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The Amazon Fire Stick is available with many great features. There are tons of third-party applications that can be installed to lengthen its functionalities. However, users sometimes may find that their FireStick is not working. It’s either a blank screen issue, problems with streaming videos, or the remote to control the device will not work.
The Amazon FireStick is a streaming device that lets you stream all of your best-loved movies, TV shows, view photos, and many more. This streaming device allows you to store all of the content that you love and take them wherever you go. And while the Amazon FireStick can be quite handy, there are times it suddenly stops functioning.
Some of the most common Firestick problems involve device freezing, crashes, blank screen, issues with visuals or audio, app-related errors, and much more. Nonetheless, most of these issues can be fixed by just restarting the streaming device. It’s often a solution to most of the typical problems and needs to pull off the device’s power cord and plug it back in to make it functional again.
Regardless of the problem, there are many ways to fix the device when the FireStick is not working.
Problems with Wi-Fi Connection
If the Firestick device continuously goes offline and just will not stay connected, it can be a bad internet connection problem, password error, power outage, and more. You think that this could be a password problem? Make sure that the Amazon prime account password and Wi-Fi password are not the same. If that is not the issue, check if there are interferences between the Firestick device and the Wi-Fi signal.
Buttons issue
The buttons of the FireStick don’t tend to respond if you did not properly pair the remote with the device. You need to press down the remote’s Home key for about 8 to 10 seconds to pair the device again. However, if it doesn’t fix the problem, reset the FireStick remote and pair it again with the device.
FireStick remote not working
The FireStick Remote eats up a large amount of battery. If the FireStick is not responding, there’s a probability that the remote batteries are weak or out of charge. Note that the battery will deplete without any warning. Nonetheless, one of the best solutions is to choose a good quality alkaline battery and also keep spare batteries.
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Currently, your IP 18.97.14.83 is visible to everyone and your Browser is being tracked by Advertisers & ISP Provider.
Here are the main reasons why you must use a VPN:
- Your activities are hidden from your ISP, the government, and from the apps you are using.
- You can access additional movies and TV streams.
- ISP attempts to throttle are thrwarted thus reducing buffering issues.
- Geographically restricted content like Netflix and Hulu can be unblocked.
A VPN works be replacing your ISP-assigned IP address and creating an encrypted tunnel. We recommend the no log service offered by IPVanish. It works well on a Firestick and offers the fastest possible speeds.
Reasons for the FireStick Remote to Stop Working
There are a lot of reasons that can cause the remote of FireStick to stop functioning. The most common problems include issues with the batteries, other electronics’ interference, and obstructions that hinder the remote’s signal. However, if all else fails, try to reset the streaming device to its factory settings.
Below are the most typical reasons for your Firestick remote to stop working:
- Pairing – If the remote is not paired with the Amazon Firestick, it will not function. Always pair the Firestick remote or replacement remotes before using them.
- Batteries – One of the reasons that the remote of the Firestick stopped working is battery issues. Low battery charge, batteries not inserted properly, and other related problems can all cause the streaming device’s remote to stop functioning.
- Distance – the Firestick remote uses Bluetooth, so it has a theoretical range of around 30 feet. But, the actual range of the remote is usually lower.
- Obstructions – it doesn’t require a direct line of sight between the Firestick and the remote. However, obstructions can lessen the range.
- Interference – Other devices that can obstruct Bluetooth connections can prevent the Firestick remote from functioning properly.
- Compatibility – If you buy a Firestick replacement remote, ensure they are compatible.
- Damage – External damage, as well as internal faults because of failed parts, can cause the remote to stop working.
Always Use A VPN While Using The Amazon Firestick
Using Virtual Private Network or VPN can be very handy on a Firestick. Thanks to a VPN service, you can access platforms or services that are unavailable in your country or bypass the meaningless restrictions that several platforms sometimes impose. When you use a Firestick, an encrypted Virtual Private Network service provider is highly recommended to hide your online activities, identity, and location. Many Firestick users prefer Surfshark VPN service for privacy, price, and speed.
Providing the fastest server speeds and amazing live chat support, Surfshark is also an easy-to-use VPN app. Make sure to enable the VPN service when you are streaming on the internet.
Troubleshooting Firestick general problems
Amazon Firestick is a great device to watch movies, TV shows, and more on your own schedule. Particularly, if you have subscribed to Amazon Prime, thus you can stream unlimited entertainment content relatively inexpensively. However, it is very common to have problems with any electronic device, and the Amazon Firestick is no exception.
Fortunately, there are a number of things Firestick users can try to get the device going again. Below are the things you need to do when the Firestick is not working.
Check If the Firestick Is Set Up Correctly
Most importantly, make sure that you set up the FireStick properly. It may seem obvious, but cables of devices can easily lose over time. If the Firestick device seems to be unresponsive, you may try a different HDMI port on the television as well.
In addition, make sure the Firestick is powered correctly, connected to a wall outlet, and if you still have the original power adapter, use it.
Don’t use one of the spare USB ports of the TV for power. Even though it can be enticing to have one less cable behind the television, they do not always sufficiently output juice to keep the streaming device working reliably.
Even if the Firestick does work fully most of the time, it is recommended to restart or reboot the device.
