Last Updated on January 15, 2023
Congratulations on being the proud owner of a FireStick, that little device you insert into the HDMI port on your television and that gives you access to more TV shows, movies, and music than you ever thought possible.
Once it is plugged into the wall socket, connected to the internet, and you’ve downloaded your favorite apps, you are free to watch most things that appeal to you and at any time. It is the “entertainment on tap” device you have been looking for.
Except for one caveat. How long does a FireStick last or can you expect your new toy to live forever?
Answering this question is akin to answering “How long is a piece of string?”
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How Long Can You Expect a Firestick to Last?
The short answer is between 3 to 5 years. A FireStick does not break easily, but the technology will eventually become outdated, and the device may malfunction for various reasons.
Electronic Goods Do Not Last Forever
In general electronic goods do not last forever. And why should they? Living in a world where technology is evolving faster than the human race did, only the most nostalgic of us want to use the new devices of our childhood to last into our later years.
And with thousands of tech people out there looking for the next best device for us to use, can we really stay with a first-generation device when the fourth generation is arriving on the marketplace?
Age and storage matter
You may find that as your FireStick ages, it functions less efficiently and loads more slowly than it did at the outset, making you itch to replace it.
Another problem you may run into if you tend to install a lot of apps is a lack of storage. Users, especially those who use the FireStick to access programs for their children, will find the storage capacity full very early on into the FireStick’s life, meaning they will either have to disconnect apps or invest in a new FireStick.
Knowing your needs before you make your purchase is your guarantee of getting your money’s worth when buying your FireStick.
The generation matters
We humans are not the only earthlings to whom generation matters. In fact, in terms of generation, technology is well in advance of us.
FireStick users rate the lifespan of FireSticks they are familiar with to range from two years and two months to six and a half years and found their longevity was based on their generation.
They commented that first and second-generation FireSticks tend to be slow and cumbersome in their operations and are not designed to support the usage of too many apps. And nothing can destroy your viewing experience more than a laggy FireStick.
Practical remedies for FireStick malfunction
Experienced users of FireSticks have a few hints of their own to deal with underperforming FireSticks.
Some suggest the old trick used on aging electronics, i.e., unplugging and restarting the device. Or try the practical housekeeping solution of dusting. Check the TV USB port and the HDM1 port.
Others rely on the simple solution of disposing of some apps, aka, not expecting a device that costs less than $50 to carry out a major amount of tasks.
But for the user who has become accustomed to the convenience of a FireStick for downloading anything and everything, this solution may not be very appealing.
How Long Do 3RD and 4TH-Generation Firesticks Last?
However, third and fourth-generation FireSticks are more powerful. They can handle more apps. And can do so smoothly and efficiently.
Many advise upgrading to a fourth-generation FireStick to avoid the problems you may be encountering with a first or second-generation device.
The fourth-generation FireStick will boot up more quickly, has more memory, and stronger hardware. As you would expect, it has more sophisticated software and allows you to connect more apps.
Not bad for a device that sets you back less than $55 and gives you hours of entertainment.
Firestick Retailers Are on Your Side
We don’t often say it, but when purchasing a FireStick, the retailer is on the consumer’s side. Many retailers are now promising updates on their Fire TV devices, usually from the launch date of the device.
You can congratulate them on their awareness of the market for FireSticks or simply check out how some of the big companies are dealing with their customers.
- Apple TV, for example, offers support for device users purchasing a product from the fourth-generation Apple TV onwards and may offer you five years’ support if you purchase one of their streaming devices.(Read our guide on installation of apple TV app on firestick)
- You can expect Vizio TV to offer five years of upgrades to your TV software.
- Amazon is expected to offer between six and eight years of support from your device’s original launch date as long as your device isn’t first or second generation.
- Roku is also a strong contender for a top spot in the software support field.
A Case of “Buyer Beware”
To expect a decent longevity range from your FireStick, you need to look at what the retailer can promise you and ensure you purchase a device that meets your viewing needs.
And if like most modern users of technology, you are living with other people, especially teens and young children, who have an insatiable appetite for all that today’s media can offer them, don’t forget to take that into account.
You may be buying the stick for your own personal use, but new technological devices have a habit of attracting young audiences.
You don’t need your favorite sports champion contending with the latest GoNoodle production.
Can a $55 Device Do Everything?
It can certainly try. But how well it does depends on you.
When comparing the longevity of your FireStick to the length of a piece of string, bear in mind that a short piece of string will only serve to wrap a small parcel.
A longer piece will go much further, but you try to get the short piece around a large item, and yes, it frays. So too does your earlier model FireStick if you expect it to contend with every channel out there that takes your fancy. Treat your aging model with respect, and it will repay you.
Taking Care of Your Firestick
With all models, regardless of generation, take the above-mentioned pointers into consideration and maybe consider adding the following to your to-do list:
- When adding apps, be careful of the app update function. Apps updating in the background may steal some of the power you need to watch your show.
- Consider equipping other members of your household with their own FireSticks. This could be especially helpful if you want younger household members to avoid access to more adult-oriented programs. If you have to be away from home and are not guaranteed access to entertainment, you may want to bring your device with you.
- Make sure you install ADB debugging before you install unknown apps. You do not need to give hackers easy access to your personal data.
- Your FireStick comes with the privacy setting in default mode. Consider turning it off if you have a problem with your data being collected.
- Do not forget routine maintenance. Ensure you clean that cache of apps regularly.
This may take a little time as you will have to remove each app individually. But you will be rewarded with a smoother running FireStick and more enjoyable viewing.
And finally, Enjoy!
