How to Fix Common Amazon Fire Tablet Problems

Start with the basics: restart and clear storage

Most Fire tablet problems go away after a restart. Hold the power button on the right edge until you see "Power off" on the screen, then tap it. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This clears temporary files and stops stuck processes without erasing anything you own.

If your tablet is slow or apps crash, storage space is often the culprit. Go to Settings > Storage to see how much room is left. If you have less than 1 GB free, delete apps you do not use, clear the cache for individual apps (Settings > Apps & Notifications > select the app > Storage > Clear Cache), or move photos and videos to Amazon Photos or a computer. Do not delete system files or anything in the Android folder.

Key Takeaways

A restart fixes most problems and takes two minutes; always try this before anything else.
Low storage causes crashes and slowness; delete unused apps or move photos to Amazon Photos to free up space.
Forgetting your Amazon password locks you out of the store and cloud features; use the Amazon website to reset it, not the tablet.
If the screen is frozen or the tablet will not turn on, force a restart by holding the power button for 40 seconds even if nothing happens.
Factory reset erases everything on the tablet; only use it as a last step after trying restart, storage cleanup, and app updates.

Fix apps that crash or freeze

When an app crashes repeatedly, force it to close and clear its data. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications, tap the app name, then tap Force Stop. Next, tap Storage > Clear Data. This removes the app's saved settings and temporary files but does not uninstall it. Open the app again and set it up fresh.

If the problem persists, uninstall the app and reinstall it from the Amazon Appstore. Open the Appstore, search for the app, and tap the cloud icon with a down arrow to reinstall it. If the app still crashes after reinstalling, the app itself may have a bug; check the Appstore reviews to see if others report the same issue. You may need to wait for the developer to release an update.

Restore internet connection and fix Wi-Fi problems

If your tablet cannot connect to Wi-Fi or keeps dropping the connection, forget the network and reconnect. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, then tap Forget. Wait 10 seconds, then tap the network again and enter the password. If that does not work, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If the tablet still will not connect, check that your router is broadcasting on the 2.4 GHz band; some older Fire tablets do not support 5 GHz. You can usually change this in your router settings on a computer or phone. If you do not know how, contact your internet provider or router manufacturer. Bluetooth devices can also interfere with Wi-Fi; try turning off Bluetooth in Settings > Bluetooth if you are having trouble.

Recover a forgotten Amazon password

If you forget the password linked to your Fire tablet, you cannot buy apps or access your cloud library. Do not try to reset it on the tablet itself. Instead, go to amazon.com on a computer or phone, click Account & Lists, select Login & Security, and click Edit next to your password. Follow the steps to reset it using your email address or phone number.

Once you have set a new password, go back to your Fire tablet, open Settings > Accounts, tap your Amazon account, and tap Remove Account. Then tap Add Account and sign in with your new password. Your apps, books, and cloud files will sync back to the tablet within a few minutes.

Fix a frozen screen or tablet that will not turn on

If the screen is frozen and tapping does nothing, force a restart. Hold the power button for 40 seconds without letting go, even if the screen does not change. The tablet will restart on its own. This works even if the screen appears dead.

If the tablet will not turn on at all, plug it into a charger for at least 15 minutes. The battery may be completely empty. Use the charger that came with the tablet or a USB-C charger rated for at least 2 amps. After 15 minutes, try pressing the power button. If nothing happens, try the force restart again: hold the power button for 40 seconds. If the tablet still will not respond after a full charge and a force restart, the hardware may be damaged and you may need to contact Amazon support.

Update apps and the Fire OS system

Outdated apps and system software cause crashes, security problems, and slow performance. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Show System Apps, then tap Amazon Appstore. Tap the menu icon (three lines) and select My Apps & Subscriptions. Tap Updates to see which apps have new versions available. Tap Update All to install them at once, or tap Update next to individual apps.

To update the Fire OS itself, go to Settings > Device Options > System Update. If an update is available, tap read and Install. The tablet will restart and install the update, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Do not unplug the tablet or press any buttons during this time. After the update finishes, the tablet will restart again and you can use it normally.

Factory reset as a last resort

If nothing else works, a factory reset will erase all your apps, photos, documents, and settings and return the tablet to its original state. This is permanent and cannot be undone, so only do this if you have tried restart, storage cleanup, app updates, and password reset. Back up any photos or documents you want to keep by moving them to a computer or Amazon Photos first.

To factory reset, go to Settings > Device Options > Reset to Factory Defaults. Tap Reset and confirm. The tablet will restart and erase everything, which takes 5 to 10 minutes. When it finishes, you will see the setup screen as if the tablet is brand new. Sign in with your Amazon account and the tablet will read your apps and cloud files again. If the tablet still does not work after a factory reset, contact Amazon support; the hardware may need repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fire tablet keep saying storage is full?

The tablet counts system files and temporary data in the storage total, so you may see "full" even with apps still installed. Go to Settings > Storage and delete apps you do not use, clear app caches, or move photos to Amazon Photos. If you have less than 500 MB free, the tablet will run slowly and apps will crash.

Can I use a different charger with my Fire tablet?

Yes, as long as it is USB-C and rated for at least 2 amps. Using a charger rated for less than 2 amps will charge very slowly or not at all. The original charger is always safest, but any quality USB-C charger will work.

What should I do if my tablet is overheating?

Stop using it and let it cool down for 15 minutes in a room-temperature place. Do not cover it or put it in direct sunlight. Overheating usually happens when the tablet is charging while running a demanding app or video. Avoid this by closing apps before charging, or charge the tablet while it is off.

Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware?

A factory reset erases everything on the tablet, including any malware. However, malware on Fire tablets is rare because the Amazon Appstore screens apps before they are sold. If you think your tablet has malware, uninstall any apps you do not recognize, clear your browser cache, and run a restart before trying a factory reset.

How do I know if my Fire tablet has a hardware problem?

If the tablet will not turn on after a full charge and a 40-second force restart, if the screen is cracked or does not respond to touch, or if it overheats even when idle, the hardware is likely damaged. Contact Amazon support with the tablet model number (found in Settings > Device Options > About Fire Tablet) and describe the problem.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.