How to Fix Firestick Keeps Crashing Issue?

When Firestick keeps crashing, we usually attempt to close open applications in order to reduce the load. However, this sometimes is not enough so let’s start unwrapping solutions!

When the Firestick keeps crashing, reduce the background processes and clear the cache data of the streaming stick.

In addition, also find and turn off active VPN or proxy services that produce network lag or perform a factory reset on the Firestick.

Let’s unwrap the problem even further!

Reasons Why Does My Firestick Keep Crashing?

1. Too many background apps running
2. Corrupted Firestick application cache
3. Slow or no internet connection (WiFi)
4. An active VPN service/proxy software
5. A problematic app or installed service
6. Outdated Firestick firmware version
7. Incompatible graphic (video) settings

Try This First!

First, reboot the Firestick, by unplugging it from the associated TV device for about 60 seconds.

That will help with any impermanent functionality problems that are causing your Firestick to crash/freeze in weird ways.

Firestick Keeps Crashing – Quick & Proven Solutions!

Tip: Follow the chronological order of the following solutions!

1. Clear the Firestick Cache

The most simple thing to start with is clearing the cache on your Firestick.

As we install and use applications, surf the internet, and make configurations, excess data files also known as “cache” pile up in the storage of your Firestick.

Quick Fact: When not cleaned regularly, the cache slows the device's performance!

Here’s how to clear the cache of your Firestick in easy steps:

1. Go to Settings on your Firestick.
2. Select the “Applications” tab.
3. Tap “Manage Installed Applications”.
4. Select any recently used application.
5. Tap “Clear Cache” and then “Clear Data”.
6. Repeat for all apps installed on your Firestick.

Info: Unfortunately, there is no way as of now to erase the cache for all apps in one click so it takes a bit of time to clear the cache of all apps.

2. Check the Internet Connection

Poor internet connection may cause your Firestick to slow down in terms of loading speed and app management, often causing the device to crash.

Hence, you need to ensure that the WiFi that your Firestick uses, performs well and is accessible by other devices.

Here’s how to check the connection of your Firestick:

1. Select “Settings” on your Firestick.
2. Choose the “Network” tab.
3. Tap on “Set up internet connection”.
4. Press on “Wireless”.
5. Check if the Firestick is connected.

No Internet Connection On Firestick?

If your Firestick is not paired to any network, press on the network you wish to pair with from the list within the “Network” tab.

All you have to do is insert the password and press “Connect”.

Tip: Test connecting another device to your Firestick’s WiFi to justify its functionality!

3. Update Firestick Firmware

Now that we’ve validated that your Firestick is connected to the internet, we must use the chance to also check for new firmware.

If Firestick is operating on an outdated version, it’s likely that some of the newer and optimized apps would crash at random.

Quick Fact: Your Firestick should update automatically at least once in 2 weeks!

How to Check for New Updates (Firestick)?

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select “My Fire TV”.
3. Choose “About”.
4. Press “Check for Updates”.
5. Select “Install Update”.

Note: The Firestick update time is based on the speed of your internet!

4. Reduce Graphic Settings

Adjusting the graphic settings of your Firestick to an incompatible option may cause an onset of issues with the streaming stick.

Those can include crashing, a drastic drop in performance, and a variety of visual problems with the playout (video and audio).

Here’s how to gradually reduce the graphic settings of your Firestick:

1. Navigate to Settings on your Firestick.
2. Press on the Firestick home screen.
3. Select “Display & Sounds”.
4. Scroll down and choose “Display”.
5. Tap on “Video Resolution”.
6. Choose the desired resolution option.

It’s recommended to temporarily drop the Firestick to SD quality (720p) and test the device on that graphic setting.

Assuming your Firestick is already on full HD (1080p) or 4K, you’ll free up some software resources by lowering the resolution.

5. Reduce Background Usage

When your Fire TV keeps crashing, the first thing that comes to mind is that the device has been overwhelmed by processes.

Particular background processes that constantly put your Firestick under a huge load, can cause the device to crash.

Here’s how to reduce the background usage of your Firestick:

• Close not used apps  – press the “App Switcher” on your Firestick remote
• Turn off app updates  –  App Store > Manage Apps > Disable Auto Updates
• Disable unused features – turn off features such as Bluetooth or Alexa
• Uninstall unused apps – remove applications that you no longer use

Your Firestick’ software should feel significantly lighter after taking care of the following background processes.

Make sure you’ve closed all background apps on your Firestick that are not being used by the device.

6. Disable or Uninstall VPN

Your Firestick’s crashing could be due to an active service that changes the real-time location of your streaming stick.

Services that have similar functions are both VPNs and Proxy server apps, as they are capable of altering your Firestick’s IP address.

Here’s how to check if your Firestick has any VPNs installed:

1. Go to the Settings of your Firestick.
2. Navigate to the Applications tab.
3. Press on “Manage Installed Applications”.
4. Scroll further in the list to find “VPN” apps.
5. Press “Uninstall” if you discover any.

Tip: Since uninstalling the services directly may not be to your liking, check if the active VPN has a user-operated interface. 

Some VPN services can be temporarily disabled/enabled.

7. Prevent Firestick Overheating

One of the major reasons causing your Firestick to reboot, crash or shut down is overheating.

There are quite a few reasons that will make your firestick’s internal temperature rise, so let’s take a closer look at what we can do at home to prevent this:

Bad or no Ventilation	Air the environment by opening a window
Clogged Firestick Vents	Use a soft brush to clean dust accumulation
High Load Tasks	Lower the resolution and reduce the load
Block Direct Sunlight	Use an object to block the direct sunlight
Firestick Overuse	When not turning off your Firestick for days

You can immediately tell if your Firestick is overheating, just by holding the stick in your hand. If the device feels hot upon touch, it’s likely that this is the reason.

In addition, it’s important to separate your Firestick from the TV, since this is where the heat is conducted the most.

Tip: Use an HDMI extender to take out your Firestick from the back of your TV.

8. Reinstall Problematic Apps

If your Firestick crashes upon launching a particular application, the problem could be related to the platform and not to the device.

The best way to identify this is either by trying different applications or reinstalling the problematic one.

• To uninstall apps of Firestick go to Settings > Applications > Manage Apps!

We strongly recommend removing the top 5 most recently installed applications, since you can easily get them back if this doesn’t help.

In addition, test streaming content or utilizing different apps to further determine whether the issue is global or simply related to a few specific apps.

Note: Test only on officially supported apps for Firestick, from the store and not apps downloaded through the “Downloader” application.

9. Factory Reset Firestick

To resolve all software-related problems, your best course of action is to factory reset the Firestick.

All data, applications, and settings of your Firestick will be erased but the fresh start that you’ll be provided with might just be what you need to stop the crashing problem.

Here’s how to factory reset your Firestick in easy steps:

1. Press the “Home” button on your Firestick.
2. Go to Settings and select “My Fire TV”.
3. Scroll down to “Reset to Factory Defaults”.
4. Tap on “Factory Reset Everything”.
5. Give the Firestick a few minutes to finalize.

Based on estimates and average performance, your Firestick may take up to 3 minutes in order to complete the reset.

When the reset is over, connect the streaming stick to the WiFi and check whether the crashing would continue.

Quick Recap: 

We’ve learned that when Firestick keeps crashing, you should power cycle the device first and imbed overheating measures.

If that didn’t work by any chance, disable active VPN services, reduce the background usage of the stick and factory reset the device.