FireStick Keeps Restarting — Fixing the Reboot Loop

This article will cover all the best working solutions to fix the FireStick restarting issue. We’ll start with nine basic troubleshooting solutions and then move on to seven advanced ways to fix the issue.

Amazon FireStick is a top-rated portable streaming device. It offers a convenient plug-and-play entertainment solution for any HDMI-compatible TV.

It transforms your television into a smart TV, giving you access to streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+.

With its compact design, the FireStick is perfect for travel. It allows you to take your favorite shows and movies wherever you go.

Additionally, it supports voice control, making it easy to search for content, adjust settings, and control smart home devices hands-free.

But what if your FireStick suddenly starts malfunctioning and restarting repeatedly? That’s exactly what we are here to address.

This guide will walk you through the most effective solution to resolve this issue.

Attention FireStick Users

Governments and ISPs across the world monitor their users' online activities. If you use third-party streaming apps on your Fire TV Stick, you should always use a good FireStick VPN and hide your identity so your movie-viewing experience doesn’t take a bad turn. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone.

I use ExpressVPN, the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device, including Amazon Fire TV Stick. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don't like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 4 months free and save 61% on the 2-year plan.

Here is why you must use a VPN all the time.

Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick

Why Does My FireStick Keep Restarting?

So, you decided to binge-watch your favorite movie or TV show. Unfortunately, you encountered the FireStick restarting issue. Now what? Before we learn how to fix the problem, it’s important to understand why it occurs.

Like any other smart device, Amazon Fire TV Stick is a machine. Machines can malfunction due to hardware or software issues. However, in FireStick’s restarting case, the first and most apparent culprit can be the wires providing power to the device. Without sufficient power, the device can face the issue.

Next, damaged operating system files can also cause problems. For example, if your Amazon Fire TV Stick loses power during an update or doesn’t update successfully for other technical reasons, you can expect it to restart occasionally. Similarly, too many installed apps can also cause your device to get stuck in a restarting loop.

Furthermore, your device can face a restarting malfunction due to interference from other HDMI devices connected to your display. If your Fire TV is in a cramped space, heating can also be a sensible explanation for the issue.

Many possibilities at the software and hardware levels can cause the restarting issue. Only a certified Amazon FireStick expert can determine what’s triggering the problem.

We admit that we aren’t certified Amazon Fire TV technicians. But that doesn’t mean we can’t try possible ways to fix the issue. Here, we have divided the solutions into basic and advanced. We recommend applying the basic fixes and moving on to the advanced ones. So, let’s begin.

9 Basic Fixes If Your FireStick Keeps Restarting

As mentioned above, we will first cover nine basic ways to troubleshoot the FireStick restarting loop problem. These fixes are external, meaning you won’t have to turn on your FireStick to apply them. So, without further ado, let’s check out the solutions individually.

Use Official Adapter & Cable

Are you using the official adapter and cable provided with your Amazon Fire TV Stick? If not, you might have found the solution to the restarting problem. Unfortunately, third-party aftermarket USB cables aren’t made for Fire TV devices, and that’s why using one can cause power-related issues like the one we are covering today.

Use the official adapter (if you are providing power to FireStick with a power outlet) and cable that came with your Fire TV device. Don’t use your smartphone’s USB cable, power brick, or any other device with your FireStick.

For people who have misplaced or broken their official Amazon Fire TV power adapter and cable, you can order them online from the official Amazon website.

Remove, Plug-In & Power On – In That Order

Did using the official adapter and cable of your Amazon Fire TV not work out? Well, don’t worry. Sometimes, your device needs a quick power cycle to fix common issues like restarting.

To power cycle your Amazon FireStick, remove it from your TV and cut the power by unplugging the USB end. Wait ten seconds, then plug in the USB cable and insert your device into your TV’s HDMI port. Lastly, switch to the HDMI signal and power your device by pressing any button on your Fire TV remote.

After a few seconds, your Amazon FireStick will power up. Then, try using your device and see if the restarting loop has been fixed. If you still face the problem, move on to the next fix.

