Last Updated on June 21, 2022
How frustrating is it when your Fire Stick keeps restarting every time you try to use it? It can be pretty antagonizing when all you want to do is stream your favorite TV show and your Fire Stick has other plans. But why does this happen? How do you keep your Fire Stick from acting up like this?
If your Fire Stick keeps restarting, it’s likely due to some kind of power issue. If the power source is compromised, your device may struggle to maintain the power needed to work properly. Your Fire Stick restart issue may also be due to either hardware or software problems within the device.
In this article, we’re going to explain exactly what to do when your Fire Stick keeps restarting, some basic troubleshooting techniques to be aware of, and how to prevent this from happening in the future. We’ll also cover some frequently asked questions about troubleshooting a Fire Stick.
Contents
- 1 What to do When Your Fire Stick Keeps Restarting
- 2 Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
- 3 How to Prevent This From Happening in the Future
- 4 Fire Stick Troubleshooting FAQs
- 4.1 Why is my Fire Stick Blinking On and Off?
- 4.2 How long do Fire Sticks normally last?
- 4.3 Why is my jailbroken Fire Stick continuously restarting?
- 4.4 Why does the Fire Stick keep restarting certain apps?
- 4.5 What do I do when my Fire Stick displays a profile error code?
- 4.6 Why does my Fire Stick keep displaying a black screen?
What to do When Your Fire Stick Keeps Restarting
When you find that your Fire Stick won’t stop restarting, there are a few different troubleshooting techniques you can try to remedy the issue. If you find that none of the techniques mentioned here are working to solve your problem, you may need to call for help or purchase another device.
The problem may lie within the device itself, or it could also be a result of a poor connection to your television. Whatever the reason may be, consider these troubleshooting techniques before throwing in the towel.
Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
1. Check the power block
Your first step in troubleshooting your Fire Stick is to check the power block you’re using with your Fire Stick to make sure it’s correct. As per Amazon’s recommendation, it’s best to use a 5.25v, 5W power block. If you choose to use a different type, it’s recommended to go with original equipment from the manufacturer.
2. Disconnect your Fire Stick
If that doesn’t work, you can try disconnecting and reconnecting your Fire Stick. After disconnecting the Fire Stick, make sure you wait roughly 30 seconds before powering the device back on. This is the most common remedy for fixing glitches within electronic equipment.
3. Remove hardware extensions
Your next task to take into consideration is to remove any hardware extensions, if you use any. Extensions are typically used to connect Fire Sticks and other connecting devices away from your TV. If the extension doesn’t allow proper power to come through, your Fire Stick may have issues keeping up.
4. Remove other HDMI connections
Along with that, make sure your Fire Stick is the only thing occupying the HDMI ports on your TV. If you have multiple devices fighting for power, it’s likely going to cause interference with your Fire Stick, hence the issue of restarting.
5. Check for damaged cables
You may also want to check your cables and assess for any damage. If the power cable, in particular, is beginning to get frayed, you’re going to want to replace that as soon as possible. Not only will this help your device work properly, but it’s also safer not to have frayed wires around.
6. Check that your TV is HDCP compatible
If your TV doesn’t support HDCP, it’s likely the remote is constantly looking for a connection that isn’t there. While most TVs are already equipped with HDCP-compatible displays, some aren’t. Your Fire Stick requires this technology in order to work properly.
7. Do a factory reset
It’s also very possible you may just need to upgrade your device or do a factory reset. Devices get old after a while and stop working properly. They’re also vulnerable to corruption that may require a factory reset. Keep in mind, though, once you factory reset your Fire Stick, you’ll need to redownload all of the apps you regularly use.
8. Soft Reset Your Remote
You may also have luck by performing a soft reset on your remote. To do this, you’ll need to follow specific instructions that vary depending on the model of your Fire Stick. With that said, the step-by-step process is very similar across the board. Here are the general steps for soft resetting a Basic Edition Fire Stick:
- Hold down the “home” button while pressing the “menu” button three times.
- Take your finger off of the “home” button.
