I changed 10 settings on my Fire TV for better performance and fewer distractions | ZDNET

Fire TV Performance Optimization Guide

Why Fire TVs Slow Down Fire TV slowdowns are typically caused by the device's own software rather than internet issues. Common culprits include outdated software, too many background processes, accumulated temporary files, and aging hardware struggling with newer apps.

Key Performance Tweaks

Disable Unnecessary Background Features

• Open quick menu (hold Home button) → Settings → Applications
• Prime Photos: Turn off "Allow guest connections" and "Access Prime Photos" if unused
• Appstore: Disable "Automatic Updates" (update apps manually instead)
• GameCircle: Turn off "Share your GameCircle Nickname" and "Whispersync for Games" if you don't game

Regular Maintenance

• Weekly restarts: Restart your Fire TV weekly if you leave it powered on continuously
• Clear cache: Removes temporary files without affecting logins or preferences
• Uninstall unused apps: Frees up storage and memory

Additional Settings

• Disable data monitoring: Stops constant usage tracking
• Turn off autoplay: Prevents auto-preview videos that create background load
• Disable in-app purchases: Optional for tighter control

When to Factory Reset Use as a last resort for devices that remain unbearably slow after trying other fixes. This erases everything but provides a fresh start.

Important Notes

• Clearing cache won't delete your data, but uninstalling apps will remove app-specific data
• Most streaming services store preferences in the cloud, so you won't lose profiles or purchases
• Each disabled feature frees up memory and CPU resources, which is especially beneficial for older devices with limited RAM

The article emphasizes that even implementing just some of these tweaks can make a "night and day" difference in your Fire TV's performance.

I changed 10 settings on my Fire TV for better performance and fewer distractions | ZDNET