In this guide, we detail the absolute best Hidden Firestick Settings that you should take advantage of to turn your device into a streaming powerhouse.
These will work on any variation of Firestick/Fire TV including the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Fire TV Cube, and Smart Fire TVs.
If you are a Firestick/Fire TV owner, you may not be aware of the full power and capabilities these media boxes provide.
Without adjusting some of these “hidden settings,” Amazon may secretly collect your data and your Firestick/Fire TV could lose performance over time.
However, following some of the methods outlined below will help with Firestick Buffering, protect your privacy, block ads, and improve the overall device performance.
The list below contains some hidden Firestick settings & tips you can use to improve your streaming experience. Our list has some awesome suggestions that all Fire TV owners can use to get the most out of their devices.
Hidden Firestick Settings
Below you will find 11 hidden Firestick settings for getting the most out of this powerful streaming device!
1. Turn On Apps from Unknown Sources (Sideloading)
Those who have used the Firestick/Fire TV for a while now have likely figured out the device’s side-loading capabilities. This is commonly referred to as “jailbreaking.”
Hide Your Digital Fingerprint
Because the Firestick/Fire TV runs the Android operating system, you can sideload applications outside the Amazon App Store by turning on apps from unknown sources.
Installing Streaming APKs is one of the most popular uses among those with Firesticks/Fire TVs.
In order to side-load these 3rd party apps, you must enable developer options and turn on “Unknown Apps” for a tool called Downloader.
This will allow you to download ton of free media apps that you wouldn’t normally find in your typical app store.
Some of the most popular side-loaded apps include Kodi, Cinema HD, Stremio, Syncler, SportsFire, and other popular APKs.
2. Change Privacy Settings
Changing the privacy settings within your device preferences is one of the hidden Firestick settings you should adjust immediately!
Within your Privacy settings, you can disable interest-based ads, device usage data, data monitoring, video autoplay, and more.
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Refer to our step-by-step guide below for adjusting privacy settings and blocking ads on your Firestick/Fire TV.
How to Block Ads on Firestick/Fire TV
3. Close Background Apps in Seconds
Not many Firestick users are aware that you can close unwanted background apps at once using a tool called Task Killer.
Task Killer will close all unwanted applications running in the background in seconds to free up space and boost performance.
See our Fast Task Killer guide below for more information and how to use this beneficial tool.
Install Fast Task Killer & Close Background Apps
4. Change User Interface with Custom Launchers
Due to these recent interface updates, custom launchers have become extremely popular among Firestick/Fire TV users looking to change the user interface.
Those who have used custom launchers in the past may remember the ATV Launcher designed for Android TV Boxes.
However, there are now numerous custom launchers that work well on Firestick/Fire TV that users can take full advantage of.
See our tutorials below for installing custom launchers on the Firestick.
How to Install Wolf Launcher
How to Install Leanback Launcher
Both of these custom launchers can also be found within our list of Best Firestick Apps.
5. Change VPN Protocols & Increase Speed
The majority of those using a VPN on Firestick are likely unaware of the different protocols you can change within the IPVanish settings.
In fact, changing VPN Protocols is one of the best solutions to improving your device’s speed.
The IPVanish protocols available on the Firestick/Fire TV include OpenVPN (UDP), OpenVPN (TCP), and IKEv2.
Refer to our detailed guide below for increasing VPN speed on any Firestick/Fire TV.
6. Screen Mirroring
Screen Mirroring is one of the more popular “hidden” Firestick settings on this list.
One of the best unknown features of the Firestick is its ability to allow mirroring from a separate device.
This will allow you to cast anything on your mobile screen directly to the TV in a matter of seconds.
To do so, it will require the installation of a separate app that is available for free in the Amazon App Store.
Once installed, you will be able to cast, record, and more, directly from your phone or tablet.
How To Cast to Firestick/Fire TV
Those using Roku devices can also be cast from other devices. Check out our Roku Screen Mirroring article for more information.
7. Increase Firestick Storage
Expanding storage is one of the more useful hidden Firestick settings. One of the biggest complaints regarding the Amazon Firestick is the lack of internal storage.
Luckily, users can purchase an OTG Cable and use any USB Flash Drive to expand the device storage.
This hack will allow you to install applications onto the external USB Drive.
Click below for a complete instructional guide with a video that will show you how to expand your Firestick’s Internal Storage.
How to Expand Fire TV Stick 4K Storage
8. Remotely Control Firestick
This is a cool hidden trick that will allow you to access your device remotely with just an internet connection.
The main reason users may want to remotely control a Firestick or Fire TV is to provide tech support for friends/family without having to be there in person!
Vysor is the application used to “remote access” devices and this works on everything from a Firestick to Android Box and even iPhones/iPads, and more.
See this in action in our resource guide below.
Remotely Control Firestick with Vysor
9. Developer Tools Menu
Developer Tools Menu is actually a free application available within the Amazon App Store that many users are unaware of.
This handy tool provides a “system x-ray” that will scan your Firestick/Fire TV and display the device’s memory, CPU, resolution, and more.
10. Fire TV Remote App
Many Firestick owners express issues with the remote Amazon provides with this device. This includes not syncing, battery failure, and more.
Fortunately, there is an app users can install on their mobile device that works exactly like the Amazon remote control.
This is available on all iOS devices including iPhone/iPad, Android, and Fire tablets.
One of the best features of the app is the ability to use your phone’s keyboard to type which is much faster than the on-screen method.
The guide below will show you how to install the Firestick Remote app, sync your remote, and much more.
Firestick/Fire TV Remote Resource Page
Many Firestick/Fire TV users are annoyed by the constant navigation sounds when scrolling on their devices.
Turning off these sounds is a simple fix that can be done within the Display & Sounds setting.
12. Sleep Mode
Lastly, Firestick and Fire TV devices do not have an option to Power or Turn Off. However, there is a “sleep” feature that can save power on your device and TV.
Amazon Fire TV devices have a set timer built into them. However, you can also enable the Sleep function manually by holding down the Home button and selecting Sleep.
While this may seem like a simple feature, many do not know it exists! Use the guide below for more information.
How To Turn Off Firestick/Fire TV
Other Firestick Settings
Although we have listed a dozen different hidden Firestick Settings above, there are endless settings you can adjust on your device.
This includes connecting Bluetooth devices, external video players, screen magnifier, parental controls, screensavers, and much more.
See our popular Firestick tricks & tips article below that covers many more Firestick settings and device configurations.
Final Thoughts & Notes
If you want to get the most out of your Firestick device, we strongly recommend using one or more of the hidden firestick settings above.
These will allow you to advance this popular streaming box beyond its original capabilities and improve your overall experience!
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Try changing some of these Hidden Firestick Settings today if you own a Firestick/Fire TV device!
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