THERE’S nothing worse than buffering problems when you’re trying to watch TV shows or movies.
It can happen to any device – and it’s hard to pinpoint what the cause might be.
If you’re using Wi-Fi, there are all sorts of objects that can obstruct the signal.
Things like microwaves running, thick walls, fish tanks and even mirrors can have an impact.
The best way to solve this is by moving your broadband router so it’s not too close to these objects.
But that’s not always possible or practical, depending on where your connection feed comes in.
Another solution to poor Wi-Fi is resorting to a trusty Ethernet cable.
This plugs directly into your router and devices – provided they can support Ethernet cables, so gadgets like smartphones are ruled out.
Ordinarily, your Fire TV Stick device wouldn’t be able to take Ethernet cables either but there’s a little-known gadget that could help.
Amazon sells an adaptor that allows you to plug an Ethernet cable into your Fire TV Stick, so you have a direct connection from your router instead of Wi-Fi.
It goes in the USB port on the side of your Fire Stick.
“Slow or weak Wi-Fi connection? Take advantage of the speed and reliability of wired internet,” Amazon says.
“Connect your Fire TV or your Fire TV Stick directly to your router with an Ethernet cable, no Wi-Fi required.”
Buyers have largely praised the product, with a 4.5 out 5 star rating on Amazon.
“Works a treat and no loss of connection or buffering experienced,” one user wrote.
“I had issues with losing wifi before fitting this but this is now no longer an irritating issue for me so a worthwhile purchase at a good price a thumbs up from me,” another said.
A third added: “I was suffering with my wifi getting through a stone wall so purchased this together with a ethernet switch to have my firestick wired.
“Wish I had done ages ago, I have no problems with Internet connection now.”
The adaptor works on the following Fire TV and Fire TV Stick models:
All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed.
Always do your own research before making any purchase.
Wi-Fi problems don't just affect your Fire Stick - they can cause havoc for any connected gadgets. Here are some little-known devices around the home that can also affect the Wi-Fi signal:
