How to Fix It When a Fire Stick Is Not Responding

When a Fire TV Stick is not responding, it can get stuck on the loading screen, freeze with an app or video open, or even display a black screen. Fire TV unresponsiveness can be the result of an update or long load process, but it can also happen when the device locks up. Depending on the reason a Fire TV stick isn’t responding, you may just have to wait for it to finish loading, but you will usually need to attempt a number of fixes until it starts working again.

Why Is My Fire Stick Not Responding?

There are also a number of problems that can cause a Fire Stick to appear unresponsive. Here are the most common:

• Updating or loading: If the Fire TV Stick is stuck on a loading screen, it may just be undergoing a long loading process. The loading screen usually only shows up for a short while, but it can take up to 10 minutes to clear after setup or updates.
• Remote problems: If the batteries in the remote are dead, or the remote isn’t paired, then the Fire TV Stick will appear unresponsive.
• Connectivity problems: Connectivity problems can also make a Fire TV appear unresponsive when attempting to play media, as the media may fail to load and appear stuck.
• HDMI problems: If you only see a black screen, there may be a problem with the HDMI port or the HDMI extension cable if you’re using one.
• App problems: If a particular app freezes or becomes unresponsive, then removing and reinstalling the app will usually fix the problem.
• Frozen or locked: When a Fire TV device is truly frozen or locked, then it usually takes a restart or even a factory reset to fix the problem.

How to Fix an Unresponsive Fire Stick

Since there are a number of issues which can cause a Fire TV Stick to become unresponsive, or appear unresponsive, fixing the problem is a process of elimination. Try each of these fixes in order, and check to see if the Fire TV Stick works after each one.

1. Wait for the loading screen. If your Fire TV Stick appears to be unresponsive on the loading screen, give it time to load. In some cases, it can take up to 10 minutes. If the loading screen is still up after that much time has passed, you can move on to the next fix.

2. Restart the Fire TV Stick. Your Fire TV Stick doesn’t have a power button, but you can effectively turn it off and back on by unplugging it from power for at least three seconds, and then plugging it back in. This will usually fix an unresponsive Fire TV Stick.

3. Check the remote. If the batteries are dead in your remote, the Fire TV Stick will appear unresponsive. Check the batteries, and make sure the remote is paired with your Fire TV Stick.  If you have multiple remotes, make sure you’re using the right one. If you aren’t sure, attempt to pair the remote. You can also use the Fire TV remote app on your phone.

4. Improve your Wi-Fi signal. If the Fire TV Stick takes a long time to load menus, apps or content, and it seems to get stuck when attempting to stream, try to improve the Wi-Fi signal. Move the Fire Stick out from behind your TV with an HDMI extension cable, or reposition your wireless router to achieve a stronger signal.

5. Check your HDMI connection. If you only see a black screen when attempting to use your Fire TV Stick, then it may be an HDMI problem. Try plugging the Fire TV device into a different HDMI input, and make sure you have the correct HDMI input selected on the television. If you’re using an HDMI cable or extension cable, try a different one.

6. Try a different power source. The USB power source you’re using may not be providing enough power. If you’re plugging into a USB port on the television for power, try plugging into a dedicated USB power adapter.

7. Uninstall the problem app. If the Fire TV Stick only becomes unresponsive when usign a specific app, and you’re able to get it working again by restarting the device, then try clearing the cache and data of the problem app. If that doesn’t fix the problem, try uninstalling the app and reinstalling it. If that still doesn’t work, the app may just be incompatible with your Fire TV Stick. Updating the Fire TV Stick may help, or you may need to wait for the app itself to receive an update.

8. Update your Fire TV Stick. If the device isn’t fully unresponsive and just seems to get stuck from time to time, then attempt to perform an update. If the update doesn’t help, or you’re unable to check due to the device being totally unresponsive, it’s time to start over from scratch.

9. Factory reset the Fire TV Stick. This is the last resort, as it resets the Fire TV Stick to the state it was in when you first bought it. This fixes most problems, but you will have to set the device up like it’s brand new, and you will have to download and install all of your apps again.