In this article, I will take you through some of the FireStick settings that will improve your streaming experience, enhance your privacy, and better the overall experience with the device. You can apply the same to other Fire TV devices too including FireStick 4K and Fire TV Cube.
When you set up your Amazon FireStick for the first time, your device is assigned the default settings (also called factory settings). You may keep using FireStick without feeling the need to change any of the settings. However, changing some of the settings may customize FireStick which is more suited to your needs.
Attention, FireStick Users!
Governments and ISPs constantly monitor your online activity, and accessing copyrighted content on your Fire TV Stick could lead to serious trouble. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone. I strongly recommend getting the best FireStick VPN to mask your IP address and securely stream your favorites.
I personally use ExpressVPN, the fastest and most secure VPN available. Not only is it easy to install on any device, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, if you're not 100% satisfied, you can always get a refund. ExpressVPN is currently also offering a whopping 3 extra months free on their annual plan!
Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick
Best Settings for FireStick
Coming up next is the list of the various FireStick settings you can change. Even though you can always revert to the default settings, I recommend that you keep these settings to enjoy FireStick to its best capability and also to maintain your privacy.
We will talk about the different settings one by one (not necessarily in any order of priority)
1. Enable ADB Debugging & Install from Unknown Apps
This is probably one of the first settings you should change on your FireStick / Fire TV, especially enabling the option Install Unknown Apps.
When Apps from Unknown Sources is enabled, you can sideload and install third-party apps onto FireStick. Not all the apps you want are available on the Amazon Store; many of them must be downloaded manually.
With ADB Debugging enabled, you can use certain apps like Mouse Toggle. You would want this option turned on if you want to connect your FireStick to a computer.
Here is how you can do it:
1. Access the Settings option from the home screen of FireStick / Fire TV / FireStick 4K. You will find it in the menu bar on the top
2. Choose the option My Fire TV on the next window
3. Now, you want to open Developer Options
4. Turn on ADB Debugging
Now, click Install Unknown Apps
5. When you click Install Unknown Apps, you see a list of the apps. Turn this option ON for the app which you want to use to sideload apps on FireStick
Downloader is the most popular sideloading app for FireStick. Install the Downloader app and then turn this setting on for this app.
2. Manage your Privacy Settings and disable Data Monitoring
Amazon rolled out an update for FireStick late in 2018 that enabled data monitoring by default and allowed the company to collect user data related to app usage and device usage.
Even though Amazon is a renowned organization, we do not want anyone stealing or using our data in any way that could compromise your privacy.
While the FireStick privacy settings are ‘ON’ by default, you can easily turn them OFF. Follow the steps below:
1. Go to the FireStick Settings from the home screen
2. Open Preferences on this window
3. Click Privacy Settings when the following set of options are displayed
4. Turn OFF the following options: Device Usage Data & Collect App Usage Data
Note: It is totally up to you whether you want to keep ‘Interest-based Ads’ ON or OFF. To be on the safer side, I have disabled this option
5. Now, press the back button once to go the Preferences menu again (or from the FireStick home screen navigate to Settings > Preferences)
6. Click Data Monitoring
7. Make sure Data Monitoring is OFF on the next screen
3. Change the Amazon Appstore settings
There are a few options in the Appstore settings you might want to change for a better experience with FireStick. Here is what you can do:
1. Open the FireStick Settings again from the home window
2. Choose and then click the option Applications
3. Next, go ahead and open Appstore
Here is how you would want the various settings to be:
- Automatic Updates: Keep it ON so that the apps update automatically whenever there is an update. This option works only with the apps installed from the Amazon Appstore and not any third-party apps you might have sideloaded
- External Market Links: Certain apps have links that redirect you to the Amazon Appstore for the installation of other apps. Click this option and either choose Ask Before Opening (recommended) or Don’t Open.
- In-App Purchases: Keep this option OFF. It will make sure you don’t end up making in-app purchases accidentally. This will also prevent kids from making in-app purchases.
- Manage My Subscriptions: This option does nothing. It simply asks you to go to www.amazon.com/appstoresubscriptions to manage your subscriptions
- Notifications: You may turn this option OFF if you don’t want to be bothered by the Appstore notifications
4. Change App Notification Settings
Notifications are often more annoying than they are useful. There are some apps that you need, but they keep throwing irrelevant notification. This could get a bit frustrating and may even affect your overall FireStick and streaming experience.
