A Firestick reset clears all your apps, accounts, and settings and returns the device to the state it arrived in

You can reset your Firestick in two ways: through the settings menu on the device itself, or by holding the reset button on the back of the remote. A full factory reset removes your Amazon account, all installed apps, your Wi-Fi connection, and any customizations you've made. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes and the device will restart automatically when it's done.

A reset is useful when you're selling or giving away your Firestick, when the device is running slowly or freezing, or when you want to start fresh with a different Amazon account. It's also the standard troubleshooting step if your Firestick won't connect to the internet or respond to commands.

Key Takeaways

  • You can reset through Settings > System > Reset to Factory Defaults, or by holding the reset button on the back of the remote for 10 seconds.
  • A factory reset removes your Amazon account, all apps, and your Wi-Fi connection — the device will be blank when it restarts.
  • After a reset, you'll need to set up the Firestick again by signing in with an Amazon account and connecting to Wi-Fi.
  • If your Firestick won't turn on or respond to the remote, the physical reset button is your only option.

How to reset through the settings menu

This is the standard method and works when your Firestick is responding normally. Pick up your remote, press the Home button (the house icon), and navigate to Settings at the top of the screen. Scroll right to System, then select Reset to Factory Defaults.

The device will ask you to confirm. Select Reset and the Firestick will begin the process. The screen will go black, you'll see a progress bar, and the device will restart. Don't unplug it during this time. When it's done, you'll see the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when the Firestick first arrived.

How to use the physical reset button

The reset button is a small recessed hole on the back of your Firestick, usually near the power port. You'll need a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to reach it. Press and hold the button for about 10 seconds — you won't feel a click, but the light on the front of the device will blink orange, then go dark.

Release the button and wait. The Firestick will restart and show the setup screen. This method works even if the device won't respond to the remote or turn on normally. It's also the fastest way to reset if you're in a hurry.

What happens after the reset is complete

Your Firestick will boot up to the initial setup screen, the same one you saw out of the box. You'll be asked to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with an Amazon account. Use the remote to navigate and select options.

Once you've signed in and connected to Wi-Fi, the Firestick will read your account settings and any apps you've purchased or added to your library. This can take several minutes depending on your internet speed. You don't need to reinstall apps manually — they'll appear in your library automatically if you've bought them or added them to your account before.

When to reset versus when to restart

A restart is different from a reset and is often the first thing to try. To restart, unplug the Firestick from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears the device's memory without erasing anything and fixes most freezing, buffering, or connection problems.

Only do a factory reset if restarting doesn't solve the problem, or if you're preparing to sell the device or switch to a different account. A reset takes longer and you'll have to set everything up again, so it's worth trying a straightforward restart first.

Resetting before you sell or give away your Firestick

Always do a factory reset before handing the device to someone else. This removes your Amazon account, payment methods, and any personal information stored on the device. The new owner will set it up with their own account and won't have access to your data.

After the reset is complete and the setup screen appears, you can hand over the device. You don't need to sign in again — the new owner will do that themselves. If you're selling it online, you can include a note that the device has been reset and is ready to set up.

Troubleshooting a reset that won't complete

If your Firestick is stuck on the reset screen or won't finish restarting, unplug it from power and wait 2 minutes. Plug it back in and let it restart. If it's still stuck, try the physical reset button method instead — hold it for 10 seconds and let the device restart on its own.

If the device still won't complete the reset or won't turn on at all, check that the power cable is firmly connected to both the Firestick and the outlet. Try a different outlet or a different power cable if you have one. If none of these steps work, the device may have a hardware problem and you may need to contact Amazon support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my shows and movies if I reset?

You won't lose your purchases or rentals — they're tied to your Amazon account, not the device. When you sign back in after the reset, your library will reappear. Your watch history and recommendations will also come back.

Can I reset my Firestick if I forgot my Amazon password?

Yes. Use the physical reset button on the back of the device. After the reset, you'll see the setup screen and can sign in with a different Amazon account, or recover your password by going to amazon.com on another device and using the "Forgot Password" link.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself takes 2 to 5 minutes, but the full setup afterward — downloading apps and settings — can take 10 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed. Don't unplug the device during this time.

Do I need to remove the Firestick from my TV before resetting?

No. You can reset it while it's plugged into your TV. The TV will show the reset progress and the setup screen. Just make sure the power cable stays connected throughout the process.

What if I reset by accident?

You can't undo a reset, but you can sign back in with your Amazon account and your library will return. If you signed in with a different account by mistake, sign out and sign in with the correct account instead.