In this guide, I will show you how to restart a FireStick. The same steps apply to other Fire TV devices, including FireStick 4K, Fire TV Cube, All New FireStick 4K and 4K Max, and Fire TV Stick Lite.
Why Restart FireStick?
Restarting a FireStick is the quickest way to give a fresh start to the operating system. Users prefer to reboot their streaming devices to fix minor software glitches and bugs. However, that’s not the only reason. Here are some other reasons why you may want to restart FireStick:
- The Fire TV is incurring performance issues and lags while opening applications, so a quick restart will surely fix it.
- If you’ve launched an app, and it’s frozen/ unresponsive, the only solution is to reboot the streaming device.
- Downloading certain apps and updates requires users to restart Fire TV.
Attention, FireStick Users!
Governments and ISPs constantly monitor your online activity, and accessing copyrighted content on your Fire TV Stick could lead to serious trouble. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone. I strongly recommend getting the best FireStick VPN to mask your IP address and securely stream your favorites.
I personally use ExpressVPN, the fastest and most secure VPN available. Not only is it easy to install on any device, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, if you're not 100% satisfied, you can always get a refund. ExpressVPN is currently also offering a whopping 3 extra months free on their annual plan!
Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick
Method 1: How to Restart FireStick with Settings
A Restart option within the FireStick Settings lets you quickly reboot your device. It is probably the most uncomplicated method to restart Amazon FireStick. However, for this method to work, your remote must be working, and you should be able to navigate your FireStick.
If the device is frozen or stuck and not responding to the regular remote commands (such as back-button press), you can use the other two methods I have provided later in this guide. Assuming your remote is working normally, and your device is not frozen, follow these steps to restart FireStick:
1. On the home window of FireStick, you will find the menu options in the middle (press the Home key on your remote to go to the home window). Click Settings on the far right.
2. Now go ahead and navigate to My Fire TV and click it.
3. Now, scroll down a bit and choose Restart.
4. When prompted, click Restart again. Your FireStick will now begin to restart. The ‘Powering Off’ message will also be displayed on the screen.
This is how you restart FireStick using the Settings options.
Highly recommended if streaming with free or low-cost services 👇
How to Stream on FireStick Anonymously
As soon as you install the right apps, your FireStick is all ready to stream your favorite content. However, before you start, I would like to warn you that everything you stream online is visible to your ISP and Government. This means, streaming free movies, TV shows, Sports might get you into legal trouble.
Thankfully, there is a foolproof way to keep all your streaming activities hidden from your ISP and the Government. All you need is a good VPN for Fire Stick. A VPN will mask your original IP which is and will help you bypass Online Surveillance, ISP throttling, and content geo-restrictions.
I personally use and recommend ExpressVPN, which is the fastest and most secure VPN. It is compatible with all kinds of streaming apps and is very easy to install on Fire TV / Stick.
We do not encourage the violation of copyright laws. But, what if you end up streaming content from an illegitimate source unintentionally? It is not always easy to tell the difference between a legit and illegal source.
So, before you start streaming on your Fire Stick / Fire TV, let’s see how to use ExpressVPN to keep your streaming activities hidden from prying eyes.
Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN HERE. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Meaning, you can use it free for the first 30-days and if you are not satisfied with the performance (which is highly unlikely), you can ask for a full refund.
Step 2: Power ON your Fire TV Stick and go to Find followed by Search option.
Step 3: Now type “Expressvpn” (without quotes) in the search bar and select ExpressVPN when it shows up in the search results.
Step 4: Click Download to install the ExpressVPN app on Fire TV / Stick.
Step 5: Open the app and enter the login credentials that you created while buying the ExpressVPN subscription. Click Sign in.
Step 6: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for FireStick.
You can also read more detailed info on using ExpressVPN with Fire TV / Stick.
