Are you left wondering “why is my Fire TV Stick not working?” In this guide, we will cover the probable reasons behind FireStick not working and how you can fix it.
The solutions discussed here work on all types of FireStick products.
Although FireStick is a brilliant portable streaming device known for its reliability and durability, it may run into problems occasionally. It can be frustrating when you just cannot figure out why your FireStick suddenly stopped working.
Well, there can be multiple factors that lead to FireStick not working. The main culprits are faulty HDMI cables/ports, cache buildup, incompatibility issues, hardware faults, software glitches, etc. But how do you fix FireStick not working issue?
Often restarting the FireStick device helps solve FireStick not working problem. For this, you just have to disconnect the device from the power source and then plug it back after 5 minutes.
If that doesn’t work, I recommend opting for specific solutions based on the problem you are facing with your FireStick. I have listed all the possible FireStick problems you may face and also given specific solutions for each one of them.
Why Did FireStick Stopped Working?
FireStick not working problem can be caused due to many reasons. Below we have listed the most probable causes:
- Software glitches
- Outdated FireStick version
- Faulty Router
- Faulty HDMI cables, power adapter, or HDMI port.
- Poor Internet speed
- Overheating FireStick
- Hardware failure in FireStick
- Cache build-up
- Wrong Input source
- Changes in FireStick Settings
- Discharged remote batteries
- Faulty Remote
- Incompatible TV
How to Fix FireStick not Working Problem
Irrespective of whatever is causing Fire Stick not working problem, you can try the below-mentioned common hacks. Generally,
1. Restart FireStick
Rebooting FireStick is one of the simplest fix that resolves the FireStick not working problem. Restarting the device simply reloads or refreshes the system, stops the ongoing processes, thus giving it a fresh start. Let us learn the steps to restart FireStick:
Full guide: How to Restart/Reboot FireStick.
1. Unplug FireStick from the power outlet.
2. Then, after waiting 5 minutes, plug the FireStick back into the power outlet. Your device will restart.
Alternatively, you can also use your FireStick remote to restart FireStick. Hold down the Select button & Play/Pause 
button of FireStick remote for five seconds to restart FireStick.
2. Update FireStick
FireStick software needs to be updated regularly for achieving its optimum performance. Updating FireStick to its latest version fixes bugs, system crashes, and other problems hampering the performance of FireStick.
Let us learn the steps to update FireStick:
1. Head to the home page of FireStick to hit Gear icon ⚙️ (Settings).
2. Open My Fire TV.
3. Then, select About.
4. Choose Check for Updates option.
5. If new updates are available, install them by clicking Install Updates.
3. Reset your FireStick
Resetting FireStick is one of the most effective ways to solve FireStick not working problem. It will revert FireStick settings to factory defaults. However, I suggest opting for this solution only if other solutions don’t solve your problem.
Let us learn the steps to reset FireStick:
Note: It should be noted that all your data will get lost after factory reset. Hence, you should consider backing up your data before you proceed with this process.
Full guide: How to Reset FireStick
1. Head to the home page of FireStick to hit Gear icon ⚙️ (Settings).
2. Open My Fire TV.
3. Choose Reset to Factory Defaults.
4. Hit Reset for resetting FireStick.
Other FireStick Issues and their Respective Solutions
1. FireStick showing Blank/Black Screen
FireStick blank/black screen issue results in FireStick showing no display. There can be multiple causes triggering this issue. Wrong input source, faulty cables, and HDMI ports, and loose cable connections are the main causes.
Solutions: Below are the solutions for the aforementioned problem:
1. Restart FireStick to see if it solves the issue.
2. Check for any defects in either HDMI cable or HDMI port. Replace them if needed.
3. Make sure that the input source matches the HDMI port to which FireStick is connected.
4. Make sure FireStick is connected firmly to the TV and it is getting enough power constantly from the power outlet.
5. Lastly, check for any hardware failures. Contact Amazon Tech support, if needed.
2. FireStick Apps Crashing
Many users have complained that whenever they open a certain application, it crashes or shuts down abruptly. The problem can be due to cache accumulation or bugs/malware-infused data.