Thankfully, you can disable app notifications universally for all apps or choose to turn the notifications OFF for specific apps. And, you can do that for apps from Amazon Store as well as the third-party apps that have been sideloaded onto FireStick.
Follow these steps:
1. Open FireStick Settings one more time
2. Open the option Preferences
3. Click Notification Settings
4. If you want to disable notifications from all the apps, turn ON the option DO Not Interrupt
On the other hand, if you would like notification disabled for specific apps, click App Notifications and choose the desired app
5. Disable Video and Audio Autoplay
The home screen of FireStick displays the ‘featured content’ around the top, underneath the menu bar (and above the row Recent).
The video and audio and preview of the content start playing automatically when you leave the home screen idle even for a few seconds. I personally find it a little annoying and if so do you, here is how you can disable it:
1. Go to the Settings Menu on FireStick
2. Click Preferences
3. Click Featured Content on the next screen
4. Turn OFF the following options: Allow Video Autoplay and Allow Audio Autoplay
6. Change the FireStick Display settings
Choosing the right video and display settings is important if you want smooth and judder-free streaming experience. The default display settings of FireStick often work with most streaming applications. However, at certain times, tweaking the settings may give you more satisfactory streaming results.
Follow the steps below:
1. Open FireStick Settings
2. Open the option Display & Sounds
3. Click Display on the following screen
Here are the options you can explore:
- Video Resolution: Choose the desired video resolution. However, I recommend the Auto mode so that FireStick selects the best available resolution for you
- Match Original Frame Rate: FireStick usually either works at the 60Hz or 50Hz frame rate. However, a lot of videos are usually shot at 25 Hz or lower frame rate. If the frame rates aren’t matching, you might see occasional judder during the playback. You may turn Match Original Frame Rate ON to allow FireStick to match the frame rate of the native content, provided you are using a supported app. Also, the Video Resolution setting must be set to ‘Auto’ for this option to work
- Color Depth: Choose between 8 (default), 10, or 12 bits. Your TV must support the color depth setting you have chosen
- Color Format: Set it to ‘Auto’ and best let FireStick choose the most suitable format for you
- Calibrate Display: For the best streaming experience, you would want the videos to be fully displayed. If they aren’t, choose this option to calibrate the display and contain the videos within the 4 sides of your TV
- Dynamic Range Settings: You can choose between ‘Always HDR’ and ‘Adaptive’. Choose the former only if your TV supports HDR
#Bonus Tip
When you are streaming with Kodi, free movie apps, or IPTV, your first concern should be your privacy. Though the above settings will help you safeguard your privacy from Amazon and its partners, you are still exposed to your ISP, your Government, and the hackers.
To overcome this issue, I always use ExpressVPN on all my streaming devices. It keeps all my browsing and streaming activities hidden from prying eyes. If you are not using a VPN already, I suggest you give it a try. A good VPN not only helps to protect your privacy, but it also unblocks geo-restricted content, bypasses ISP throttling, and helps in buffer-free streaming.
ExpressVPN is the top VPN for FireStick. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee allowing you to freely use its services for the first 30-days and then you can request a refund if you don’t want to continue. Thanks to the Holiday season, there is also an ongoing offer where you can save 49% over its regular price.
Here’s how to install and use a VPN on Amazon FireStick and Fire TV devices.
Wrapping Up
So, here are some of the most useful settings for FireStick that, when changed, improve your overall experience with the device. However, if you do feel we missed something important or interesting, let us know via the comments section below.
More Interesting Topics:
How to Jailbreak a FireStick
How to restart a FireStick
How to fix FireStick remote problems
Best channels for FireStick
Disclosure - FireStickTricks.com is reader-supported blog. When you buy a product through links on our site, we may earn commission. Learn More
cannot retrieve directory info. help please. internet is fine
Hi Edd. If you are trying to install a Kodi Addon, you may have incorrectly typed the URL. Make sure you type the URL exactly as it is shown, with no spaces or commas, and try again.
