Last reviewed: August 2026. These instructions are based on Amazon’s official Fire TV documentation; menu names can vary by device and software version.
Quick answer: To reset a Firestick, start with a normal restart if it is frozen, slow, or repeatedly losing its connection. A restart does not delete apps or accounts. Use a factory reset only when simpler fixes fail or when you are selling or giving away the device.
Restart from Settings → My Fire TV → Restart. To perform a factory reset with the remote, hold the Back button and the right side of the navigation circle together for 10 seconds, then follow the on-screen prompt.
Table of Contents
Restart vs factory reset
| Option | What it does | Deletes apps and accounts? | Use it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restart | Reboots Fire TV and clears temporary processes | No | The interface is slow, an app is frozen, or playback has stopped |
| Power cycle | Fully removes power before starting again | No | The screen or remote is unresponsive |
| Factory reset | Returns the device to its original setup state | Yes | Persistent faults remain, or the device is changing owners |
Before you factory-reset your Firestick
A factory reset removes downloaded apps, Wi-Fi settings, account information, preferences, and locally stored data. Before continuing:
- Confirm that you know the password for the Amazon account you will use afterward.
- Save Wi-Fi details and any app login information you may need.
- Check that the Fire TV is connected to stable power.
- Try a restart and app-specific troubleshooting first.
You normally do not need to “back up” purchased Amazon content. Eligible purchases remain connected to the Amazon account, although apps and settings must be downloaded and configured again.
Method 1: Restart from Settings
Use this method when you can still navigate the interface.
- Open Settings from the Fire TV home screen.
- Select My Fire TV. On some televisions, the menu may be called Device & Software.
- Select Restart.
- Confirm if your device asks for confirmation.
The Fire TV screen should go dark and the device should start again. This restart does not remove your apps or account.
Method 2: Restart with the remote
If navigation is slow but the remote still responds:
- Press and hold Select and Play/Pause together.
- Keep holding them until the device begins restarting.
- Wait for the Fire TV home screen to return before pressing more buttons.
This is a restart, not a factory reset. Your installed apps and preferences remain in place.
Method 3: Power-cycle a frozen Fire TV Stick
Use a power cycle when the screen and remote are completely unresponsive.
- Disconnect the Fire TV power cable from its power source.
- Wait approximately 30 seconds.
- Reconnect the device using its normal power adapter.
- Allow the startup process to finish.
Avoid repeatedly disconnecting power while the device is updating. If an update screen is visible, give it time to complete unless the device has clearly stopped responding for an unusually long period.
Method 4: Factory-reset through Settings
- Open Settings.
- Select My Fire TV or Device & Software.
- Select Reset to Factory Defaults.
- Enter the parental-control PIN if requested.
- Confirm Reset.
The reset can take several minutes. Do not unplug the Fire TV during the process.
Method 5: Factory-reset with the remote
Amazon’s official remote shortcut is useful when Settings cannot be opened:
- Press and hold the Back button and the right side of the navigation circle together.
- Continue holding both for 10 seconds.
- Follow the factory-reset prompt displayed on the television.
There is no general “reset button” on a Fire TV Stick. Instructions telling you to hold a hardware reset button are not applicable to the standard Fire TV Stick models covered here.
What if the remote is not working?
Try these options before assuming that the Fire TV itself has failed:
- Replace the remote batteries with a known-good pair.
- Move closer to the Fire TV and remove obstacles.
- Restart the Fire TV by disconnecting power for approximately 30 seconds.
- Use the official Fire TV mobile app as a temporary remote if the phone and Fire TV are already connected to the same network.
- Follow Amazon’s model-appropriate remote-reset instructions if pairing still fails.
If the device is no longer connected to your Wi-Fi, the mobile app may not find it. In that situation, repairing or replacing the physical remote may be necessary.
What to do after a factory reset
When the setup screen appears:
- Pair the remote if prompted.
- Choose a language.
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Sign in to the intended Amazon account.
- Install system updates.
- Download only the apps you still use.
- Reconfigure display, accessibility, privacy, and parental-control settings.
Test the device before installing every old app. If the original problem returns after one particular app is installed, that app may be the cause.
Factory reset did not solve the problem
| Symptom | Next check |
|---|---|
| Fire TV has no power | Test the original power adapter, cable, and a different outlet |
| No picture | Test another HDMI port and television input; remove unnecessary HDMI adapters |
| Setup cannot connect to Wi-Fi | Restart the router, try a closer position, and test another network if available |
| Device returns to the logo repeatedly | Disconnect accessories and contact Amazon support if the loop continues |
| One app keeps failing | Clear that app’s cache/data or reinstall the app instead of resetting the entire device again |
Frequently asked questions
Will restarting a Firestick delete my apps?
No. A normal restart or power cycle does not remove installed apps, accounts, or preferences.
Will a factory reset remove everything?
It removes downloaded apps, local settings, account information, and other data stored on the device. Purchases associated with your Amazon account are not normally erased from the account itself.
How do I reset a Firestick without opening Settings?
Hold the Back button and the right side of the navigation circle together for 10 seconds, then use the factory-reset prompt on the screen.
How long does a Firestick factory reset take?
Times vary by model and software state. Allow several minutes and keep the device connected to power until setup appears.
Should I factory-reset a slow Firestick?
Not immediately. Restart it first, check free storage, update the software, and troubleshoot the specific app. Factory reset should usually be a later step.
Sources
- Amazon: Reset Your Fire TV Device to Factory Settings
- Amazon: Reset Your Fire TV Remote
- Amazon Fire TV device specifications
Related Fire TV guides
If the device is responsive but sluggish, use our slow Fire TV diagnostic guide before erasing it. If the controller is the problem, follow the Fire TV remote pairing and reset guide. If the television itself reports No Signal, use our Fire TV power and HDMI troubleshooting guide before resetting. Installing a legitimate app outside the Appstore? Read our safe Fire TV sideloading guide before changing installation permissions.
