Second life for an older TV
IPTV on a Fire TV Stick: setup and fixes
If your TV has an HDMI port, a Fire TV Stick gives it an up-to-date menu for far less than a new set. It is small, simple and the device we most often suggest for older televisions.
Plug it in properly
Use a free HDMI port and the supplied power adapter. A TV’s USB port often cannot give it enough power.
Connect to Wi-Fi
Follow the on-screen steps and sign in to your Amazon account. Choose the 5 GHz network if you can see it.
Install the player
Search the Appstore on the stick for the player we recommend. If it is not listed, tell us and we will suggest another.
Sign in and test
Enter your login and play a live channel. Wait for the channel list to load fully the first time.
Quick fixes
What usually goes wrong
| What you see | Likely cause | Try this |
|---|---|---|
| Freezes after an hour or so | Heat. The stick sits behind the TV with no airflow | Use the HDMI extender supplied with the stick, to move it into open air |
| A warning about low power | Powered from the TV’s USB port | Use the original wall adapter and cable |
| Remote does not respond | Weak batteries or lost pairing | Change the batteries, then hold Home for ten seconds to pair it again |
| Slow menus | Little free storage | Uninstall apps you do not use, and clear the player’s cache in Settings |
| Weak Wi-Fi signal | The TV blocks the signal to the stick | Use the extender, or an Ethernet adapter made for the stick |
Before you buy a stick
If you are buying one mainly for this, check that your TV has a free HDMI port and that you have a socket close to it. A 4K model only makes a difference if your TV and your internet can use it. If in doubt, tell us your TV model before you spend anything.