Clearing the cache removes temporary files that apps store on your device

Your Firestick stores temporary data—called cache—from apps and streaming services to load them faster next time. Over time, this cache can take up storage space and sometimes cause apps to freeze, buffer, or crash. Clearing it is a straightforward process that takes a few minutes and often fixes performance problems without deleting your passwords, watch history, or downloaded content.

You have two options: clear the cache for a single app, or clear it system-wide. Most people start by clearing cache for the app that is misbehaving, since that solves the problem faster and is less disruptive. If you want to free up more space or multiple apps are sluggish, clearing all cache at once is also straightforward.

Key Takeaways

  • Cache is temporary data apps store to load faster; clearing it frees up space and often fixes freezing or buffering.
  • To clear cache for one app, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select the app, and choose Clear Cache.
  • To clear cache system-wide, go to Settings > Applications > Manage All Applications and select Clear Cache for each app, or use Storage > Internal Storage > Cached Data and select Clear.
  • Clearing cache does not delete your passwords, watch history, or app settings—only temporary files.
  • If an app still misbehaves after clearing cache, try clearing its data or uninstalling and reinstalling it.

Clear cache for a single app

Start here if one app is slow or crashing. From your Firestick home screen, press the Menu button on your remote (the three horizontal lines). Navigate to Settings and select it.

Go to Applications, then select Manage Installed Applications. Scroll through the list to find the app you want to clear cache for—for example, Netflix or Prime Video. Select the app name.

You will see a screen with options including Clear Cache and Clear Data. Select Clear Cache only. (Do not select Clear Data unless you want to reset the app entirely, which will log you out.) The cache will clear in a few seconds. Go back to the home screen and open the app again to test whether it runs better.

Clear cache for all apps at once

If multiple apps are slow or you want to free up storage space quickly, you can clear all cached data in one step. From the home screen, press Menu and go to Settings.

Select Applications, then Manage All Applications. You will see a list of every app on your device. At the bottom of the list, select Clear Cache. A confirmation message will appear; select it again to confirm. Your Firestick will clear cache for all apps at once, which usually takes 30 seconds to a minute.

Alternatively, you can clear cached data through the Storage menu. Go to Settings > Storage > Internal Storage. Select Cached Data, then confirm that you want to clear it. This method clears the same temporary files and is faster if you do not need to manage individual apps.

What clearing cache does and does not remove

Clearing cache removes only temporary files—thumbnails, buffered video, login tokens, and other data apps use to run faster. It does not delete your Amazon account login, app passwords, watch history, saved preferences, or downloaded content. Your apps will straightforward take a few extra seconds to load the next time you open them, since they have to rebuild that temporary data from scratch.

If you want to completely reset an app and remove everything associated with it—including login information—you would select Clear Data instead of Clear Cache. That is a more drastic step and is only necessary if an app is severely broken or you want to remove your account from it.

When to clear cache and how often

Clear cache whenever an app starts to freeze, buffer, or crash. You can also clear it monthly as routine maintenance if your Firestick feels sluggish overall. There is no downside to clearing cache frequently; it is safe and will not harm your device or apps.

If clearing cache does not fix the problem, the next step is usually to restart your Firestick entirely. Unplug the device for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to boot up. If that does not work, try clearing the app's data (which will log you out) or uninstalling and reinstalling the app. If the problem affects multiple apps or the entire device, contact Amazon support or check whether a system update is available in Settings > System > About.

Freeing up storage space with cache clearing

Cache takes up storage gradually, especially if you use many apps or stream frequently. Clearing all cached data can free up anywhere from a few hundred megabytes to a gigabyte or more, depending on how long it has been since you last cleared it. If your Firestick is running out of storage, clearing cache is one of the fastest ways to reclaim space without uninstalling apps.

You can check how much storage you are using by going to Settings > Storage > Internal Storage. The screen will show how much space is used by apps, cached data, and other files. If cached data is taking up a significant amount, clearing it will noticeably improve performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache log me out of my apps?

No. Clearing cache only removes temporary files. Your login information stays in place, and you will remain signed into all your apps. If you want to log out, you have to do that manually in the app's settings.

Can I clear cache on my Firestick remote or phone app?

You must clear cache through the Firestick device itself using the remote or the Alexa app. You cannot do it from your phone or computer. Use the steps above on your Firestick to access Settings and manage cache.

How much storage will clearing cache free up?

It varies depending on how many apps you use and how long it has been since you last cleared cache. Most people see 500 megabytes to 2 gigabytes freed up. Check your storage before and after in Settings > Storage > Internal Storage to see the difference.

What if clearing cache does not fix the app problem?

Try restarting your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If that does not work, clear the app's data (which will log you out) or uninstall and reinstall it. If the problem persists across multiple apps, restart your internet router and check for a system update in Settings > System > About.