I've always found Fire TV Sticks a bit sluggish, so I spent some time figuring out how to clean mine up using Linux and ADB.

I put together a small toolkit with scripts for debloating and optimising the device, along with a restore script in case you want to undo the changes.

I also included an AI prompt you can use with Claude, Antigravity, or ChatGPT to walk you through the process. The idea is to make it easier to understand what you're changing instead of having to figure out every ADB command yourself.

You don't need root for the basic workflow, and the goal is to keep the changes reversible. Just make sure you review what the AI suggests before running anything, since package compatibility can vary between Fire TV models and Fire OS versions.

Everything is here: https://github.com/roy9611/firetv-safe-debloat

Hopefully this saves someone else a bit of time. If you try it, let me know which Fire TV model and Fire OS version you're using, and whether you run into any issues.

After a firestick update today, my voice search within all apps defaults to Alexa instead of searching inside of the app itself, it’s on all 3 of my firesticks they are all on the latest os v 8.1.85, I tried a couple fixes from an earlier post and none of them worked, it is not a remote control issue, I paired a spare remote to one of my devices with new batteries and it had the same problem, if you know a fix, please help, I think it’s not going to be fixed until a new update comes out!

Hello. After my Insignia Fire TV updated to 8.1.8 5.

Amazon changed how the remote works and I can no longer access this menu.

Tapping the menu button "≡" no longer does anything on any HDMI input. I used to be able to access the old menu with that button. On any HDMI input it does nothing.

Holding down the Home button does not display an "Inputs" option on this screen any longer.

On my FiOS remote, however, it has an Input button on the top and can still access this menu to switch between them by repeatedly tapping the input button as opposed the the old update where I could tap the menu button labeled "≡" on my remote then select a specific input rather than repeatedly tapping it.

Now the only way to switch them on the fly is by tapping the recents button which brings up a large UI menu which can be slow at times to change inputs.

Does anyone else experience this after the update. Is there a Fire TV remote with a dedicated input button. I'd rather switch inputs quickly without needing to switch remotes, using voice input or going to the home screen the pressing the "≡" which now only works on the app screen to change inputs that way.

Pictured is the new settings menu missing the Inputs option at the top. (Left)

Second one pictured is the old menu invoked by pressing the input button on my FiOS remote but no longer accessible with the Fire TV remote. (Right)

Any advice? Or is there a way to access the old menu with the same remote? Thank you.

My hdmi ports just don’t work and I don’t know why.

My hdmi 3 only gets detected and even then I connect my ps3 and even tried ps5 to hdmi 3 it shows up but then goes black screen for like 7 seconds maybe 10 then just poof “no signal detected” then I switch HDMI cords I tried like 4 cords nothing worked, so then I tried HDMI 1 and 2 and they don’t even get detected even with new HDMI cords, I tried changing the Hdmi settings to 2.0 and 1.4 and all that bs hell I even factory test my tv like three times still gets the same results, is it just busted?

I've reset the TV multiple times it has this problem mostly in HBO its so distracting trying to watch with the banner in the way

Video of problem in the comments

Hey guys, so I want to buy some very risque things on amazon but I am deeply paranoid of my family somehow seeing my purchase history on the family TV, since it has my account registered there, is there any way to potentially block/make sure my amazon purchasing history does not show up on the TV without unlinking the device?

Hi, I'm looking to clean up my fire tv using adb as it's a cheap model from a few years ago and is getting very slow and laggy now. Could anyone give me a list of what system apps are safe to disable/what would help speed the TV up? Not looking to change from the fire tv launcher as everyone is used to it now but I'm looking to reduce background processes.

Just curious, I have an original ( 2022) 55" Fire tv Omni, still works like new but am still waiting for the new O/S upgrade, anyone else with older stuff still waiting or have you been updated?

Cheers.

The previous owner of our house left his ridiculous 75" Toshiba Fire TV above the fireplace. We don't want it but we don't have the time/energy to bother taking it down now so we figured we might as well watch something on it.

But turning on the TV brings me to set up and it gets stuck on 'Searching for your remote'. Pressing the home button like prompted does nothing. The remote obviously works because it let's me power on the tv, choose english as a language, and can raise and lower volume just fine; it just won't pair. I've tried searching for a fix but everything I've found just involves unplugging/power cycling the tv, 'resetting' the remote by holding 3 buttons, and none of it has worked. Using my phone as a remote temporarily does not work because the TV is not connected to our network, because I can't get to the network settings without pairing a remote.

Has anyone else run into this and how did you fix it?

