Netflix to stop working on first-gen Fire TV models from June 3; users urged to upgrade.

If you’re still using one of Amazon’s earliest Fire TV devices, it might finally be time to upgrade. Netflix has announced it will stop supporting first-generation Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote devices starting 3 June 2025.

The change affects hardware launched more than a decade ago and marks the end of an era for some of the earliest Fire TV adopters. The decision was first reported by German outlet Heise and later confirmed by Amazon in a statement shared with The Verge.

“Netflix will be discontinuing support for some first-generation Fire TV devices, which were introduced more than 10 years ago,” said Amazon spokesperson Jen Lurey Ridings. “Netflix remains available on all other Fire TV devices.”

Netflix has begun emailing affected customers directly. The emails reportedly don’t explain the specific reason for the cutoff. However, a recently updated FAQ on Netflix’s help pages offers some insight. The company notes that it may drop support for devices that can no longer receive necessary updates from the manufacturer or cannot support new app features.

The help page update, first archived on 15 March 2025, also includes references to new error codes—R4, R12, and R25-1—all of which indicate a device is no longer supported.

While Netflix didn’t immediately respond to The Verge’s request for comment, the move appears to be part of a broader effort to phase out legacy hardware that can’t keep up with current streaming features, performance requirements, or security standards.

For users unsure if their device is affected, there’s a simple way to check. Navigate to Settings > My Fire TV > About on your device to identify the model. If it’s a first-generation Fire TV Stick or Fire TV, it’s on the list.

Though Netflix support is ending, Amazon suggests affected customers may be eligible for discounts on newer Fire TV models. To explore upgrade options, users can contact Amazon’s customer service directly.

The move may be frustrating for users who have held on to older devices for basic streaming needs, especially if those devices still function well for other apps. But given the rapid pace of development in the streaming industry, especially around user interfaces, resolution support, and interactive features, it’s unsurprising that the decade-old hardware has fallen out of favour.

Netflix, like many other streaming platforms, is also investing heavily in more advanced technologies—such as spatial audio, interactive storytelling, and personalised experiences—that older Fire TV models simply weren’t designed to handle.

In practice, the decision means that if you continue to use one of these first-generation devices after 3 June, you’ll likely encounter error messages preventing Netflix from loading at all.

While some tech-savvy users may attempt workarounds, such as sideloading APKs or mirroring content from a phone, most users will likely find it easier to replace the hardware. Amazon’s newer Fire TV Stick models are affordable and come with better performance, 4K support, and improved voice controls through Alexa.

For now, if Netflix is an essential part of your viewing routine and you’re using a first-gen Fire TV product, it’s best not to wait until the app suddenly stops working.