What are /r/FireStickHacks' favorite Products & Services?

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You can download the fire TV app on your phone and use your smart phone as your remote. Only works if your fire TV stick and phone are connected to the same wifi and you can also log into your Amazon account on the app on your phone to find your fire TV faster. Must be the same account as what's on the fire TV. Hope this helps.

Link for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.storm.lightning.client.aosp

Link for ios:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amazon-fire-tv/id947984433

This is the one we are using: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N2ZHFY9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Gotcha. Ive tried two other VPNs that did not have the "kill switch" for my Firestick.

With my latest (IPVanish) VPN, I had contacted their tech support team, and they told me they had a problem supporting that feature "specifically" for the Fire OS. That's why I phrased it that way.

For VPN, depends on where you live. In the US, it's advisable to use a VPN. IPVanish or Surfshark are pretty good.

For apps, CucoTV, Cinema HD, Filmplus for movies/tv series. If you invest a bit more in Real Debrid, it will make the streaming a lot better with less buffering plus higher quality links such as more 1080p and 4k links. For sports, Rokkr, OreoTV, Lepto Sports. However, if you want the absolute best experience with Live tv, it may require investing roughly $10 US per month on an iptv provider.

Sapphire app is ok, but I have a couple of other apps I use as well, including IPTVPlayer straight on my Samsung with no fire stick. Also, tried CyberGhost VPN, wasn’t at all happy with it and tried expressVPN, and am very happy with it. I used Coinbase and was happy.

I just got my new 4k stick yesterday. Setup Kodi, Exodus, indigo, ccloud TV, BBC iPlayer. This website has helped me with everything.

Strongly recommend to get a VPN. Apparently the ideal one for Kodi is ExpressVPN

RetroArch is in the Fire TV Apps store.

https://www.amazon.com/Gadsby-RetroArch/dp/B09753XRVF/

You can also sideload APKs with Apps2Fire on any Android device. Just enable ADB on WiFi debugging. Then you can side load apps that are already installed on your phone/tablet/whatever. Or you can just download APKs off the internet on the Fire Stick directly.

Bluetooth controllers can be paired (including PS4 controllers). The controller will even act as a remote.

ETA Prime on YouTube has a lot of videos on doing emulation on Firesticks. Usually using the 4K or 4K Max because of the better performance.

Example of an older video but still pretty relevant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evfPIITXbEs

I use SmartDNS proxy and as the switch is on the router, I just turn on my Firestick without the need for a VPN. I get all the UK app content eg BBC iPlayer, 4, 5, Britbox UK, ITV Hub, NowTV. Only thing is Netflix is on US settings. So that's when another VPN is handy and I use ExpressVPN for UK Netflix and Disney+. For anyone who's like to try SmartDNS free for 2 weeks, click here..

Download Amazon Fire TV https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.storm.lightning.client.aosp

It allows you to control from your phone, but you device must be discoverable/same wifi network.

You could try it, it allows you to control it via your mobile phone, as its got a remote function..

(Simple remote) https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/fShwkGKAJ8jqNfCV7TImPZ-LF9L4DG_wI5xzbm6AFffBQymBmLCNIm-dzXnuCXywxiUs=w5120-h2880-rw

But since you don't have a remote and WIFI is not setup, i don't favour your chances..

Yes, I've been using IPVanish myself for several years as well.

I guess you're not concerned with a 'kill switch' feature? I've heard that a few other VPNs now have that capability with Firestick devices, but regrettably IPVanish still does not have it.

I've been using IPVanish. Works great with Firestick and streaming. No logs. Constantly runs in background. The servers are ok. I pay for 250mbs thru Xfinity, only seem to get 40mbs per second with VPN going. That's my only complaint, but only really need 25mbs for streaming. IPVanish does gave some nice features, like ability to let apps you choose to not use the VPN while running.

To expand the storage you need to buy a OTG Cable..

https://www.amazon.com/AuviPal-Micro-USB-Cable-Power/dp/B07FY9Z9GD/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2DMBR3PQGPPNK&keywords=otg+cable&qid=1666269200&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjExIiwicXNhIjoiNC43NiIsInFzcCI6IjQuNDYifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=Otg+ca%2Caps%2C315&sr=8-3

I use PIA (Private Internet Access) anyone give me their assessment of this? I've managed to rack up a 2000 day subscription so I'm not keen to move away but still Netflix seems to know when I'm using it and doesn't give me the correct regions content.

Additionally I use PIA with openvpn config files on my router to direct certain devices down the VPN but this also doesn't yield the correct results.

