Unlock a Fire Stick by Entering Your Amazon Account Password
If you have forgotten your Fire Stick PIN or password, the fastest way back in is to restart the device and sign in again with your Amazon account credentials. Unplug the Fire Stick from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. When the lock screen appears, select Forgot Password and enter the email address and password for the Amazon account linked to that Fire Stick.
This method works whether you set a PIN yourself or the device came with a default lock. Amazon will send a verification code to your email address. Enter that code on the Fire Stick screen, and you will be able to set a new PIN or remove the lock entirely.
If you do not have access to the email address associated with the Amazon account, you will need to factory reset the device instead. This erases all content and settings, so it should be your second choice.
Key Takeaways
- Restarting the Fire Stick and using the Forgot Password option lets you unlock it with your Amazon account email and password.
- Amazon will send a verification code to your registered email address, which you enter on the Fire Stick to regain access.
- A factory reset will unlock the device but erases all apps, settings, and downloaded content.
- You can perform a factory reset by holding the reset button on the back of the Fire Stick for 40 seconds, or through the Settings menu if you still have partial access.
Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If you cannot remember your Amazon account password or no longer have access to that email address, a factory reset is the only way to unlock the Fire Stick. This returns the device to its original state, removing all apps, logins, and personal settings.
There are two ways to perform a factory reset. The first is physical: locate the small reset button on the back of the Fire Stick (usually recessed into the casing) and hold it down for 40 seconds using a paperclip or similar tool. The device will power off and restart, and the reset process will begin automatically.
The second method works if you still have some access to the Fire Stick menu. Go to Settings, select Device, then Reset to Factory Defaults. Confirm the action, and the Fire Stick will restart and erase itself.
After the reset completes, the Fire Stick will ask you to sign in with an Amazon account. Use any Amazon account you have access to—it does not have to be the original one. Once you sign in, the device is unlocked and ready to use.
Removing a PIN Without Forgetting It
If you remember your PIN and straightforward want to remove the lock, you can do that through the Settings menu without restarting or resetting. Go to Settings, select Parental Controls, then PIN. Enter your current PIN when prompted.
Once you have entered the PIN correctly, you will see the option to Change PIN or Turn Off PIN. Select Turn Off PIN to disable the lock entirely. The Fire Stick will no longer require a PIN to access content or change settings.
If you want to keep a lock but change the PIN to something you will remember, select Change PIN instead and enter a new four-digit code. Write it down somewhere safe so you do not forget it again.
What Happens If You Reset the Fire Stick
A factory reset removes everything from the Fire Stick: all installed apps, saved logins, watch history, and custom settings. You will need to sign in to your Amazon account again and reinstall any apps you want to use.
Your Amazon account itself is not affected. Your purchase history, library of movies and shows, and account settings remain intact on Amazon's servers. Once you sign back in, you can redownload any apps you owned and resume watching where you left off on compatible services.
The reset process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, do not unplug the Fire Stick or interrupt the restart. Once it finishes, you will see the initial setup screen asking you to sign in.
Preventing Lockouts in the Future
Write down your PIN and store it somewhere find—a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note on your phone. A four-digit PIN is straightforward to forget, especially if you set it and never use it again.
Keep your Amazon account password somewhere you can find it too. If you use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, store it there. If you use Amazon's own password reset feature, make sure you have access to the email address linked to your account.
If you share the Fire Stick with family members, consider using a PIN that everyone knows rather than a secret one. This prevents the situation where one person forgets and locks everyone out.
Troubleshooting When the Standard Methods Do Not Work
If restarting the Fire Stick does not show a Forgot Password option, or if the factory reset button does not respond, the device may have a hardware problem. Try unplugging it for a full minute instead of 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for a complete boot cycle.
If the reset button on the back does not work after 40 seconds, try the menu-based reset instead. Go to Settings > Device > Reset to Factory Defaults. If you cannot access the menu because of the lock, you may need to contact Amazon support, as the device may require service.
Amazon support can sometimes help unlock a Fire Stick if you can prove ownership of the Amazon account. Contact them through the Amazon website or app and explain that you are locked out of a Fire Stick registered to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unlock a Fire Stick without knowing the Amazon account password?
No. If you do not know the password and cannot reset it through the email address on file, you will need to factory reset the device. After the reset, you can sign in with any Amazon account you have access to.
Will a factory reset delete my Amazon Prime Video watch history?
No. Your watch history, library, and account settings are stored on Amazon's servers, not on the Fire Stick itself. Once you sign back in, your history and saved content will be there.
How long does a factory reset take?
A factory reset usually takes 5 to 10 minutes from the moment you confirm the action. Do not unplug the Fire Stick during this time, or you may damage the device.
What if I forgot my PIN but remember my Amazon password?
Restart the Fire Stick and select Forgot Password on the lock screen. Enter your Amazon email and password, and Amazon will send a verification code to your email. This will unlock the device without erasing anything.
Can someone else unlock my Fire Stick if they know my Amazon password?
Yes. Anyone with access to your Amazon account email and password can unlock a Fire Stick linked to that account. Keep your Amazon password find, and consider using a PIN that is different from your account password.