Netflix has expanded the availability of its streaming applications to a variety of devices over the years, which includes computers, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and more. Many users also utilize Amazon’s Fire TV devices to enjoy movies and TV series on the popular streaming platform.
However, there is a significant change on the horizon for those specific users: Effective June 3, 2025, Netflix will no longer be accessible on first-generation Fire TV devices. This includes the Fire TV, the Fire TV Stick, and the Fire TV Stick that comes with the Alexa voice remote. Netflix has reportedly notified affected users through email.
These earlier Fire TV models were introduced to the market in 2014 and have not received support from Amazon for a considerable time, lacking any software or security updates in recent years. Additionally, as these devices feature less powerful hardware and lower performance, it’s likely that many users impacted by this change have already upgraded to newer models.
Nonetheless, if you are still using a first-generation Fire TV device, streaming Netflix on it will no longer be possible starting in June.
The exact reason for Netflix ending compatibility with older Fire TV devices remains unclear, but it may relate to Netflix adopting newer standards—like the AV1 codec—to stream with enhanced picture quality, especially for subscribers on the Premium plan.
If you still possess a first-generation Fire TV device, you cannot modify it to support modern video codecs. Upgrading to a newer Fire TV model with 4K resolution support—such as the Fire TV Stick 4K or the Fire TV Stick 4K Max—would be advisable, and you might even receive a discount by trading in your outdated device.
While Netflix has not publicly commented on the cessation of support, industry analysts attribute this move to advancements in streaming technology, especially the AV1 codec, which offers superior video quality at lower bandwidth. The older Fire TV hardware simply does not have the processing capacity to manage these modern codecs, making continued support practically unfeasible.
For those who still retain first-gen Fire TV devices, the only option is to upgrade. Amazon suggests the Fire TV Stick 4K or Fire TV Stick 4K Max, both of which are aligned with current streaming standards and deliver better performance and video quality.
Since launching the initial Fire TV Stick in 2014, Amazon has continually enhanced the product, releasing more powerful generations over the years, with the latest being the Fire TV Stick 4K Max 2nd generation, which was released in September 2023.
When Fire TV debuted in 2014, the goal was to transform the smart TV experience, creating a future where viewing was not just about the content, but also the means of viewing it. Fire TV has consistently led the way in streaming innovation, always striving to enhance the entertainment experience and create smarter, more accessible, and connected TVs. This includes prioritizing content over apps—with the launch of intuitive voice search—and fostering creativity with AI Art, as Fire TV has revolutionized smart TVs over the last decade. Currently, our users are more engaged than ever—last year, they logged over 100 billion hours on their Fire TV devices for activities such as streaming, gaming, and beyond. Let’s reflect on Fire TV’s evolution into the leading streaming media player family and celebrate our team’s milestones and groundbreaking innovations.
Over the past decade, Fire TV has redefined the smart TV landscape. As we gaze towards the future, Fire TV remains dedicated to providing customers with the finest technological offerings, delivering intelligent, connected entertainment that is accessible to everyone.
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