By Mitch Rice
Amazon Fire devices have been an integral part of home entertainment since the advent of online streaming of content. If you are an existing Firestick user, you might think by now that you have mastered the controls of your device. However, there are some features that you might not know about your Firestick device. These mighty yet secret tools that might transform your home entertainment experience! Here are some interesting hidden features of Firestick you need to use.
Fire TV Shortcut Menu
Using the Fire TV shortcut menu you can save time while accessing the “Settings” menu repeatedly? Here’s something new that can change the routine: a built-in shortcut assumed to bring all of this to the fore. Amazon has made it just that easy to access their quick menu for faster navigation.
- Simply press and hold the “Home” button on the remote.
- A quick Settings menu will appear from the bottom with options such as Sleep, Mirroring, Settings, and Apps.
- Depending on the model of your device, these might differ ever so slightly, but this is indeed an incredibly handy feature.
Enable Parental Controls: Keep Your Kids Safe
Worried about what your kids might stumble upon while using your Fire TV? Amazon provides an easy way to enable Parental Controls over both your Amazon Prime Instant account and any installed apps.
It’s a feature that limits the access to inappropriate content and unwanted purchases.
Just bear in mind that while Amazon content has a separate device-level control, third-party apps like Netflix need to have restrictions set up independently.
Record Your Screen: Capture What Matters
Did you know your Amazon Fire Tablet can record your screen? Yes, you heard it—that secret screen recorder can catch anything happening on your device. From creating tutorials to keeping memories alive, and even sharing interesting clips, it is a must-try feature.
This is how to do it:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to see the Quick Settings menu.
- Tap on “Screen Recording” to start recording.
- Select the option to record audio, as per your needs.
- When done, press the stop button from the notification bar.
- Your recordings would then be saved in your gallery or video folder on the device.
Expand Internal Storage: More Room for Fun
Running out of storage space on your Fire device? You’re not alone. The Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen. 2019) has internal storage of 16GB, while the Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Max have 8GB each. Heavy users can fill up this space quickly.
Fortunately, you can expand storage with a USB stick or drive in the Fire TV Cube. For Fire TV Stick models, you’ll have to use an OTG USB cable in order to manually move files to an external drive.
Let’s get started:
- Use USB 3.0 stick and must be in FAT32 format.
- Plug it into your device.
- From Settings, select Applications.
- Select Manage Installed Applications to transfer files to the USB stick.
Access Free Content on Firestick
Although most streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix are paid, there are many that offer free content including movies, TV shows and even sports events. This is possible by installing third party apps that Amazon does not allow on their devices. However, Kodi is a media player for Firestick that allows you to install various addons that offer access to free entertainment content. By installing Kodi and a few addons you can access your favourite movies, and TV shows for free. You can learn how to install it here and search for Kodi addons online that offer the content you want to watch. Kodi also enables you to use any IPTV service on your Firestick.
Connect Bluetooth Headphones: Personalise Your Audio
Want to enjoy Fire TV without any disturbances? The device supports Bluetooth headphones which should help in watching your favourite shows away without disturbing others.
- First, put the Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode.
- Next, open Settings on your Fire TV.
- Next, go to Controllers and Bluetooth Devices, then Other Bluetooth Devices.
- Wait for a moment until your headphones do show up, and then connect.
- Heads-up: about a couple of clicks and it’s done!
Use Your Smartphone as a Remote
Did you lose the remote? No worries. Amazon has something for you: the Fire TV app for your smartphone. It not just works like your remote but also has some new functionality, including text entry and voice commands.
First, make sure both your Fire TV and smartphone are connected to the same wi-fi network; then download the app, complete the setup, and enjoy having full control over your device.
Summing Up
Firestick is a device from Amazon’s Fire family that is more than a mere streaming device. It offers an array of hidden features that can make it easier, more entertaining, and far more customizable. Using the above mentioned features of Firestick you can use it more simply and conveniently. Moreover, using a media player like Kodi and its addons, you get access to free entertainment content you can enjoy with your friends or family.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