Replace Cable & Adapter

Another fix that might work is replacing your Amazon FireStick’s cable and power adapter. If you have been using the device for too long or the cable has gone through enough wear & tear, it’s time for a change. You can get official accessories (cable and adapter) for your Amazon Fire TV device on Amazon’s website.

We won’t recommend using third-party cables or power bricks, as they can damage your device. Only replace your current accessories with power equipment compatible with your Amazon Fire TV. Just search for Amazon Fire TV cable and power adapter on Amazon, and you’ll find official sellers of the products quickly.

Try Plugging FireStick In A Different USB Port

Although Amazon Fire TV devices don’t receive full power from USB ports, they work fine without any issues. So, if you are sourcing power from your display’s USB port and facing the restarting issue, try changing it. Many people online have reported that trying a different USB port on their TV/Monitor did the trick.

USB ports found on displays (other than the ones made especially for providing power) often become faulty with time as they aren’t used frequently. So, the USB port you currently use to power your Amazon Fire TV may be damaged. Hence, use a different USB port to see if the issue is resolved.

Note that many displays nowadays have a USB port, especially one made to provide power. These ports usually have a specific logo or graphic underneath them or colored interiors like blue, green, etc.

Plug the Device’s USB Cable Directly into a Power Outlet

Few people use the provided power brick to run their Amazon Fire TV directly via a power outlet. Instead, they plug the power end into their display’s USB port and call it a day. For some, this works, but for others, this choice of power delivery can result in issues like restarting, unknown shutdowns, etc.

If you currently use your display’s USB port to power your Amazon Fire TV Stick, it’s time to make changes. First, find the genuine power adapter that came with your FireStick device. Then, plug it into a power outlet, remove the USB cable from your display, and connect it to the adapter.

And now you are set to power on your Amazon FireStick. Click any button on your FireStick remote and wait for it to boot. Then, open some apps and play videos on YouTube to see if your issue is resolved.

Disconnect Extension Cables

Still can’t get through? Quickly check if you use extension cables between your display, Fire TV, and power. If yes, we must remove those extensions and directly connect the device to the TV and power.

Extension cables provide great convenience, but most are made of cheap, low-quality materials that can cause your device to malfunction. So, if you are using any, remove them and directly connect your Fire TV Stick to your display’s HDMI port. For power, use the original cable and adapter.

However, for those who need to add extension cables, look for the ones provided by Amazon Basics. They are affordable and reliable, meaning you won’t face any inconvenience.

Remove Other HDMI Devices From Your TV

Sometimes, other HDMI devices plugged into your TV can interfere with your Amazon FireStick and cause restarting issues. Many people have reported that removing other HDMI devices from their monitors or TVs has fixed the restarting issue with their Amazon FireStick.

Start with removing the other HDMI devices currently connected to your display. Then, check if the restarting issue with your FireStick has been fixed. Once you have identified the device causing the problem, you can plug it into other devices.

Try A Different HDMI Port

Next, an Amazon FireStick connected to a faulty HDMI port can also get caught in the restarting loop. HDMI ports can get damaged over time as they go through multiple plug-ins and outs. And as they have numerous pins inside, even a single damaged pin can disrupt the whole system.

You’ll find more than one HDMI port on modern and old displays, especially TVs. Try plugging your Amazon FireStick into another HDMI port on your display. Check on a different display if your screen has no other high-definition media input port.

Change Remote Batteries

Lastly, you can try changing your remote batteries. We know that you might be thinking about how changing remote batteries would affect the restarting issue. But as your remote power gets weaker, it can send false signals to your Fire TV, thus causing the problem. Although this fix has only worked out for the minority, we thought we would include it as you might find it working for you.

7 Advanced Fixes for FireStick Restarting Loop

I tried all the basic fixes but still had no luck burying the Fire TV Stick restarting issue for good. Well, don’t worry. There are seven more advanced fixes you can try to solve the problem. And here’s how they line up:

Soft Reset Your FireStick

Cache, temporary data, damaged files, and you name it; your Amazon FireStick has to deal with tons of operations every second. And just like humans, it requires a fresh start every once in a while. Not doing so can result in power issues like restarting, unexpected shutdowns, apps crashes, etc.

