This article will provide you with a list of useful Firestick Tricks & Tips you can adjust to improve your device’s performance.
The best Firestick tricks include sideloading apps, increasing storage, external video players, casting, and more!
These tips and tricks are applicable to any model of Firestick or Fire TV device.
For more helpful information, check out our guide on Firestick Buffering.
If you own a Firestick/Fire TV, you are familiar with the capabilities these devices offer.
Many users opt to jailbreak the device to access third-party apps not found in the Amazon App Store.
With Firestick, users can enjoy streaming HD movies, TV shows, playing games, and more.
Discover hidden tips & tricks to enhance your streaming experience in the following list.
The suggestions listed below are valuable for all Fire TV owners looking to maximize their device’s potential.
Most of these tips can be easily implemented from the device settings or home screen.
Currently, the most popular Fire TV model is the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.
However, newer Fire TV devices like the Fire TV Stick Max, Fire TV Stick Lite, and 3rd Gen Fire TV Stick are gaining popularity.
All tips on the list below are compatible with these devices and most Firestick/Fire TV models available today.
Best Firestick Tricks & Tips
Discover over fifteen Firestick tricks and tips to make the most of your powerful Streaming Device!
We recommend saving this page, as these Firestick/Fire TV tricks are regularly updated.
The last update for this list was on Sun, May, 26, 2024
1. Sideloading Apps
Firestick/Fire TV users are likely familiar with the side-loading capabilities of the device, given its Android OS.
Side-loading applications not available in the Amazon App Store is a common practice among Firestick/Fire TV users.
Popular side-loaded apps include Kodi, MX Player, Stremio, Unlinked, Aptoide, Cinema HD, among others.
To side-load these apps, you need to use a tool like Downloader.
For more information on side-loading, refer to our comprehensive guide below.
How to Side-Load Apps on Firestick
2. Speed up Your Firestick/Fire TV
Firestick/Fire TV users often encounter download speed and buffering issues. Several methods can improve Firestick speed and reduce buffering.
Start by Testing Internet Speed on your Firestick to identify your current speeds.
Ways to boost Firestick speed include using an Ethernet Adapter, integrating Real-Debrid in apps and add-ons, adjusting VPN Protocols, and upgrading your internet package.
3. Install a Browser on Your Firestick
An overlooked Firestick trick that opens up numerous streaming possibilities is installing a browser on your Firestick.
With a browser, you can access streams from free websites offering live sports, movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more.
To install a browser on your Firestick, search for Silk Browser and install it, allowing you to browse your favorite websites directly on your TV.
Enjoy streaming live sports, movies, and TV shows for free from popular websites!
Best Free Sports Streaming Sites
Best Free Movie Streaming Sites
4. Increase Storage on Firestick with USB Flash Drive
One of the more useful Firestick tricks is expanding storage. The Amazon Firestick often faces complaints about its lack of internal storage.
Users can solve this issue by purchasing an OTG Cable and using any USB Flash Drive to expand the device storage capacity.
This hack lets you install applications onto the external USB Drive for additional storage space.
For a complete instructional guide with a video on how to Expand your Firestick’s Internal Storage, click below How to Expand Fire TV Stick 4K Storage.
Note: Ensure any USB Drive used with a Fire TV/Android device is properly formatted as FAT32.
5. Using External Video Players
The Amazon Firestick/Fire TV stands out by allowing the use of external video players within applications.
Popular external video players include MX Player and VLC Media Player.
Using external video players can improve the user experience by reducing buffering and enhancing playback.
Applications like Cinema HD allow you to change the video player being used, further enhancing your viewing experience.
Discover the Best Video Players for Firestick/Fire TV.
6. Fire TV Remote App
Issues with the provided remote on the Firestick are common among users. Problems like syncing and battery failure can be frustrating.
Fortunately, there is a Firestick remote app that replicates the functions of the Amazon remote control and can be installed on iOS devices, Android, and Fire tablets.
Its features include using your phone’s keyboard for faster typing and other functionalities. Learn how to install the Firestick Remote app and sync your remote by using the guide below.
Firestick/Fire TV Remote Resource Page
Explore Firestick Remote Alternatives.
