Amazon Fire Stick users will find a neglected gadget that improves Wi-Fi and reduces buffering

PEOPLE are just realizing there's a bonus gadget in the box of their Amazon Fire TV Stick that will improve their Wi-Fi connection.

Often this little extension is ignored or ignored by users who would like to just plug in their Fire Stick and start watching.

But Wi-Fi problems can occur for several reasons.

Often it is due to objects blocking the signal, such as thick walls, aquariums and even other wireless devices such as a cordless phone.

As for the Fire TV Stick, the problem may be that your TV itself is interfering.

Televisions can also act as a WiFi interrupter, so you should avoid placing your router near them.

Likewise, having your Fire TV Stick connected directly to your set can have the same annoying impact.

And of course, bad WiFi means dreaded buffering when you try to watch something on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.

A little-known gadget that should have come with your Fire TV Stick when you bought it could help.

And that is the HDMI extender.

It is designed to assist with TV slots where the Fire TV Stick cannot be placed on its own.

But it can also be used to prevent your Fire TV Stick from being so close.

Not only does this give it a nice clear path for WiFi signals, but it also allows the device to breathe a bit.

If you are close to the TV, it can get quite hot, which also hinders the performance of the Stick.

Can't find your HDMI extender?

If you've lost your Fire TV Stick's HDMI extender, don't worry.

You can buy a replacement quite cheaply on Amazon.

A pair is available for just €4 buy now.

Prices were correct at the time of writing but may have changed since then. Always do your own research before making a purchase.

Even Amazon's own documentation says the HDMI extender is “recommended for best Wi-Fi reception.”

Users on Reddit have urged others to try out the gadget if they are having connection issues.

“I just plugged in the Stick without the extender and the WiFi signal dropped constantly for the first five days, so I returned it and exchanged it for another,” one person wrote.

“When I installed the second one, I decided to use the extender on it.

“And there hasn't been a single signal loss for over a month.”

Another said: “I couldn't get a signal at all until I used the extender. Saved my life.”

So dig out your Fire TV Stick box to find your HDMI extender.

If not, you can buy a new one quite cheaply from Amazon – check out the box above.