A soft reset on your Fire TV Stick can fix the restarting loop you are facing. It clears temporary files, damaged OS data, app cache, etc., enormously triggering the problem.

To soft reset your Amazon Fire TV, simultaneously long-press the Play/Pause & Select button on your FireStick remote. Wait until you see a powering-off message on your screen, then let go of the buttons. Your device will restart and return to the home screen within seconds.

Are you still facing the issue? Try the next fix.

Turn Off HDMI CEC Device Control

Do you know that your TV and Amazon FireStick have a feature known as HDMI CEC that’s on by default? This feature lets the user control HDMI-connected devices using only one remote controller. Although the feature is great for conveniently controlling all HDMI devices, it can sometimes cause issues like the one we are dealing with today.

HDMI CEC feature is enabled by default on your Fire TV Stick, letting it communicate back and forth with your display. This is beneficial for many users, but it can also trigger the restarting loop on your FireStick. Here’s how you can turn it off:

1. Launch your Fire TV or go to the home screen by clicking the Home button on your FireStick remote.

2. Select the Settings Cog icon on your screen’s middle extreme right side.

3. Scroll down and select Display & Sounds.

4. You’ll land on the Display & Sounds page.

5. Now, scroll down and click on the HDMI CEC Device Control option to turn it off.

6. Lastly, double-check the HDMI CEC Device Control option’s current status and ensure it’s OFF.

Once you have turned off the HDMI CEC Device Control option, restart your Fire TV. The restarting issue will likely be fixed. But if you are still encountering the issue, move on to the next solution.

Update Your Device’s Firmware

Amazon frequently updates its Amazon Fire TV devices to fix various customer issues. You may miss updates if you have not been connected to the internet for a long time. Make sure to update your FireStick by downloading and installing the new firmware.

People on the internet have reported that updating their FireStick to the latest firmware has resolved the restarting issue. So, if you are in the same boat, it’s time to update your device to the newest software.

Uninstall Unused & Incompatible Applications

Unused applications on your Amazon Fire TV overload the storage and can also interfere with your operating system, causing the restarting issue. Even if you aren’t using them, they can run in the background, eat your device’s memory, slow down performance, and you know what’s next.

Furthermore, having too many applications on your Amazon FireStick can fill up its storage space. This leads to the OS files not correctly executing their operations as they have to work under very limited storage. Next up, if you have installed incompatible apps on your FireStick, they can also set off the restarting issue.

So, long story short, delete unused and incompatible apps.

Clear Cache & Data Of Apps

Apps installed on your Amazon Fire TV store include two types of files: cache and data. Cache helps the app and device communicate with each other to execute past and new operations quickly. Data are files stored like account information, user settings, etc. Although these two files are helpful, they can get damaged and cause your FireStick to take unexpected actions, like restarting.

That’s why you must occasionally clear the cache and data of your most-used apps. Especially if you are facing a restarting issue with your Fire Stick. So, here’s how you can do it.

Reset Your Device To Factory Defaults

Now it’s time for the second-last resort you can depend on to fix the restarting issue on your FireStick. If all the above solutions don’t work, it’s time to reset your device to factory defaults. All your apps, data, Amazon account sign-in details, profile settings, etc., would be deleted, and your Fire TV would be refreshed back to its factory settings. Many people on the internet have reported that resetting their devices fixed the problem.

Here’s how you can factory reset your Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Reset Your Television

Last but certainly not least, you can also try resetting your television/monitor to factory defaults to fix the restarting issue with your Fire TV. After all, your display controls your Amazon FireStick directly, so resetting it can solve the issue. And it has certainly done for some lucky users.

To do that, turn on your TV or monitor and open Settings. Go to the About or System tab, where you’ll find an option to reset your display. Click on it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the action. For a more detailed television/monitor resting guide, refer to the manual with your display.

Final Words

We have presented 16 ways you can try to fix the restarting issue with your FireStick. If something worked for you and wasn’t listed in this piece, please share it in the comments section to enlighten us and help others.

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