Hi Patrick, these tips were simply awesome. As a fellow IT security professional I personally liked the privacy and security related tips! I had a question – I’ve been facing some random jitters and slowness on my FireTV stick (2nd gen, normal i.e. not 4K) on Amazon Prime as well as other Apps. I’ve tried everything, from a reset to removing all junk apps. S/W is fully updated and the internet is quite decent at typically 80-100 megs with no issues on my mobiles or laptops. Once the jitters appear, the A/V sync goes off, and I need to pause, step out and then back into the program. Any clue as to what may be causing this? This started appearing more so after the last “cards” UI update about 5-6 months back in 2022 I guess.
Hi Alby. Here is our guide on common problems and solutions for FireStick. If you tried all the solutions to common FireStick problems and none of them worked, you can reach out to Amazon’s FireStick customer support for more professional help. Even then, you may need to purchase a new device, but at least you’ll have confirmation that there’s nothing more you can do.
Again, Thank you for your two previous answers. One more question: how much does the app ExpressVPN cost as per your recommendation?
Hi Cherie, with a special discount of 49% and 3 extra months, ExpressVPN is available for $99.99 per year (effectively 15 months). This comes down to nearly $6.67 per month.
Thank you for both answers!
Is it possible to have the fire stick tv screen reflect the apps I actually use instead of having to click through to apps … and then select?
Hi Cherie, you can move up to 6 apps to the home-screen for quick access. Hold down the home button on your remote for about 5 seconds and click Apps o the popup. Now, you should see the “Your Apps & Channels” window. Select the app you want to move to home screen and press the menu button on the remote (3-line button). Click Move and drag and drop the app in the first row.
Do I need to re-start my fire stick tv in order for the changes to be saved?
Hi Cherie, no you don’t need to restart FireStick in order for the settings to take effect.
Hi I have toshiba 4K 65inches smart tv and when we put firestick in & try and watch something the screen glitches, how can I resolve?
Hi Leisa, please check the HDMI cable and make sure it is properly connected to the TV and FireStick. If you have plugged the FireStick directly into the TV, unplug it and plug it back in.
If the issue persists, please contact Amazon customer support.
I have disable updates, app purchase and notifications and they keep turning themselves back on this is really annoying. The less you have turned on the least memory it takes and the least recording being done by Amazon. How can this be done permanently and by deleting the Amazon account would that solve the problem
Firestick won’t go to live channels when pressed on guide
unknown apps no applications installed on this fire tv have requested permission to install other application. you will be able to grant permission once you install an application that has that ability helpp please
how i can fixe is new firestick install unknown apps. no applications installed on this fire tv have requested permission to install other application. you will be able to grant permission once you install an application that has that ability??
Hi Marie, if you don’t see Unknown Sources, simply allow the Unknown Sources during installation. You will get the prompt. Just skip this step.
Been using cinema apk. Loved it till 2 days ago. Nothing loads..cannot even see selection of movies or tv shows. Just constant buffering. Any ideas what could be wrong? Could amazon have blocked my apps from unknown sources ? I have done everything possible to correct.
Hi Catherine, here is our guide that might help: https://www.firesticktricks.com/cinema-apk-buffering.html
my firetv stick will no longer stay in sleep mode. I have to switch of the power to restart it
Hi William, that’s strange. Perhaps, resetting FireStick could solve the problem. Here is our guide that might help: https://www.firesticktricks.com/how-to-reset-firestick.html
I have a fire stick on my 4K Samsung TV I by accident put my new 4K fire stick on my non 4 K Samsung tv
Can I switch them without a problem
Hi Emily, yes, you can switch without any worries.
I have the 4K version, how do I see what the bitrate/resolution is that Netflix is streaming. For my other media player(sony br player) all I had to do was push the display button to see this info. I can’t find an easy way to do it on the FS 4K. Yes I can go into the developer menu and turn on the advanced options to get it to display this info but then there is no easy way to turn it off and I have to go back into the dev menu to turn it off, not exactly convenient. Is there a easier way?
Hi Walter, I am afraid that might be the only way to check it on FireStick 4K.
My 4k Firestick keep using up my internal space and every four months I have to do a factory reset. After the reset, I would have 4.38 GB of 5.34 GB available and without me adding any apps, within an hour I would have 3.37 GB of 5.34 GB available. Amazon was unable to fix this issue and 9=months ago, sent me a new stick. However, the same issue happens with the new one. I do use a VPN. Thank you
Hi John, have you tried to clear the cache? App cache may surprisingly consume a lot of space. Go to FireStick Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications
When you are here, you will need to check and delete the cache for each app individually.
