If you own the Amazon Firestick, you are aware of its powers and capabilities. The device allows you to stream content that you like and therefore, you don’t need to pay for unwanted channels. It also allows you to jailbreak. This means that you can install third-party apps unavailable on Amazon. To better your experience, we offer you additional safety tips and tricks for Firestick use. These tips will also work for most available Fire TV devices.
Parental Control
Good News! The Firestick comes with parental control features if you have kids. However, these restrictions only apply to Amazon services and apps.
From Settings> Preferences > Parental Controls. You will now be able to add an app or channel PIN protection and limit the age restriction for some movies and shows.
Privacy Protection
Like other big tech companies, Amazon will collect data to improve Fire TV performance through recommendations. They also do this for audience advertisement targeting. If you prefer that Amazon doesn’t keep a very close watch;
Simply go to Settings> Preferences >Privacy Settings. From there, turn off any options for data collection and app usage. You can also disable ads depending on your interests or preference.
Using Alexa or a smart speaker for control
Did you know that you can interact with your Firestick device through Alexa? The remote that comes with your device allows for this. Moreover, you can use an echo speaker to issue the device with voice commands. Therefore, if you lose your remote, you do not have much to worry about.
To link your speaker, one or more, open the Alexa app from your phone> More> TV & Video> Firestick/Fire Tv. This will allow you to link Alexa to Firestick.
If you are using an echo speaker for your big screen’s control, it must be connected to the same Wi-Fi as the Firestick. It must also be logged into the same Amazon account. Commands such as Recreation, Play Parks, and others by Amazon enable this trick. You will be able to replace titles and video services.
Casting or Mirroring
You can cast or mirror content available on other devices onto your Firestick. This works with computers, tablets, and mobiles. It is critical to know whether the platform you are using for video play supports the cast feature. Your casting device and Firestick must also be on the same Wi-Fi network. This feature works best for video platforms you cannot get on your Firestick.
From the device you wish to mirror, click on Cast and proceed to Choose your Firestick. That’s it. The video should start to play on your screen.
App Reset- Clearing data and cache
You may have noticed that some Firestick apps start to behave in a bizarre manner for no substantial reason. This may happen to third-party apps or even Amazon ones. Before you can opt to uninstall and reinstall an app, you should probably first reset it or clear the cache.
To reset an app to its original settings; Go to the Firestick Settings> Applications> Manage Installed Applications. Now choose the problematic app and choose accordingly (clear cache or clear data). Clear data resets the app and clears the cache too. If you previously selected clear data, click on it again.
Connect your Bluetooth Headphones
Keep others away from noise disturbance or enhance your audio experience with this simple trick: Make sure that your headphones are set ready to pair or they are in the discoverable mode. Go to Settings> Controllers and Bluetooth devices. From Other Bluetooth Devices > Add Bluetooth Devices. You should be able to add, select, and connect your headphones.
Create a gaming controller
For gamers, your Firestick can allow you to play video games with a simple trick. It is recommended not to use Alexa but an actual controller. With a web search, you are set. Default gaming devices will also work well.
To connect your gaming controller, you can connect it to your Firestick via Bluetooth or using a USB port, if it is available. Go to Settings > Remotes and Bluetooth Devices. To start pairing, go to Game Controllers.
Final Thoughts
Evidently, the things that the Amazon Firestick can do are amazing. Better yet, the tips and tricks listed here will offer you a lavish streaming experience.
