By KodiExpert Team · Updated 14 November 2026
The first things to do with a new Firestick are: update Fire OS, switch off autoplaying video and ads tracking, set your picture and sound correctly, install your apps, and set up parental controls if kids use the TV. It takes about 15 minutes, and your Firestick will be faster, quieter and more private afterwards.
Before you start: setting up the Firestick
- Plug the Firestick into an HDMI port on your TV. Use the HDMI extender in the box if the port is tight.
- Power it with the official adapter plugged into the wall, not a USB port on the TV. Underpowered Firesticks freeze and restart at random.
- Switch your TV to that HDMI input, pair the remote, choose your language and connect to Wi-Fi.
- Sign in with your Amazon account (or create one).
1. Update Fire OS straight away
New Firesticks often ship with older software. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates and install everything available. Repeat until it says your device is up to date. Updates fix bugs and keep apps such as Netflix working.
2. Stop videos playing automatically on the home screen
By default the home screen plays trailers and ads with sound. Turn this off at Settings > Preferences > Featured Content and switch off Allow Video Autoplay and Allow Audio Autoplay. The home screen also feels faster afterwards.
3. Tighten your privacy settings
Go to Settings > Preferences > Privacy Settings and turn off:
- Device Usage Data
- Collect App Usage Data
- Interest-based Ads
You will still see ads, but they will not be based on what you watch. Also check Settings > Preferences > Data Monitoring if you are on a capped internet plan: it warns you before you use too much data.
4. Get the picture and sound right
- Display: Settings > Display & Sounds > Display. Leave Video Resolution on Auto. On a 4K Firestick, turn on Match Original Frame Rate so films play smoothly without judder.
- Calibrate: use Calibrate Display to make sure the picture fills your screen.
- Sound: Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio. If you have a soundbar, set Surround Sound to Best Available. If you hear sound cut out, try Dolby Digital Plus OFF.
- Use your TV remote: under Equipment Control, set up your TV and soundbar so the Firestick remote controls their power and volume.
5. Install your apps
Search for apps from the Find tab, or ask Alexa. Install the subscriptions you pay for (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and so on), then add some free ones. Our list of the best free streaming apps for Firestick covers the best legal options, all in the Amazon Appstore. To pin an app to the home screen, highlight it, press the menu button (three lines) and choose Move.
6. Set up parental controls
If children use the TV, go to Settings > Preferences > Parental Controls, turn them on and choose a 5-digit PIN. You can then require the PIN for purchases, app launches and content above a chosen rating. Netflix, Disney+ and other apps also have their own kids’ profiles.
7. Turn on the Alexa features you will actually use
Hold the microphone button and say things like “Open Netflix”, “Search for comedies” or “Turn off the TV”. If you do not use voice, you can turn off the microphone features under Settings > Alexa.
8. Keep storage free
Firesticks have limited storage, and a full device gets slow. Check Settings > My Fire TV > About > Storage every few months. Uninstall apps you do not use, and clear the cache of big apps under Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications.
9. Improve your Wi-Fi connection
Connect to your router’s 5 GHz network if it has one. It is faster and less crowded than 2.4 GHz. For 4K streaming, or if the Firestick is far from the router, an Ethernet adapter gives the most stable connection. Our guide to fixing buffering has more network tips.
10. Stay safe with apps
Stick to apps in the Amazon Appstore. Apps sideloaded from unknown websites can carry malware, steal logins and stop working without warning. If something stops working, our guide to fixing Netflix on Firestick covers the restart, cache and update steps that solve most app problems.
Prefer all your live TV in one app?
Some viewers use an IPTV service so live channels, sports and on-demand sit in one place on a Firestick or smart TV. If you go that way, choose a provider that is licensed where you live. Read our Xtreme HD IPTV review for prices and setup.
Disclosure: kodiexpert.org is run by the same team as Xtreme HD IPTV.
FAQ
How do I make my Firestick faster?
Turn off video autoplay, uninstall unused apps, clear app caches, keep Fire OS updated, and use 5 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Do I need an Amazon account to use a Firestick?
Yes. You sign in with an Amazon account during setup, but you do not need a Prime membership.
Can I control my TV’s volume with the Firestick remote?
Yes. Set it up under Settings > Equipment Control, and the Alexa Voice Remote will control your TV or soundbar’s power and volume.
Sources: Amazon Fire TV help pages and Fire OS settings menus. Checked 14 November 2026.