Amazon Firestick Tips To Unlock Hidden Features

ByLisa Murray

The Amazon Firestick is a powerful streaming device that directly brings entertainment to your TV.

But beyond streaming your favorite shows and movies, the Firestick has several hidden features that can enhance your experience and optimize performance.

Here’s how to unlock these hidden tricks and get the most out of your Firestick.

1. Enable Developer Options for More Control

One of Firestick’s hidden secrets is the Developer Options menu, which allows you to install third-party apps and make customizations that aren’t available out of the box.

  • How to Access Developer Options:
    • Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About.
    • Click on your Fire TV Stick name (it could be “Fire TV Stick 4K” or similar) about 7 times until it says, “You are now a developer.”
    • After enabling Developer Options, you’ll have access to Apps from Unknown Sources and ADB Debugging, which allow for third-party app installations.

Enabling these options is essential for users who want to install apps like Downloader to sideload third-party streaming apps or productivity tools.

2. Boost Streaming Speed by Clearing Cache

Over time, apps on the Firestick accumulate cache data that can slow down performance. Clearing this cache regularly helps speed up your device and avoid buffering.

  • To Clear Cache:
    • Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications.
    • Select the app that’s using excessive cache and choose Clear Cache.

Clearing cache from streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube can significantly improve the responsiveness of your Firestick.

3. Expand Storage with a USB Drive or OTG Cable

One limitation of the Firestick is its limited internal storage, but you can expand it by connecting a USB drive via an OTG (On-the-Go) cable. This trick allows you to install additional apps or store more media.

  • How to Add External Storage:
    • Purchase an OTG cable with a USB port and connect it to your Firestick.
    • Insert a USB drive to expand the storage capacity.
    • You may need to format the drive for it to work correctly, so make sure to back up any important data.
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This trick is especially useful if you’re a heavy app user or want to store more content directly on your Firestick.

4. Optimize Display Settings for Faster Performance

Adjusting your display settings can enhance the performance of your Firestick, especially if you’re experiencing lag or streaming delays.

  • Steps to Optimize Display Settings:
    • Go to Settings > Display & Sounds > Display.
    • Change Video Resolution to match your TV’s native resolution (1080p or 720p) for smoother performance.
    • Set Match Original Frame Rate to “Off” to reduce resource load on your Firestick.

These adjustments can reduce strain on the device, leading to faster streaming and navigation.

5. Use a VPN for Privacy and Access to Geo-Restricted Content

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your Firestick can offer several benefits, including added privacy and the ability to access content that might be regionally restricted.

  • Installing a VPN on Firestick:
    • Search for your chosen VPN service in the Amazon App Store and download the app.
    • Follow the setup instructions to log in and connect to a server of your choice.

Using a VPN can also improve speed and reduce throttling in some cases, enhancing the overall streaming experience.

6. Speed Up Your Firestick with Regular Updates

Ensuring your Firestick’s software is up to date is crucial for performance improvements, bug fixes, and security patches.

  • How to Update:
    • Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates.
    • If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.

Keeping your Firestick updated ensures you’re benefiting from the latest enhancements Amazon releases, which often include optimizations for faster performance.

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7. Utilize Alexa Voice Commands for Hands-Free Control

The Amazon Firestick is equipped with Alexa, which can make navigating faster and easier. You can use Alexa for various tasks, including searching for content, opening apps, adjusting playback, or even checking the weather.

  • Using Alexa on Firestick:
    • Press and hold the microphone button on your remote and say a command like, “Open Netflix,” “Find action movies,” or “Play the next episode.”

Using Alexa commands can make navigation faster, reducing the time it takes to scroll and select apps manually.

8. Disable Automatic App Updates to Save Bandwidth

By default, the Firestick is set to automatically update apps, which can slow down your connection if multiple apps update simultaneously. Disabling this feature lets you choose when to update apps, optimizing bandwidth for streaming.

  • To Turn Off Automatic Updates:
    • Go to Settings > Applications > Appstore > Automatic Updates and set it to “Off.”

You can manually update apps as needed, ensuring they don’t interfere with your streaming quality.

Conclusion

These hidden features and optimization tips allow you to enhance your Amazon Firestick’s performance and customize it to suit your streaming needs.

From expanding storage to unlocking third-party apps and enhancing speed, these tricks will help you get the most out of your Firestick. Try these tips and transform your streaming experience today!

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