New: How to Control Firestick/Fire TV via Remote Access
7. Cast to Firestick from Android/iPhone/iPad
One of the top Firestick Tricks is casting, allowing you to mirror your device’s content on the Firestick.
The Firestick can mirror content from separate devices, enabling you to display your mobile screen on the TV instantly.
To enable this feature, you need to install a free app from the Amazon App Store. Once installed, you can cast and record directly from your phone or tablet.
How To Cast to Firestick/Fire TV
8. Put Firestick to Sleep
If you prefer not to power off your Firestick completely, you can put it to sleep mode.
Amazon Fire TV devices come with a built-in timer for this function. Additionally, you can manually activate the Sleep function by pressing and holding the Home button, then selecting Sleep.
Many may not be aware of this simple feature’s existence! Use the guide below for more information:
How To Turn Off Firestick/Fire TV
9. Restart Firestick
If you would like to fully power off your Firestick, simply press and hold the Select button and Play/Pause button together for about five seconds.
If your device is experiencing problems and turning off your Firestick/Fire TV isn’t helpful, we recommend attempting a factory reset.
How to Restart Firestick
How to Factory Reset Firestick
10. Block Ads & Updates on Firestick
One common complaint among Firestick users is the bothersome ads and updates on Fire TV devices.
Especially with Amazon enforcing software updates and preventing the use of custom launchers like Wolf Launcher.
We recommend checking out our in-depth tutorials below for blocking ads and updates on the Firestick/Fire TV.
How to Block Updates on Firestick/Fire TV
How to Block Ads on Firestick/Fire TV
11. Screen Magnifier
For those with less than perfect eyesight, Amazon offers a Screen Magnifier that zooms in on a selected item.
This can help view images and content more clearly and precisely. To activate Screen Magnifier, follow these steps:
From the home screen, Open Settings>select Accessibility>choose Screen Magnifier
This will enable Screen Magnifier for use. To navigate the device with Screen Magnifier on, the following options are provided:
12. Clear App Cache/Data
If you encounter an application that isn’t functioning properly and want a quick solution, often a simple cache/data clearance will suffice.
This is a great method to reset the application you are using to start fresh.
To clear Data, follow these instructions:
From the home screen, Open Settings>select Applications>choose to Manage Installed Applications>choose your preferred App>click Clear Data>click Clear Data again
13. Enjoy Personal Photos as device Screensaver
If you’re tired of seeing the same Amazon screensavers when your device is idle, there is an alternative.
You can set your Firestick or Fire TV to display personal photos instead.
To do this, you first need to download the Amazon Photos app on your Android or iOS device.
Your photos will sync across all Amazon devices, including Firestick and Fire TV. After installation, you can adjust the settings to show these photos:
From the home screen, Open Settings> select Display & Sounds>select Screensaver>choose Current Screensaver>select Your Photos (or another album)
You can also install custom launchers like the Wolf Launcher for custom wallpapers as your background!
14. Enable Bluetooth Device
For many people, the provided Amazon remote may not be sufficient for navigating within the Firestick. Fortunately, Fire TVs have a setting that allows you to sync all your favorite Bluetooth accessories to the device. This includes items like headphones, keyboard remotes, gaming controllers, and more. To sync a Bluetooth device to your Firestick/Fire TV, follow these steps:
From the home screen, open Settings, select Controllers & Bluetooth Devices, choose Other Bluetooth Devices, and click Add Bluetooth Devices. Once discovered, you can then select your Bluetooth device for use.
One of the easiest ways to censor content on your Firestick or Fire TV device is by setting up parental controls. This will limit access to apps and more with a simple code. To enable Parental Controls, follow these steps:
From the home screen, open Settings, select Preferences, and choose Parental Controls. Here you can set a Pin Code that will restrict access to videos, the purchasing of certain content, and more.
A secret Firestick Trick is to enable System X-Ray, which allows you to monitor how your system is operating. To turn this feature on, press and hold the Select button for a second. Then, while still holding down Select, press the Down button too. Hold both buttons for about 3-4 seconds. Next, release both buttons and press the remote’s Menu button. If this method doesn’t work, try holding Select and Down simultaneously. This tool lets you monitor RAM memory usage and provides information on your network connection. To turn off System X-Ray, simply repeat the steps used to enable it and then disable it.