I turned on my tv one night and discovered that for some reason it couldn’t connect to my WiFi. I tried everything I could think of, restarted my WiFi and tv multiple times, unplugged the tv for several minutes before plugging it back in, waiting a couple hours/days etc. eventually I said screw it and factory reset it in hopes that it’ll fix it. Now I’m stuck on the searching for remote screen. I’m able to turn on the tv and select the language just fine, I just can’t get past this secetion! I saw a comment a couple years ago on this subreddit that talked about plugging in an Ethernet cord and using the phone app to get it to work but that doesn’t seem to work for me, can’t even discover my tv through the apps in the first place. I bought a new remote and a Firestick in a desperate attempt but to no avail. Any ideas on how I can solve this issue?

I've had a TCL 32SF540K FireTV for nearly 2 years now, and it' laggy, slow, and the worst of all full of ads. I've seen some debloating tools for Android TVs about, and wanted to know if anyone has tried any FireTV ones.

I saw this one which seens to install Projectivy Launcher along with removing some amazong feautres:
https://github.com/niftiest/Firestick-Cleaner-And-Launcher-Replacer

Has anyone tried something like this or the Projectivy Launcher, if so has it worked or made things worse?

Why does Peacock not work when trying to watch live sports? It always flickers and there’s no way to make it not. 65” QLED Fire TV.

Anyone else or answers?

has anyone had this? I have a brand new toshiba fire tv, I have made sure im on the latest update, ive cleared cache, uninstalled, reinstalled the app a dozen times, unplugged my tv and plugged it back in, and still im getting this error on newer episodes of survivor and amazing race. tulsa king works just fine. my isp does not have an ad blocker of any kind. Very frustrated as we bought this tv to watch these shows as a family.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Hello everyone! I just unboxed and set up an old fireTV stick 3rd gen and wanted to know id there is anything I could do with it other then streaming? Or any tips/advice while using it

Is there a short code to download Protube so you can sideload on the fire tv stick?

Just bought a Toshiba ArtTV running FireOS 14. I have a bunch of movies bought on Vudu which don't port to Movies Anywhere, so I have to watch on the Fandango at Home app. Everything I own only comes up available to stream in SD only even though it shows I own it in HD or 4K. After a search, I've cleared app cache and data and even reinstalled the app. Any other suggestions? I'd hate to send back a perfectly good TV for one app, but I only have 30 days. And, before someone asks, another streaming device is not an option. It would basically brick the art function.

Google is being no help so I’m here lol

I recently got a new fire stick, logged in to all my things but wanted to use spotify today. Upon opening the app, I was met with how to connect my phone to my tv to listen to music rather than being given the option to log in to my account.

Any old fire stick I’ve used has let me log in, and no amount of googling has solved the problem :/ I’m having to control my music through my phone while it plays through the TV

I tried uninstalling and reinstalling but got met with the same message

If anyone has any idea how to fix this it would be greatly appreciate!

I gave my cousin my Toshiba Fire TV. All he wants to do is be able to watch Xfinity cable TV. He is not interested in streaming or putting any apps on it. I used it for cable and streaming, and then eventually dropped the cable. I did a factory reset on it today.

It is possible to use it just for cable? What do I need to do to accomplish that? Thanks for your help.

The only way to access apps is by going into the menu.

Hi everyone. I’m in a bnb trying to use an Amazon fire tv. The Fire TV model is 55PF650 and all the suggestions online work only if I have the account logged in. Do someone know how to remove it so I can just watch the tv?

It worked really well for about 2 years. I could control basically everything with my remote or voice. I’ve checked CEC, I’ve managed my equipment, I bought an external IR.. nothing works. Like what the fuck? How does it work perfectly one day and then the next it can’t pick up anything.

Just installed and can't believe I've been without for the months that I've had for months. The layout takes getting to but ad free and no in video sponsorships. So are there downsides that I should know?

Do you all recommend Vizio

I have had every type of tv- expensive and budget and they all eventually lose picture and get those horizontal lines. Tv in my bdrm is a 75 inch LG I had for 5 yr and now horizontal lines- I need a 75 inch to go in LGs place .. Should I get
TCL 75 inch Q series 75Q51k
LG 75 UA75
TCL 75 QsLR
samsung. 75 M70HB
Insignia™ - 75-inch Class F50 Series LED 2160p 4K UHD Smart
Insignia™ - 75" Class QF Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV

I also plan on getting 4 yr warranty so when this tv goes out it can be replaced- I will also get professional install and mounting. Tv is just a tv to me- I watch peacock mostly- i feel like they all go out at 5 yrs ?I just want a reliable tv that will last longer than 5 yrs.

I have a new fire TV (Xiaomi F 32) and generally it works great, but I'm having an issue with specifically Apple TV shows on it where certain shots are almost completely pitch black. If the camera angle changes, it goes back to normal, but if the show then cuts back to the same angle it goes back to pitch black. I've checked on my phone and the show does not look like that there, nor have I seen this happen on any other streaming app (although I'm yet to try most of them. Definitely doesn't happen on YouTube or the NJPW app tho)

Anyone have any idea what on earth could be causing this?