Preferences in Settings.
- Click on Parental Controls.
- Turn on Parental Controls and set a new five-digit PIN using the remote.
- Confirm the PIN by entering it again.
- Once activated, parental controls safeguard your device, enforcing PIN protection on purchases and app launches. Additionally, it restricts access to content rated Teen and above on Prime Video.
Set Up Your Apps: Personalize Your Fire TV
Maximize your Fire TV home screen by efficiently managing your apps. Follow these steps to unleash the full potential of your installed apps:
- View the full apps list: Easily access all installed Fire TV apps by scrolling to the three squares on the right-hand side of the top row or long-pressing the remote’s home button and selecting “Apps.”
- Rearrange your apps: Personalize the order of your apps by selecting an app from the full list, hitting the menu button on the remote, and choosing “Move” or “Move to front.”
- Remove or hide an app: To delete an app, head to the full apps list, press the menu button, and select “Uninstall.” Alternatively, choose “Hide from Your Apps” to remove it from the list without uninstalling – perfect for hiding non-deletable Amazon apps like Luna and Amazon Live Shopping.
Increase Storage on Firestick with a USB Flash Drive
Expanding your Firestick storage capacity is a handy trick for enhancing its usability. Many users express dissatisfaction with the limited internal storage on the Amazon Firestick.
Thankfully, a solution exists. You can effectively increase your device’s storage space by acquiring an OTG cable and employing any USB flash drive.
This ingenious workaround permits the installation of applications directly onto the external USB Drive. For step-by-step instructions, including a helpful video guide, click below to discover how to expand your Firestick’s internal storage.
Cast to Firestick from Android/iPhone/iPad
Casting is one of the most sought-after tricks for Firestick users. An often overlooked capability of the Firestick is its capacity to mirror content from a separate device.
This feature allows you to effortlessly cast anything displayed on your mobile screen directly to your TV within seconds. To achieve this, a free app from the Amazon App Store must be installed on your device.
Once the app is installed, you gain the ability to cast, record, and perform more actions directly from your phone or tablet.
Sideload Apps on Fire TV
While many are content with official apps from the Amazon Appstore, the allure of the extensive app selection on Android TVs might spark envy. Since the Fire OS is based on Android, sideloading APK files onto the device is possible.
To initiate this process, a slight adjustment in the Settings is required.
- Navigate to Fire TV Settings and select “My Fire TV.”
- Choose “Developer Options.”
- Click on “Apps from Unknown Sources” and enable it.
With these settings adjusted, you are now ready to sideload apps on your Fire TV. Utilize mobile apps such as Apps2Fire or the Downloader app on Fire TV to download and install APK files. For detailed instructions, refer to our guide on sideloading any app onto Fire TV.
Do not be disheartened if sideloaded apps do not integrate seamlessly with Fire TV’s interface. Unofficial apps are not designed with the Fire OS interface in mind, and installing a third-party launcher is not an option, as Amazon restricts them from maintaining ad and sponsored content visibility.
Stream Geo-restricted Content
Now that you know how to sideload apps on Fire TV Stick, you can install apps that offer free movies and TV shows. Plenty of such apps are available. However, the services of some apps and websites may not be available in your country.
By utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can seamlessly access streaming services from a myriad of apps and websites, expanding your content horizon. This invaluable trick for Fire TV Stick users allows you to effortlessly stream geo-restricted content, ensuring you never miss out on your favorite shows and movies.
Improve the Firestick Speed and Performance
Many Fire TV and Firestick users experience slow speed issues. This can happen due to a variety of reasons. A slow internet connection is one of the possible reasons for Firestick streaming so slow. Users can remove buffering issues by using a high-speed internet, or using an ethernet connection. Another reason can be a full cache memory on your device.
Clearing the cache and restarting the Firestick can improve its speed and performance. Moreover, you can uninstall the unnecessary apps to free some space on your Firestick. This also works to improve the speed and smooth functioning of your device.
Use the Fire TV Remote App
The initial Fire TV Stick lacked a voice search option. To correct this or streamline the operation of your other Fire TV devices, download the Fire TV remote app, available for Android and iOS.
Ensure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the Amazon Fire TV. When you launch the app, your Fire TV’s name should appear on the smartphone screen. Tap it, enter the four-digit code displayed on the TV screen, and gain complete control.
This app provides as much control as the included remote, including a full on-screen smartphone keyboard for entering information and Fire TV voice capabilities. In essence, this app might make you question the necessity of Amazon’s hardware remote.
Create Some Automations with Routines
Want your Fire TV to start playing a specific channel every morning or set a sleep timer with a voice command? Utilize the Routines feature in the Alexa app to make your Fire TV perform various tasks.
Find Routines in the “More” section of the Alexa app, then tap the “+” button to create a routine. Use the “When this happens” option to set up a trigger, such as a specific phrase or time of day. In the “Add action” menu, discover a section for actions on your Fire TV device.
Summing Up
So, here you have these amazing tips to improve your Fire TV streaming. While trying to use any of these tips, make sure to follow the proper steps. So, get ready to make full use of your Firestick or any Fire TV device and experience amazing home entertainment.
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