I have a brand new Firestick. It works perfectly on my Sony Bravia. Took the same Firestick and remote plugged into Vizio TV in back bedroom, I get video, but no audio. Plugged into HDMI 2 on both TVs. Vizio works perfectly on Dish, but no audio with Firestick. Remote works fine on both TVs. Where is my audio hiding?
Hi James, you may need to change the Audio settings. Go to FireStick Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > Surround Sound. Try the different options one by one until you hear the sound.
How does this work with comments? I posted one but I don’t see it. Does it take a certain amount of time until it posts?
Hi Melanie, the comments are posted immediately. However, it will continue to say, “awaiting moderation” until approved by one of the admins on our website.
I have cinema on firestick and recently had it fixed. When watching movies I could click on watch trailer and it would take me to YouTube and the trailer would come on. I had it set up that way. Now it doesn’t do that, it takes me to YouTube but it’s random videos and not the movie trailer. I can’t find anywhere online to set it up again. Is there anything I can do?
Hi Melanie, it won’t show the trailer and I am not sure why. I don’t think there is a way to set it up until the app developers fix it themselves.
Mine has done the same just a blank screen when I go to settings. Tried rebooting and still the same any help would be great I don’t want to reset to factory settings either as I will loose my itv app
Hi Kevin, I am not sure what exactly is causing this problem. Is your FireStick running out of storage? You may want to uninstall some apps you don’t need.
I’ve downloaded kodi and it’s turn my screen really dark and can’t see hardly anything tryed factor rest but it’s still the same please help
Hi Ricky, where did you download Kodi from? Try to download by following the steps in our guide: https://www.firesticktricks.com/install-kodi-on-firestick.html
Hi, I downloaded the Stadium app per your instructions, thanks. The issue I am having is when I open the app, it says it needs location on, but the remote will not toggle to any choices or work when I try to choose what is available? Any suggestions?
Hi Kathy, we haven’t recommended any ‘Stadium’ app. Was that a typo? Did you mean something else?
I have 2 firesticks. One in the living room,the other in my bedroom. The bedroom one is working just fine since it promoted me to restart the wifi device. The one in the living room is out of sync. The talking does not match the mouth movement. The feed is off some how. How do I fix that. I have read alot on this site and could not find my answet.
Hi Shalda, it seems there is a problem with the app and not Firestick. Which app are you using on your FireStick in the living room?
HELLLPPPP0…I can’t access my settings in my firestick. Everything else works but settings there gone when I click on settings. Its blank with 3 dots at bottom right going in and out..
Hi Gary, have you tried restarting your FireStick? Here is the post that might help: https://www.firesticktricks.com/restart-firestick.html
Let us know if this fixes the issue.
Is there a way to change the automated TV power button that the Firestick (not 4K) remote sends? It appears to send a power toggle (not a power on) so it turns my TV off when I was watching from a different source (OTA antenna, there are many times that I am watching OTA or BR/DVD.
Hi Chuck, do you mean it automatically keeps turning the TV OFF repeatedly? That’s what happens with my remote too sometimes. I just turn my TV OFF and back ON using the power button on my FireStick remote. However, if that’s not what you meant, could you please elaborate more?
It works out perfectly. After changing the settings as suggested, the colors are more vibrant and sharper. Thank you so much for your information.
My fire stick doesn’t have all those options for the display… Just video resolution and calibrate display
Hi Thomas, which generation Fire TV/FireStick are you using?
Is there anyway I can steam English only movies and not the ones in Chinese?⅝
Hi Dave, which app are you using?
On Stremio I found old videos, performed live, of my favorite bands but watching them is such a pain because of constant buffering. How do I fix that?
Hi Khalid, you may want to try using it with a VPN. Here is the guide that might help: https://www.firesticktricks.com/install-best-vpn-firestick.html
Just received my Firestick 4k and your tutorial flashed on google. I am glad I checked it out.
Ditto☝️☝️👏👏👏👏🤝
Thanks Patrick
I would have taken a year to find all those settings. And I must appreciate your efforts the way you have outlined everything. Loved your instructions and your site on my very first visit here