- Press the “menu” button nine times.
- Remove the remote batteries.
- Unplug your Fire TV and leave it for 60 seconds.
- Replace the batteries and plug the Fire TV back in.
- Wait for the home screen to appear, and then hold down the “home” button for 40 seconds.
- Setup should be complete within 60 seconds.
For specific instructions pertaining to each model, you can check out Amazon’s step-by-step guide.
How to Prevent This From Happening in the Future
There are plenty of ways to prevent this issue from happening in the future, at least until the device has reached the end of its lifespan. Although some circumstances can’t be avoided, most causes of this problem are preventable. Here are some helpful tips on how to prevent your Fire Stick from acting up like this again:
- Steer clear from off-brand accessories. It’s always best to use the original or official accessories to avoid compromising your device.
- Replace your USB cable. Cables get old, and after a while, they start to degrade in terms of effectiveness. If you notice your USB cable is starting to look a little questionable, or you’ve had it for a long time, it’s time to replace it.
- Change your power adapter. Although the Fire Stick comes with a 1 Amp adapter, changing to a 2 Amp adapter usually solves restart issues.
- Pass on the extensions. Although they can be helpful in certain situations, they are also a common cause of Fire Stick restart issues.
- No other items in the HDMI port. Doing this can cause all electronic devices plugged into the port to fight for power. In turn, your devices won’t work as well as they would on their own.
Fire Stick Troubleshooting FAQs
Why is my Fire Stick Blinking On and Off?
If you notice your Fire Stick is blinking on and off, it’s possible there may be a power issue. It could be due to placement by use of extensions or simply a need to replace the remote batteries. It’s also possible this light could be due to a bad video signal, trouble with your HDMI connection, or the resolution.
You can remedy this issue by replacing your HDMI cable if needed, double-checking that your Fire Stick is connected to the internet, and also adjusting resolution settings so it’s compatible with your TV.
Keep in mind, too, that the remote light will blink on and off while you’re in setup mode. If you’re still working on setting up your Fire Stick, you shouldn’t worry about this. As long as everything is okay, it will go away once you finish with the setup.
How long do Fire Sticks normally last?
When Fire Sticks are used properly and are well-taken care of, they usually last between 3-5 years. Technology continuously grows and evolves. Once your Fire Stick reaches the end of its life, a new and improved version is ready to replace your old device.
Why is my jailbroken Fire Stick continuously restarting?
When your Fire Stick restarts, it’s usually because of some sort of power issue. However, it can also be the result of a bugged and compromised device. When Fire Sticks are jailbroken, they’re potentially exposed to a plethora of nefarious software that may contribute to your Fire Stick restart issue.
Why does the Fire Stick keep restarting certain apps?
When apps keep kicking you off and restarting on your Fire Stick, it can be a problem with the Fire Stick itself, or within the app you’re trying to use. If it’s an issue with your Fire Stick, you may be looking at an issue with the power supply. However, if it’s a problem with the app, it’s likely due to some sort of bug or glitch.
If the app is to blame, check and see if it has an upgrade available. That upgrade may address the very issue you’re dealing with, and the newer version shouldn’t have a problem. You can also delete the app and reinstall it. If any upgrades are available, it will automatically download the latest version.
What do I do when my Fire Stick displays a profile error code?
Sometimes when you need to update your device, a profile error code may show up. If this happens, you can easily fix the issue by following these steps:
- Restart the device. During this step, you should also unplug the power adapter for three seconds before plugging it back in.
- Check for additional updates. Select “My Fire TV” and then choose “About.” Scroll down to “Check For Updates” and see if there are any more available.
- Install any necessary updates. Afterward, you should be able to access everything you need.
Why does my Fire Stick keep displaying a black screen?
If you notice a black, blue, or blank screen, it’s likely because you’re not on the correct TV setting for your Fire Stick. In most TVs, there are multiple HDMI ports available for use. Because of that, there are different corresponding settings on your TV, so you can switch between each one. All you need to do is scroll through your options until you get to the Fire TV home screen.
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