Solutions: Below are the solutions for this problem:
1. Force stop the app that is malfunctioning. Then, launch it again.
2. Restart FireStick and check whether the problem persists.
3. Update the particular application if it’s outdated.
4. Clear cache of the FireStick application to solve the issue. Let us learn the steps to clear cache:
Full guide: Clear FireStick Cache
a) Go to FireStick home page & select Gear icon ⚙️ (Settings).
b) Select Applications.
c) Then, hit Manage Installed Applications.
d) Choose the application from which cache needs to be cleared.
e) Hit Clear cache.
5. If clearing cache didn’t solve the issue, Clear data of the FireStick app as well. This will reset the app and remove all app data and login info.
Here are the steps:
a) Go to FireStick home page & select Gear icon ⚙️ (Settings).
b) Select Applications.
c) Then, hit Manage Installed Applications.
d) Select the app
(e) Hit Clear Data option.
(f) Hit Clear Data again
6. Reinstall the application if clearing cache or data didn’t solve the problem. Firstly, uninstall the application and then, install it again.
Here’s how:
a) Go to FireStick home page & select Gear icon ⚙️ (Settings).
b) Select Applications.
c) Then, hit Manage Installed Applications.
d) Choose the application that needs to be uninstalled.
e) Choose Uninstall
f) Hit Uninstall to confirm
7. Reset FireStick.
3. No Audio Problem
You are trying to stream content on FireStick, but you can’t hear any audio? It can happen due to some changes in audio settings, an outdated FireStick version, or because you have muted the audio.
Solutions: Below are the solutions for this problem:
1. Firstly, check if your TV or FireStick volume is muted or low. Increase the volume if it’s the case.
2. Check whether all the cables connecting the TV and FireStick are connected firmly and properly. Change the cables if they are found faulty.
3. Restart FireStick and check if it solves the problem.
4. Update the FireStick device.
5. Ditch Dolby Digital Plus and Select any other Surround Sound from audio settings in FireStick. Here are the detailed steps:
a) Head to the FireStick home page and hit Gear icon ⚙️ (Settings).
b) Select Display & Sounds.
c) Choose Audio
d) You can choose any other option except Dolby Digital Plus.
6. Try resetting the FireStick.
7. Go to nearest Amazon Service Center and get it fixed.
4. Internet Connectivity Problem
FireStick unable to connect to the internet problem is a very common issue. It can happen if you have a weak WiFi signal, faulty routers, internet outage, or Amazon servers outage.
The first thing you can do is check the internet speed. Go to FireStick Settings < Network. Then, press the Play/Pause button of your FireStick remote to check the signal strength of the connected WiFi.
Solutions: Here are the solutions for this problem:
1. If you found out that the signal strength of your WiFi is good, forget the WiFi network and then, reconnect to it. Go to FireStick Settings < Network. Then, press the Menu button of FireStick remote to forget the network. Press Select to confirm. Now, find the WiFi network again and then reconnect to it by entering its password.
2. Restart the FireStick.
3. If the signal strength is found to be moderate or poor, do the following:
a) Restart your WiFi router. To do that, disconnect it from the power outlet. And then, connect it back again after a few minutes.
b) Place your FireStick and router close to each other. Remove any obstructions, if any.
c) Avoid bandwidth hogging by multiple devices. To do that, simply disconnect all other devices that are using your WiFi.
d) Replace faulty Routers
e) Use Ethernet adapters instead of WiFi
f) Talk to your ISP to ensure everything is fine from their end. Change your ISP if required.
4. Reset your FireStick to solve the issue.
5. Buffering Problem in FireStick
The buffering problem in FireStick is a common issue experienced while streaming videos. The main reason behind it is FireStick not getting enough network bandwidth from WiFi. Check the internet signal strength first before you opt for any solutions.
Full guide: Fix Buffering on FireStick
Solutions: Here are the solutions:
1. If signal strength is good, forget the WiFi network that you are connected to and then reconnect to it. Detailed steps are written in the previous section.
