TV and streaming · Repair guide

How to fix a Firestick that's not working

9 fixes, easiest first3 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Hold Select and Play/Pause on the remote together for about 5 seconds to restart the Firestick. If the remote doesn't respond, unplug the Firestick's power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.

What it means

A Fire TV Stick that won't turn on, freezes, shows a black screen or won't load apps usually has a power, HDMI, remote or Wi-Fi problem rather than a broken stick. Amazon's own fixes start with fresh remote batteries, the original power adapter and a forced restart. A factory reset is the last resort because it erases everything on the stick.

Common causes

  • Dead or weak remote batteries
  • Not enough power, often from a replacement cable or adapter
  • The TV is on the wrong HDMI input, or an HDMI hub is in the way
  • The Fire TV software is frozen and needs a restart
  • Wi-Fi has dropped or the signal is weak
  • Old or damaged data in an app
  • Out-of-date Fire TV software

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Replace the remote batteriesEasy

  1. Put a fresh pair of batteries in the remote. Amazon says AAA alkaline batteries work best.
  2. Point the remote at the TV and press Home.
  3. If nothing happens, keep going with the power checks below.

Why it helps: Weak batteries are the most common reason a Firestick seems dead or frozen.

02Check the power and HDMI connectionEasy

  1. Use the power cable and adapter that came with the Firestick, plugged into a wall outlet. If you lost them, replace them with Amazon-branded ones.
  2. Unplug the power cord for a few seconds, then plug it back in.
  3. Use the TV's Input or Source button to pick the HDMI port the Firestick is plugged into.
  4. If the Firestick goes through an HDMI hub or switch, plug it straight into the TV instead. Use a high-speed HDMI cable if you need one.

Why it helps: Too little power or the wrong input causes black screens and random restarts.

03Force the Firestick to restartEasy

  1. Press and hold Select (the middle button) and Play/Pause together for about 5 seconds.
  2. Wait for the Firestick to restart and show the home screen.
  3. If it doesn't respond, unplug the power cord from the Firestick or the wall, wait 60 seconds and plug it back in.

Why it helps: A restart clears a frozen screen or stuck app.

04If the remote won't work, pair it againEasy

  1. Stand within 10 feet (3 metres) of the Firestick.
  2. Press and hold Home for about 10 seconds until Press Play/Pause to start or a pairing message appears.
  3. If that fails, take out the batteries, wait 30 seconds, put them back and hold Home again.
  4. Still not working: hold Left, Menu and Back together for 12 seconds to reset the remote, then hold Home again.
  5. You can also unplug the Firestick for 5 seconds, plug it back in and try again, or use the Amazon Fire TV app on a phone as a remote.

Why it helps: A remote that has lost its pairing can't control the Firestick even with good batteries.

05Fix the Wi-Fi connectionEasy

  1. If you see Unable to Connect, select Network Diagnostics and follow the suggestions on screen.
  2. Or go to Settings > Network and press Play/Pause on the remote to see the network status.
  3. Unplug the Firestick for 10 seconds and plug it back in. If that doesn't help, go to Settings > Network and turn Wi-Fi off and back on.
  4. If it still won't connect, go to Settings > Network, highlight your network, press Menu and forget it. Then select it again and re-enter the Wi-Fi password.

Why it helps: Most streaming and app errors on a Firestick come from a dropped or weak Wi-Fi connection.

06Restart your modem and routerEasy

  1. Unplug the modem and router and wait 1 minute.
  2. Plug in the modem first and wait about 1 minute for its lights to settle.
  3. Plug in the router and wait about 1 minute more.
  4. If you can, move the Firestick and router closer together. If several devices in the home are offline, there may be an internet outage.

Why it helps: Restarting the home network fixes most dropped connections.

07Update the Fire TV softwareEasy

  1. From the home screen, open Settings.
  2. Select My Fire TV (on some models, Device & Software).
  3. Select About, then Check for System Update.
  4. Let the update install and the Firestick restart. Don't unplug it while it updates.

Why it helps: Updates fix bugs that cause freezing and app problems.

08If one app isn't working, clear its cacheMedium

  1. From the home screen, open Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications.
  2. Select the app that isn't working and choose Clear Cache.
  3. If that doesn't help, choose Clear Data. This signs you out of the app, so have the login ready.
  4. To clear every app at once, choose Clear all Application Caches on the Manage Installed Applications screen.

Why it helps: Old or damaged data stored by an app can stop it opening or playing.

09Factory reset the Firestick as a last resortAdvancedBack up first

  1. Warning: a factory reset erases your account details and everything you downloaded, including apps and in-app purchases. You will need to set the Firestick up again and sign in to every app.
  2. From the menu: go to Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults and confirm.
  3. With the remote: hold Back and the right side of the navigation circle together for 10 seconds, then confirm on screen.
  4. When it finishes, follow the on-screen steps to pair the remote and set it up again.

Why it helps: A reset clears software problems that nothing else fixes.

Check it's fixed

  • The Firestick home screen appears and the remote responds.
  • Settings > Network shows you are connected.
  • Apps open and video plays without freezing or buffering.

When to get help

If the Firestick still won't turn on with the original adapter and a working outlet, or keeps freezing after a factory reset, contact Amazon customer service through your Amazon account. Only use contact options from Amazon's own website, as many sites list fake support numbers.

Questions

Why is my Firestick showing a black screen?

Check that the TV is on the right HDMI input, that the Firestick uses its original power adapter in a wall outlet, and that it's plugged straight into the TV. Then unplug the power for 60 seconds.

How do I restart a frozen Firestick?

Hold Select and Play/Pause together for about 5 seconds. If the remote doesn't work, unplug the Firestick's power for 60 seconds and plug it back in.

Will clearing the cache delete my apps?

No. Neither Clear Cache nor Clear Data uninstalls the app. Clear Data resets the app, so you will need to sign in to it again.

Can I use my phone as a Firestick remote?

Yes. The Amazon Fire TV app on a phone can control the Firestick and can also be used to pair a remote.

Related fixes

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