Amazon's Fire TV devices work great out of the box, but some of the most useful options are buried in the menus. Change these ten settings and your Fire TV will feel faster, quieter and more private.
Menu names can differ slightly between Fire TV models and software versions. Start from Settings (the gear icon) on the home screen.
1. Stop autoplaying videos on the home screen
Tired of trailers blasting as soon as you turn on the TV? Settings → Preferences → Featured Content → turn off Allow Video Autoplay and Allow Audio Autoplay.
2. Turn off interest-based ads
Settings → Preferences → Privacy Settings → turn off Interest-based Ads.
3. Stop sharing app usage data
In the same Privacy Settings menu, turn off Collect App Usage Data and Device Usage Data.
4. Get the right picture for every show
Settings → Display & Audio → Display → Match Original Frame Rate (and Match Original Dynamic Range if available). Movies play at their original frame rate for smoother motion.
5. Free up storage and speed things up
A full stick feels slow. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications, pick apps you use, and select Clear cache. Uninstall apps you never use.
6. Turn off notifications
Settings → Preferences → Notification Settings → switch off notifications from apps you don't need.
7. Set a PIN for purchases and kids
Settings → Preferences → Parental Controls → turn them on, set a PIN, and choose which ratings and purchases need it.
8. Control your TV's power and volume
Settings → Equipment Control lets your Fire TV remote turn the TV and soundbar on and off and control volume. It saves hunting for three remotes.
9. Turn on screen mirroring when you need it
Hold the Home button and choose Mirroring to show your Android phone's screen on the TV — handy for photos and videos from your phone.
10. Restart it once in a while
Like a phone, a Fire TV runs better after a restart. Settings → My Fire TV → Restart — or unplug it for 30 seconds.
Bonus: check for updates
Settings → My Fire TV → About → Check for Updates keeps your device secure and adds new features.
Still slow?
If your Fire TV is still sluggish, check your Wi-Fi signal or use an Ethernet adapter. Having a black screen instead? Our HDMI no-signal fix walks you through it. And while you're in the settings, review your smart TV privacy settings too.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop Fire TV from autoplaying videos?
Go to Settings, Preferences, Featured Content, and turn off video and audio autoplay.
How do I make my Fire TV faster?
Clear app caches, uninstall apps you don't use, restart the device, and make sure it has a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Can I use my Fire TV remote to control my TV?
Yes. Set it up under Settings, Equipment Control to control TV power and volume.
How do I stop Fire TV from tracking me?
In Settings, Preferences, Privacy Settings, turn off interest-based ads and app and device usage data collection.
