Amazon has offered Fire TV devices for years, from the entry-levelFire TV Stick Liteup to theFire TV Stick 4K Maxand Fire TV Cube. Thesestreaming devices can be plugged into any TV and allow you to stream movies and shows from Amazon’s own Prime Video service, as well asother streaming servicessuch as Netflix and Disney+. Fire TV devices also allow you to interact with your voice by speaking to Alexa, just like you can with theAmazon Echo range.
In 2021, Amazon took things a step further and released the first ofits own TVsthat come with the same Fire TV features built into the TV itself. It means that you don’t need a streaming stick to be able to watch your favorite shows or movies or to ask Alexa what the weather will be like.
Best Amazon Fire TV stick: Seamlessly stream
Sick of your smart TV platform? Turn your flatscreen into an Amazon Fire TV with these top streaming sticks.
All of these products come with an Alexa Voice Remote so that you can use voice commands for everything from finding shows to watch to getting the latest sports scores. Some products, such as theFire TV Cubeeven include their own built-in far-field mics so that Alexa can hear you even when you’re not using the remote.
If you own a Fire TV, there are a lot of useful features that you may be unaware of. Here are some of the most useful Amazon Fire TV tips and tricks to help you get the most from your device.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K can stream in 4K resolution. It offers millions of titles on a variety of streaming services.
Use Alexa for voice controls and easier navigation
To use Alexa via the voice remote, hold down the microphone button on the remote control and ask what you want – you don’t need to say “Alexa”.
You can also use an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, or another Alexa-enabled device to control your Fire TV, meaning you don’t even need the remote at all. If you have an Echo in the room (or Fire TV Cube), you can simply bark commands and the Fire TV Stick will obey.
Alexa voice commands
Alexa on Fire TV can pretty much do whatever an Echo can do but with the benefit of Visual Cards. For example, say “What’s the weather like?” and Alexa will reply for your current area.
Here are some other commands you can try:
You can also listen to radio shows,audiobooks, and much more.
Using voice search
you may also use Alexa to search for content using your voice.
Just say the name of a TV show, film, actor, director, etc., and the search results will return any relevant content. The beauty of Amazon’s system is that not only will it return results from Amazon’s services, but other services too. If a show or movie is on Netflix, it will appear in the results, and you can choose where you want to watch it.
Make the most of the Fire TV Remote app
If you’ve lost your remote, you can still control your TV through the Amazon Fire TV app, which not only lets you navigate the Fire TV menu but also gives you access to Voice control just like a regular Fire TV remote. You can find the app on theGoogle Play StoreorApple App Store.
Take your Fire TV Stick with you
It is possible to take aFire TV Stickwith you when you go away, as you can connect it to hotel Wi-Fi, even if the internet requires additional details to log on, such as room number. It also works if you are a student, say, and need to share dorm Wi-Fi.
Set your location for more accuracy
When you first boot your Amazon Fire TV Stick, you will be asked for your Amazon account details and a zip code. The former is to link it to your account, whether you have a Prime membership or not. The zip code ensures you get accurate details based on your location, such as local weather reports through Alexa. If you didn’t set your zip code or need to change it at a later date, you can do so through settings.
Change featured content
The home screen features a large bar across the top that recommends content, which is usually from Amazon. By default, this will autoplay video trailers and other similar content, but you can turn off that option. By switching them off you will save internet bandwidth if you’re on a limited data plan or are hot-spotting.
Turn off notifications
Certain installed apps might interrupt your viewing experience with pop-up notifications. These will likely not interfere too much, but you can turn them off.
Set up Parental Controls
The Amazon Fire TV devices offer comprehensive parental controls where you can PIN-protect purchases and apps or even thePrime Photos appso that a four-digit PIN is required before accessing any of those features. In addition, you can set the viewing level available without needing a PIN.
For example, if you switch on parental controls, the default viewing level is “Family”, which allows all Amazon Video content rated PG and below to be viewed with a PIN. Anything rated higher requires the PIN to be entered each time. You can also set the ratings to General (U), Teen (12, 15), and Mature (18, Unrated, Not Rated). You may need to adjust parental controls for other services separately, such as Netflix.
Calibrate your display
Some apps might need you to ensure the Fire TV device is properly calibrated to your screen size. This will require you to check the options on your individual television, although there is a handy screen in Settings with arrows to show the correct scaling. The grey arrows on top, bottom, left, and right should be visible with the point ending at each edge. If not, adjust your TV settings.
Turn off menu clicks
By default, the Fire TV menu clicks when you scroll. The good news is that you can turn this sound off if it annoys you.
Cast your phone or laptop’s screen
Fire TV makes it easy tocast your device onto your TV screen. If it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi, you should see the name of your Fire TV device on the list of places available to cast too. Unfortunately, this won’t work with Apple devices.
Uninstall apps to clear up space
It’s easy to install apps through the home screen or search but less obvious how to uninstall them again if you want to clear some space for new downloads.
Change your device’s name
If you want to change the name of your device to something more palatable than Jeff’s Fire TV, you’re able to easily change the name to something else. You can go tothis websiteon your browser and select the device’s name you’d like to change. It’s also possible to change the name in the Alexa app.
Add games to Fire TV
you may also play games on your Fire TV device. It’s noPlayStation 5, but the Fire TV does have access to some classics like Sonic, Crazy Taxi, and a few Final Fantasy titles, as well as some Amazon Fire TV exclusives like Jeopardy and Who Wants to be A Millionaire. Add games by scrolling to Apps on the menu at the top of the Fire TV homepage, and then select games from the drop-down menu that appears.
Delete your voice recordings
Every time you speak to Alexa, she stores your voice commands to help her better learn your voice. You can go and delete all of these recordings by going to theManage Your Content and Devicespage on your browser. Alternatively, you can do it via the Alexa app.
Amazon’s voice control remote also has a nifty trick for resetting yourFire TV Stick. Simply press the Select button (in the center of the circle on your controller) and the Play/Pause button. Hold them both down for five seconds and your device should reset.
Pair Bluetooth headphones for quiet streaming
You can easily set up your favoriteBluetooth headphonesfor listening. This allows you to watch TV without waking up your significant other or missing lines of dialogue because the volume is too low.
you may also add a controller for gaming following the same process. It works with many Bluetooth controllers, but do check compatibility before you buy one.