Can I ask what you are trying to do? That screen won't go away until it connects with the remote. If you have a remote and just want to use a mouse/KB then you have to get a small OTG cable that hooks to the stick. This is the one I have used in the past and it works.

It could just be the thumb drive that you are using that is the problem.. Have you tried other thumb drives?

This is the one that I use with no issues.. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081QSHG13/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm a super novice when it comes to this stuff. I have NordVPN and a game pass international sub. How do I "sideload" this app onto my fire stick? Do I have to do anything, or will it just work on a factory setting firestick?

Hi Patrick,
Sorry to get you on here, didn't want to pm without a hello! So hello ;)
Recently got a firestick and am just about piecing together the info I've found but would like a bit of advice/confirmation if you wouldn't mind?
I want to access On Demand and live sports content. Already use NordVPN on pc so will use that for the FS :)
Seems like I have a couple of good options (as far as I can tell):
1 - Get a premium link service (DB) and use Kodi/Cinema HD (can you access live sport through these?) cheaper option?
2 - Use a service provider such as (Predatory fish) TV (not sure about naming services) and pay a regular fee for access to their own platform? more expensive?

Based on your comment above, it seems you use both types?

Plz pm me if it makes it easier - many thanks in advance!

ExpressVPN is one of the best vpn’s out there i used it for a Long time its simple and easy, and its safe. I Would highly recommend it. I have had No problems with it at all. Its super fast and Secure. You Can use it for Netflix or Gaming. Its your choice.

Check out the cheap prices and buy with this link for discount:

ExpressVPN is one of the best vpn’s out there i used it for a Long time its simple and easy, and its safe. I Would highly recommend it. I have had No problems with it at all. Its super fast and Secure. You Can use it for Netflix or Gaming. Its your choice.

Check out the cheap prices and buy with this link for discount:

I've been using ProtonVPN for a few years and its been great. I have Ivacy on a few devices that I got a lifetime for on stack social I think. we all have different favorites so there will be plenty of different answers. try a few trials and use the one you like best.

I have been using ExpressVPN for a long time, it does serve all my purposes. With a single plan, I can use it on all my devices. And it will do a great job for fire stick as well. So do give it a go..

Check this blog it has all best firestick vpn listing with features

I'm personally using ExpressVPN its fast and also lightweight app and kill switch feature.

Mullvad. I keep an eye on the piracy subreddit. Quite a few like MullvadVPN. I figure if they feel it’s safe, then I can also. I don’t know about the latency though. I suppose if you pirating things you don’t mind latency but it may cause issues for other things.

There are two free VPNs that I can recommend as I use both of them.

1. Veepn (Chrome Extension): 6 countries
2. ProtonVPN (Android, ios, Mac, Windows app): 3 countries

Both of these claim no-logs policy. And both of these have premium plans as well.

I got a deal for Torguard for $15 USD for six months recurring a couple of years ago. It works fine, the speeds are as good as anyone's but you don't see them mentioned because they don't pay affiliates. Torguard has yet to turn anyone over so forget that argument.

Install the Amazon Fire TV Remote App on your phone and life will be much easier for you!

Fire TV Remote App

Install the Amazon Firestick App on your phone and life will be much easier for you!

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Fire-TV/dp/B00ODIASKC/ref=sr\_1\_1?keywords=fire+tv+remote+app&qid=1653775442&sr=8-1

You don't need a fire stick to do that. Just use a smart plug. Aoycocr Alexa Smart Plugs - Mini Bluetooth WIFI Smart Socket Switch Works With Alexa Echo Google Home, Remote Control Smart Outlet with Timer Function, No Hub Required, ETL/FCC Listed 4 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N1JPPXK/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_6CKP1RNMW7DF4YWYXR3S

Have you not seen any YouTube videos the last few years?

Without a VPN it's a proven theoretical fact that hackers might steal your credit card info when you're at a coffee shop and then drive to your house and murder you. This is why you need NordVPN®. You can use code "VPN_OR_DIE" for 1.2% off of a guaranteed possibly 5-year life-saving subscription to NordVPN®.

Is it a requirement? Well, that depends. Do you enjoy being the victim of identity theft and then life theft? If you don't, then I can guarantee you might require NordVPN®.