Restarting the Amazon Firestick
Amazon designed the Firestick to be left plugged in and always connected. Nonetheless, Firestick users can fix many issues with the infrequent reboot, which include failed updates and connection problems.
There are three ways to restart the Amazon Firestick.
- Head to Settings > My Fire TV > Restart and when prompted – choose to confirm. This could be the best way, as it will shut down all the apps or software properly before the Firestick restarts.
- If the streaming device is frozen and you can’t navigate via the menus. Head to Settings, hold down the remote’s Select & Play/Pause buttons for around five seconds. This will force the Firestick to reboot or restart with no confirmation screen
- The last option is to pull the plug of the Firestick. Unplugging and replugging the power supply will force the device to reboot. However, don’t do this method when the Firestick is updating.
Check The Network Connection
When the Firestick has generally sluggish performance, the main interface is not loading or buffering video, you must check the network connection.
To check if you have a Wi-Fi connection head to Settings > Network.
You can also check there if you have a strong signal. If the signal strength is poor then you will experience slower speeds regardless of how fast the internet connection is. This could lead to issues such as buffering or a picture quality reduction.
The best way to solve this issue is by moving the Firestick or the router so that the devices will be nearer and will have hardly any objects obstructing the signal.
For Wi-Fi issues or dropped connections, rebooting or restarting the router can sometimes also help.
Install All Available Firestick Updates
Not all Firestick issues are necessarily distinctive to the streaming device. There could be software bugs that affect how the device performs. In order to prevent this, make sure the software of the Firestick is up to date.
It is recommended to leave the Fire TV Stick plugged in and always connected. This allows updates to happen, and the streaming device will be connected all the time when an update is in progress.
Updates for Firestick should transpire automatically, however, you can check if an update is available and start the process manually. Head to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates.
Reset The Firestick Apps/Applications
There are tons of great applications Firestick users should install on their devices. But sometimes some apps will stop working correctly, or unexpectedly keep crashing. However, there are three methods to fix it.
Ensure the apps on the Firestick are updated. As with the software of Firestick, this should transpire automatically, and you can also do it manually. Head to Settings > Applications then Manage Installed Applications. Choose the malfunctioning application and you will be able to update it if the update is available.
Still won’t work? You may reset the application. From the same menu option, select the app you wish to fix and choose Clear cache. The files and data that the app has kept will all be deleted, and which could sometimes be the source of issues.
If that still fails, head to the same menu and choose Clear data. Wherein, the app completely resets. You need to set it up again from the beginning, which includes login details.
In addition, you must remember that uninstalling applications you do not use could aid to speed up the Firestick.
Fix The Firestick Remote
If the remote of the Firestick is not functioning anymore, you can try a few things to get the remote working again. Nonetheless, restarting the streaming device itself will do the job.
Reset & repair a remote by holding down its Home button for about 20 seconds.
You can try taking the batteries of the remote out and putting them back in again. You may change them for brand new batteries. Also, wipe the battery connectors to clean.
If the methods above don’t work, the Firestick remote may be broken. However, there are many Firestick remote replacements you can purchase, and while you are waiting for the replacement remote to arrive you may utilize your mobile phone or the TV remote as a controller instead.
Resetting the Firestick
Resetting the Firestick is the best option for the Firestick Is Not Working issue. When you did everything else and the Firestick is still not functioning exactly as it should, you can restore the device to factory settings and set the device up again.
Head to Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults – when prompted select confirm.
Once you’ve done resetting the Firestick, you will have to set up the Firestick again. This includes entering Amazon account details, as well as reinstalling all your favorite apps. Any other modifications you have made to the settings will be gone, but stuff, such as Watchlist, will remain during the process.
Fix The Blank Screen Issue With The Fire Stick
Upon turning the Firestick on and it only displays a blank screen, a broken or loose cable connection could be to blame.
- Ensure to use the cables that came with the Firestick device.
- Make sure that you properly plugged the HDMI cable into the TV.
- If the HDMI cable is not in good condition – replace it.
- Also, restart the Firestick a couple of times.
How to Install Surfshark VPN on Firestick
If your Firestick still has the older interface, read this article to learn how to update it: Update Firestick Interface.
Follow our screenshots below to install the SurfShark VPN app on your Fire TV stick.
1. Go to the Home screen of your Firestick.
2. Navigate towards the Find tab. Press the Search button from the resulting dropdown.
3. Type in the keyword of SurfShark and select from the suggestions that will appear.
4. Click the official SurfShark icon from your search results.
5. Press the Download (You own it) button.
6. The SurfShark VPN installer will download on your device.
7. SurfShark VPN’s app will automatically install itself on your Fire TV stick.
8. Press the Open button after completing SurfShark VPN’s installation process.
9. Please wait for the SurfShark VPN to load its user interface.
10. You can now log in with your SurfShark VPN account credentials.
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Wrapping up
It’s quite easy to fix the Firestick Is Not Working issue, and the methods outlined above should really help you do so. After fixing the Firestick problems, you will be able to boost your home entertainment by streaming nearly anything you want.
However, always remember to use A VPN every time you use the Amazon Firestick. Please feel free to let us know what you think of this article in the comments section below.