2. Restart your FireStick.
3. If signal strength is not good, do the following:
a) Restart router. Detailed steps are provided above.
b) Replace router if needed.
c)Move FireStick closer to Router. Remove any other obstructions.
d) Use Ethernet adapter
e) Disconnect other devices that are using WiFi.
f) Close any other applications that are running in background while streaming.
g) Change ISP
4. If you are facing buffering problem while streaming a particular content, do the following:
a) Use Debrid links to stream content
b) Use VPN to remove geo-restrictions while streaming.
c) Check whether there are any other working links for the content you are trying to watch. Try a different application and check if the content is playing there.
5. Reset your FireStick to solve the problem.
6. FireStick Not Responding to Remote Commands
FireStick not responding to FireStick remote commands can be caused due to many reasons. Discharged Remote batteries, defective remote, and Remote not paired to FireStick are the main reasons.
Solutions: Below are the solutions:
1. Align the FireStick remote batteries properly in the right direction.
2. Operate Remote from close proximity.
3. Make sure the Remote is paired with FireStick. If it is in unpaired condition, hold down its Home button for 10 seconds to pair it with FireStick.
4. Change the FireStick remote batteries.
5. Restart your FireStick using Fire TV app to solve the problem.
6. Reset your FireStick remote. Here is how:
a) Switch off FireStick. Disconnect it from power outlet.
b) Hold down the Menu button, Back button and the Left button in the navigational ring of FireStick remote simultaneously for 10 seconds.
c) Remove the FireStick remote batteries
d) Switch on FireStick after few seconds.
e) Put back the batteries in your remote and make sure they are properly aligned.
f) Hold down the Home button of FireStick remote for 10 seconds to pair it back with your FireStick.
g) Check whether the remote is compatible with FireStick. Replace it if necessary. You also have to replace it if it is found defective.
7. FireStick getting Overheated
If your FireStick is getting overheated, it can cause other associated problems. It not only hampers FireStick performance but also causes lagging, slow loading, black screen, and network connectivity problems. It occurs if you are living in a warmer region or if you are using FireStick for a prolonged time.
Solutions: Below are the solutions for this problem:
1. Stop using FireStick for an hour or more and let it cool down. I suggest disconnecting it from the power outlet and then connecting it back after an hour for better results.
2. Reset FireStick and check whether it solves the issue.
3. Lastly, get it fixed from an Authorized service center if there are any hardware faults.
8. Problem with Screen Mirroring
Sometimes when you are trying to mirror a screen from your Smartphone, Tablet, etc. on FireStick, it won’t work/ run smoothly. This problem doesn’t allow you to watch content or see photos clicked by your phone on big display screen of your TV.
Solutions: Here are the solutions:
1. Switch on Enable Display Mirroring feature by following the below steps:
a) Open Gear icon ⚙️ (Settings) after navigating to FireStick home page.
b) Select Display and Sounds.
c) Click Enable Display Mirroring to turn it on.
2. Restart FireStick to fix the problem.
3. Update FireStick version.
4. Make sure the device or phone you are mirroring and FireStick are connected to the same network. Also, place both of them closer to each other.
5. Lastly, reset your FireStick to solve the problem.
Winding Up
I hope your Fire Stick not working problem is solved by following the solutions mentioned in this article. Most of the FireStick problems get fixed when you restart FireStick.
Even if it didn’t solve the problem, you can reset the FireStick to revert its settings to factory defaults. But I suggest trying other specific solutions for the particular FireStick problem you are facing before resetting the FireStick.
Lastly, you have to take the help of an Authorized service center if nothing solved the problem. Or else, you have to replace it with a brand new one.
Comment below if you want us to answer any particular query.
Hi, I am Alyssa! I am a tech enthusiast and a blogger. I have been using Kodi and FireStick since 2016. I wanted to share my latest tech discoveries and knowledge with the World, which led me to start this blog in 2021. I post in-depth how-to guides for FireStick devices & Kodi in a way that is easy to understand for people of all ages. Thanks for stopping by!