I've done with an audio extractor on a computer monitor with no built in speakers:

HDMI Audio Extractor,4K HDMI to HDMI with Audio 3.5mm AUX Stereo and L/R RCA Audio Out,HDMI Audio Converter Adapter Splitter Support 4K 1080P 3D Compatable for PS3 Xbox Fire Stick. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084RN22MW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_AXHYX1X0WP0E9537RCTV

Its depend on what do you want to do with VPN? will you use vpn to unblock geo restrictions? or to hide your streaming activity from your ISP because you're using free streaming apps ? If you live in 3rd world country then there is no need to use VPN for free streaming apps but you will need a vpn to remove geo restrictions.

​

For firestick you must go for VPN which has Kill Switch option. Kill switch automatically disconnects your device from the internet if you lose your VPN connection. which is very usefull for firestick .

I would recommend you to use ExpressVPN because its fast and has kill switch feature.

Also it is light weight for firestick doesn't hang and app is smooth too .

​

Cost 6.67$ per month yearly plan + 3 month free that mean 5.3$ per month see more on dedicated firestick page for expressvpn

Same. I had Private Internet Access for some years and relied on the kill switch feature. Not available on IPVanish, also no IPv6 protection on Linux machines! Why did I dump PIA you ask? Because I was so dumb I thought PIA had no on screen widget to show me it was working. But the green dot/thumbs up thing would have worked - and I'm using that anyway.

>should I be worried that I will automatically get charged from JC Media because I had an account and my credit card on file?

I 100% recommend Privacy.com. It ties to your bank account and they issue single use virtual credit cards. Those credit cards are tied to a single merchant (cannot be used anywhere else). You can pause any virtual card at any point. You can set transaction, monthly, or yearly limits. Lastly, they do not verify name and address, so you can say you are whoever you want to be and live wherever.

I set my monthly transaction limit to double the monthly cost, in case I am billed a little early within 30 days. As soon as JC Media's site went down, I paused that card. All futures charges will be declined. I used an alias and nonexistent address so no one can sending me harrassing letters should the user data get leaked (like what happened in the UK).

I am happy to answer any questions. Here is my referral link if you do want to sign up (we each get $5 after your first transaction). If you do not want to do that, you can go to privacy.com directly. They also have a mobile app to monitor and control everything. :)

BBC Iplayer, ITV, Channel 4 seem to work fine with NordVPN but for me Netflix & Amazon work without Nord VPN here. Wondering if you have tried with a Spanish Amazon account? As for being GeoBlocked you could try another more private VPN within Nord. I live in Sweden and Nord works perfect for me for all Firestick channels that have a decent app. Though I am married to a Spaniard so if you can recommend a good IPTV app for Spanish TV with catchup I am all ears!

So I'm using IPVanish on a Firestick 4k and a laptop running Linux - an Ubuntu lightweight called Lubuntu. It's , Ubuntu 20.04.3 - I think. A small and typically obscure Linux OS which does have what you need, if you are willing to fight your to way thru the silly terminal commands. Everything you do takes dozen or so of extra non producing cliks cause you have to Google your way thru every operation. But hey, it ain't Microsoft, so it might be worth it. iPVanish? Heavily promoted for Firestick- and it works ok on Android apps, but on your Linux laptop, not so much. No kill switch function in any OS btw, that should be a deal killer, but beyond that - NO IPv6 disable on any Linux OS at all all! Ya gotta do it by editing your GRUB bullshit, like so it will kill IPv6 when you boot. But this you have to do yourself! So you pay them and do half the work your self, that and figure out how to tell if it's working in real time while you're streaming. Maybe I should have stayed with PIA. Ya, maybe....

Real Debrid Sign Up: https://real-debrid.com/

RD/Kodi Set Up: https://www.firesticktricks.com/real-debrid-kodi.html

If you don't have it already though, I HIGHLY recommend getting Cinema HD and trying it with that app. The interface and Set up with Real Debrid is so much easier!

Using a wired connection could make a difference.

Here is the adapter that we have, but we are using it with our 4K Firestick just to let you know.

- https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N2ZHFY9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So, I use bluetooth headphones sometimes, but the max volume is sometimes a little too quiet. I use this app to give it a slight boost: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goodev.volume.booster&hl=en&gl=US

Ok thanks! I actually tether to my laptop via Easytether with my Verizon phone as it is 5g and our other internet options blow. And I am grandfathered into true Unlimited. Sometimes I put it into airplane mode to reconnect. And I can restart the Connecitfy software I use.

I actually fixed my issue by going back to my Speedify VPN. I don't know why ExpressVPN went to shit this week for YTTV. But I still need it for my Prime and Netflix as Speedify gives me issues. I will just have to swap based on what I am doing.

Thanks for all your help!

