Amazon Fire TV Device to Stop Working January 31 as Company Shuts Down Support
Some Amazon Fire TV users may notice changes to their devices at the end of January, as Amazon moves forward with a major update affecting one of its older accessories.
Amazon has announced that it will discontinue support for the Fire TV Blaster, an add-on device that allowed users to control TVs and sound systems using Alexa voice commands. Once support officially ends on January 31, 2026, the Fire TV Blaster will stop working entirely.
What Is the Fire TV Blaster?
Released about six years ago, the Fire TV Blaster was designed to work alongside a Fire TV Stick and an Echo device. It used infrared (IR) technology to let users change channels, adjust volume, and control soundbars simply by speaking to Alexa.
While innovative at the time, the device never became one of Amazon’s most popular products and received relatively modest customer engagement compared to newer Fire TV models.
Why Is Amazon Discontinuing It?
According to Amazon, advances in smart TV technology have made the Fire TV Blaster largely unnecessary. Many modern TVs now support HDMI-CEC, which allows devices to communicate directly with each other without needing an extra accessory.
Amazon has also been updating its Fire TV lineup to include more built-in features, reducing demand for standalone devices like the Blaster.
Crackdown on Illegal Streaming Continues
This announcement comes as Amazon continues its broader efforts to combat illegal streaming. The company has been taking steps to limit the use of modified or “jailbroken” Fire TV devices that allow users to stream paid content without permission.
Amazon warns that these altered devices can expose users to malware, scams, and data theft. In some cases, users attempting to open illegal streaming apps are now met with on-screen warnings.
What Happens to Current Users?
Amazon has emailed customers who previously purchased the Fire TV Blaster to inform them of the shutdown. In the message, Amazon confirms that the device will stop functioning once support ends.
To soften the impact:
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UK customers are being offered a full refund
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U.S. customers are receiving an exclusive discount on newer Amazon products
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Customers can also send the Blaster back to Amazon for free recycling
A Rare Move by a Tech Giant
This marks the first time Amazon has remotely disabled a fully functional smart home device, raising questions about how long consumers can expect tech products to remain supported.
As smart technology continues to evolve, this change serves as a reminder that digital devices depend heavily on ongoing software support—and that even popular tech companies can move on from older products quickly.
For students and families using smart devices, staying informed about updates and support timelines is more important than ever.
