Netflix to discontinue support for older Amazon Fire TV models
Beginning on June 3, 2025, Netflix will no longer be available on certain older Fire TV devices manufactured by Amazon. The affected devices include the first-generation Fire TV (2014), the Fire TV Stick (2014), and the Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote (2016).
Netflix has not explicitly stated the reasons for withdrawing support from these devices. However, sources suggest that the decision might be driven by the adoption of advanced video standards and codecs, such as AV1, which these older devices cannot handle. AV1 offers superior compression over older standards, ensuring better picture quality at lower data rates, while also avoiding licensing fees due to its open-source nature.
Though other streaming services will continue to function on these devices, users seeking to access Netflix will need to upgrade to newer Fire TV devices that can support modern streaming technologies. To determine if your device falls under this category, navigate to 'Settings > My Fire TV > About' on your Fire TV device.
Amazon has discontinued software and security updates for these first-generation devices a few years ago, adhering to its standard four-year support cycle. In response, Amazon may offer discounts on newer Fire TV hardware for affected customers upon request.
[1] "AV1 codec under consideration by Netflix for video streaming," TechRadar, March 5, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.techradar.com/news/av1-codec-under-consideration-by-netflix-for-video-streaming[3] "AV1 explained: What is the AV1 codec and why should you care?" CNET, January 8, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.cnet.com/news/av1-explained-what-is-the-av1-codec-and-why-should-you-care/[4] "Why Netflix is retiring older Fire TV devices in 2025," Tom's Guide, April 25, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/why-netflix-is-retiring-older-fire-tv-devices-in-2025[5] "The rise of the AV1 codec and the impact on future streaming quality," HD Guru, February 24, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.hdtvguru.com/lcd-and-led-news/the-rise-of-the-av1-codec-and-the-impact-on-future-streaming-quality/21884/
- Despite Netflix's withdrawal from certain older Fire TV devices, other brands of streaming services will remain viable on these devices.
- As an upgrade option, some news sources suggest Amazon might offer deals on new Fire TV hardware to affected customers.
- The ongoing advancement in video streaming technologies, such as the adoption of AV1 codec, might be driving Netflix's decision to phase out support for older devices.
- Tech enthusiasts and hi-fi aficionados might find a preview of the latest gadgets, including smart-home devices and streaming technology, in various tech news and review platforms.
- To determine if your Fire TV device is compatible with modern streaming technologies, you can find relevant information in the 'Settings > My Fire TV > About' section of your device.
- Beyond streaming technologies, the AV1 codec, while supporting superior compression, also plays a significant role in the broader landscape of technology and future advancements in image and video quality.