Yeah, if you do decide to hardwire your 4K Firestick, then you will want to look at the Ethernet->USB adapters that are Gigabit to USB3 adapters; unfortunately this does NOT currently include the Amazon Ethernet adapter for Amazon Fire devices as it is only 100Mb Ethernet/USB2 and will probably top out at 90Mbps.

The Gigabit to USB3 adapters can go upto 480Mbps, which is the limit of the USB2 port on the 4K Firesticks.

This is the one we are using: https://smile.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Streaming-Including-Chromecast/dp/B07N2ZHFY9/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=Amazon+firestick+ethernet&qid=1626152775&sr=8-4

And there are others, some of which also have built-in USB ports so you can expand the storage of your Firestick for onboard media play back, etc.

If you still looking for THE best app for casting is this one

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instantbits.cast.webvideo

I try it free at first (I use a Fire HD 8 7th gen) to cast movies with Stremio to my smart TV (old Samsung) I bought the app and am using it like a year and a half, works awesome, plus the support is great and fast.

Definitely check it out.

https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-NEORTX-Enhancer-Adapter-Converter/dp/B07YTWTHHH/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=usb+micro+usb+cable+splitter&qid=1624235738&sr=8-5

Plug male micro usb into firestick. Plug power cord into female micro usb. Plug thumb drive into female usb port. Use ES File explorer to access the thumb drive.

Our dog ate the remote to our 4K stick and my wife was able to get an official replacement remote

Edit: it’s basically the cost of the stick itself Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen) with power and volume controls – requires compatible Fire TV device https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07B6L2QCF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T39GDR7HJC6BD8WX76GN

How good of an Internet connection is your Firestick getting, because maybe your Firestick's Wifi connection to your Wifi router isn't good enough to sustain a higher bitrate streaming download.

If you have the ability to connect your FS to a direct Ethernet connection, then maybe you should invest in an Ethernet to USB micro adapter to provide your stick a more consistent connection.

This is the adapter that we are using and we no longer experience any network lag problems: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N2ZHFY9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

ExpressVPN is one of the best vpn’s out there i have used it for a Long time its simple and easy, and its safe. I Would highly recommend it. I have had No problems with it at all. Its super fast and Secure.

You dont jailbreak a firestick, you just allow 3rd party apps. From unknown sources. If you want iptv you Can have it on firestick for free, but use a vpn, i use NordVPN ,it is great. I Got about 4000 channels . And all Europa . On one app.

I've never used one, but I've heard they slow down speeds significantly. The thing is, if you use a debrid service (which you definitely should) you're just as well off as a VPN, actually better.

My ISP throttles all torrent traffic even when I'm behind NordVPN. Now along with using it on my Firestick I run all my torrents through real debrid and get great download speeds because of how debrid services work.

You'll see websites pushing VPNs because they're getting a cut of the profit.

Strange thing here: I bought an Anker Gb USB ethernet adapter and used a OTG usb converter to get to micro usb for the Fire Cube. My internet speed is about 700Mbs and I get 700Mbs on Apple TV 4K. I installed ExpressVPN on the Fire Cube and speed test is about 300Mbs without VPN and 400Mbs with VPN. This is really bizarre. Anyone have any comments on this?

Bought a 3 year plan based NordVPN. On a symmetrical 100 Mbps, I get between 5-17 Mbps (from the EU to the US). Tried over a hundred times on different pc's and both day and night. Wanted to use it for placeshifting, but more often than not, Netflix and Amazon won't connect or recognises it as being a vpn. I'm went to cancel my account and connect to . Very simple to use. Good prices for me. Support of most platforms like macOS, Windows 10, iOS, etc. CyberSec is working fine. So as the KillSwitch feature. Very stable, very fast.

I had the same issue with Nord and their support helped me out. You can take a look at the guide they sent to me. Otherwise, you can try to reach them yourself

I had same problem getting vyprVPN on to my firestick. If you got a first gen stick you might have same problem , vypr said the app doesn’t work on first gen sticks and I had to pay for NordVPN for 3 years instead. Difference was I could get vypr to open the app etc but nothing worked or was navigatable. Might be in the same boat and maybe open vpn doesn’t work with the firestick either

You could try getting a Fire Stick Ethernet adapter or try a WiFi range extender

You could also try turning off your VPN because it really isn't needed

Canadian here with ExpressVPN and new Firestick and used to only be able to use BBC iPlayer on my laptop .. thanks for the link with the amazing instructions .. within 10 minutes I was all set up !! Just cut the cord a week ago so this is a huge win!!