Method 2: Restart FireStick directly with the Remote
Another quick way to restart your FireStick is by using the FireStick remote. However, it’s a hard reboot and will force close all the running applications. So, only follow this method if the screen is unresponsive and you can’t access the Settings menu. Follow these steps to restart FireStick directly:
1. Pick up the Fire TV remote and press the Play/ Pause and Select buttons for a few seconds (almost 3 to 5 seconds.)
2. Your FireStick will quickly reboot
Method 3: Unplug from the power source to restart FireStick
The following method for restarting FireStick is the traditional method of disconnecting the power supply. However, it’s not the best thing for your streaming stick. You should use this method only if the above two do not work. Follow these instructions:
- Locate the power source and unplug your Fire TV or FireStick
- Connect the switch again after waiting a few seconds
- Access the Home menu and see if FireStick is working fine
Unplugging from the power source is best if your FireStick has become unresponsive and the remote is not working.
FAQs
How do I restart my FireStick if it’s not responding?
The easiest way to restart your frozen FireStick is to press the Play/Pause and the Select button for a few seconds (mainly 3 – 5 seconds.) Then, the Fire TV will immediately start to reboot.
Why should I restart my FireStick?
Rebooting is excellent for fixing system glitches or minor bugs, as it gives a fresh start to your Fire TV.
Does restarting FireStick help to fix issues with apps?
Restarting FireStick helps fix minor software glitches or bugs that cause app issues. It also helps when an app becomes unresponsive.
What’s the best way to restart my FireStick?
The best way to restart Fire TV is by tapping Settings> My Fire TV> Restart.
How often should I restart my Fire TV?
You should restart your Fire TV after every 3 or so days. Moreover, it may be time for a reboot if you notice the Fire TV lagging or slowing down while loading applications.
Wrapping Up
The guide taught you three easy ways to reboot your FireStick. Restarting your Fire TV now and then will give a fresh start to the operating system. It will also fix any bugs or system glitches. However, you should only opt for the second and third if the first doesn’t work. Restarting Fire TV via the Settings menu is the best option.
Related:
- How to Set up Amazon FireStick
- How to fix non-working FireStick Remote
- Best FireStick Settings
- Best Tips and Tricks for FireStick
Suberboost Your FireStick with My Free Guide
Stay Ahead: Weekly Insights on the Latest in Free Streaming!
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Disclosure - FireStickTricks.com is reader-supported blog. When you buy a product through links on our site, we may earn commission. Learn More
Monica Michell Casarez says
my firestick went black screen wont show nothing
Max says
Hi Monica,
Have you attempted to unplug your FireStick from the HDMI port and also unplug your television from its power source? As detailed in method 3 of the article, you should wait at least 1 minute before plugging your devices back into their power sources before attempting to turn them back on. Please let me know if you are still experiencing this issue after following the steps detailed in method 3.
Dan says
my firestick tells me that my home is not available now what I have tired restarting , unpluging
Max says
Hi Dan, here is our guide on how to fix “Home is Currently Unavailable” on FireStick.
Keith B says
When I try to do the initial setup I get as far as connecting to my wifi and then as it tries to update I just get taken to a screen that says “Unable to update your Fire TV Stick”. It can’t be my wifi strength as I have another firestick that works fine. I’ve tried resetting but I get the same outcome?
Max says
Hi Keith, it could be the faulty FireStick. Did you try contacting Amazon customer support?
Harjeet singh Nands says
My fire stick is heldup on lono itself don’t show any menu what is the solution
Max says
Hi Harjeet, unplug the device. Wait for a few minutes. Plug it back in. It should work.
Linda Jane Mckenna says
hi my fire stick is stuck on configuring your fire tv
Max says
Hi Linda, unplug and power up the device again. It should work.
Ave Forseth says
My remote will does not turn on/off, nor does it control volume. Is there a remote reset? We have reset the firestick using a hard reset as well as the sequence you present.
Max says
Hi Ave, check out the solutions in this guide: https://www.firesticktricks.com/firestick-remote.html
gary tanaka says
firestick disappeared as an input option. selection on my tv. how can i get it back on?
Max says
Hi Gary, that usually happens when the device isn’t properly plugged into the HDMI port or the power source. Please check both.
ben says
somehow my operating system got knocked off all Im seeing is FireTVStick logo I bought two the other one works fine
Max says
Hi Ben, are you using the original power adapter that came with your device? If yes, please unplug the device from the power source and plug it back in.