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Smart Hub Plus SH31b wont connect to Firestick 1st Generation

vigman
Contributor
Contributor

‎15-08-2026 09:33 AM

Well this is embarrassing! I’m a chartered IT professional and a specialist network troubleshooter. However, despite following all advice on the internet, I cannot get apps like Netflix or BBC to run on a first generation firestick via the Smart Hub Plus 31b. 

I have been using an old Brightbox router either with a direct Ethernet connection or via Wi-Fi to fire sticks with no problems. I was advised that I was to be upgraded from copper to fibre and sent a Smart Hub Plus SH31b in preparation. 

Whether by direct Ethernet connection or via Wi-Fi,  the apps show on the firestick (powered from the mains before anyone asks) but won’t run apps like Netflix. Sometimes I get specific network errors eg unable to connect to Netflix servers 2 and 3, sometimes just buffering. 

On the Wi-Fi side, I set up a 2.4Ghz compatible network and selected that on the firestick but same problem. You can’t specifically toggle off IPv6 on this hub)

With direct Ethernet connection, the firestick shows as connected and even gives an internet speed check, but then the apps still fail to run. Change to the old Brightbox router and both direct Ethernet connection and Wi-Fi connections work immediately. 

Unless anyone can help solve this, I am going to cancel the fibre upgrade and stick to the old Brightbox!

TIA

0 Helpful
12 REPLIES 12
bobpullen
Ace Contributor
Ace Contributor
In response to vigman

‎17-08-2026 09:31 AM

@vigman - the presence of a mesh system shouldn't have any bearing.

Before you go down this path though, did you try disabling IPv6 as I'm fairly certain it should be possible to get the Firestick working without having to do this?

Below is what you'd need to do to use the Brightbox as an access point: -

  • Log into the Brightbox router and change its IP address to something in the same subnet as the EE router but outside of its DHCP scope, e.g. 192.168.1.50 - this then becomes the address you would use to get back to the Brightbox settings.
  • Log back into the Brightbox and set the WiFi name/password to something different to the EE hub/mesh.
  • Find the DHCP server option in the Brightbox settings and disable it.
  • Power the Brightbox off.
  • Connect an Ethernet cable between a LAN port on the Brightbox and a LAN port on the EE hub.
  • Power the Brightbox back on.
  • Either wire the Firestick to a Brightbox LAN port or try connecting it to the Brightbox WiFi name/password.
vigman
Contributor
Contributor
In response to Chris_S

‎25-08-2026 08:52 AM

This is interesting. I live in two places for about 6 months each. At the second location I find I also have an SH31b and this ran an original 2016 Firestick over copper via Ethernet. I have now upgraded to fibre and this setup will run the original and second generation Firestick over Ethernet and Wi-Fi with no issues?

So what is happening at the first location? I can’t contact until I am back at the first location. It is important to remember I need the landline and a working Firestick which is possible over copper with the Brightbox over Ethernet and Wi-Fi but not the SmartHub Plus?

I am also very disappointed that EE tell me I can’t cancel the upgrade to fibre. 

0 Helpful
JimM11
Maestro
Maestro
In response to vigman

‎25-08-2026 09:47 AM - edited ‎25-08-2026 09:51 AM

@vigman Is the area in an Exchange restricted where FTTP is the only method that they will accept now, can be the cause for not allowing EE to stop the conversion. OR will not be interested and pushing the Full Fibre connection with DV Digital Voice tagged on the Fibre connection and hence the need for a SH31B or later on the connection.

My Exchange has now reached that critical stage marked as "" FTTP Priority Exchange = Y"" 

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