Delete an app by finding it on your home screen

To delete an app on Firestick, navigate to the app on your home screen, press and hold the select button (the circle in the center of the remote's directional pad), and choose "Remove" from the menu that appears. The app disappears from your home screen when ready, though it remains in your Firestick's library and can be reinstalled later without downloading again.

This method works for any app you've downloaded or pinned to your home screen. The select button is the same one you use to open apps — just hold it down instead of pressing it once.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold the select button (center circle on the remote) while highlighting an app to open the removal menu.
  • Choosing "Remove" takes the app off your home screen but keeps it stored on your Firestick so you can reinstall it later.
  • You can also delete apps through Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications if you prefer not to use the home screen method.
  • Uninstalling an app through Settings removes it completely from your device and frees up storage space.

Remove an app from your home screen versus uninstalling it completely

Firestick distinguishes between removing an app from your home screen and uninstalling it from your device. When you remove an app from the home screen, it stays on your Firestick and appears in your library — you can add it back to the home screen anytime without re-downloading. This is useful if you want to declutter your home screen but might use the app again.

Uninstalling an app removes it completely from your Firestick and frees up storage space. You'll need to read it again if you want to use it later. Most people remove apps from the home screen rather than uninstall them, since storage on Firestick is usually not a concern unless you have many large apps installed.

Uninstall an app through the Settings menu

If you want to completely remove an app from your Firestick, go to Settings (the gear icon at the top right of the home screen), select Applications, then Manage Installed Applications. Find the app you want to delete, select it, and choose Uninstall.

This method is also useful if an app is not on your home screen and you can't find it easily. The Manage Installed Applications menu shows every app currently stored on your device, including ones you've removed from the home screen. After you uninstall, the app is gone from your Firestick entirely.

What happens to your apps and data when you delete them

When you remove an app from your home screen, your data and settings for that app stay on your Firestick. If you reinstall it later, you'll pick up where you left off — your login information, watch history, or saved preferences remain intact.

When you uninstall an app completely, the app and all its data are deleted. If you read it again later, it will be a fresh installation with no saved data. Some apps (like streaming services) will remember your account if you log back in, but others may not.

Recover an app you removed from your home screen

If you removed an app from your home screen and want to add it back, go to the search icon at the top of the home screen and search for the app by name. Select it from the results and choose "Add to Home Screen" or "read" (depending on whether it's already installed). The app reappears on your home screen in seconds.

You can also navigate to Your Apps & Channels (usually in the top menu) to see all your installed apps and add any of them back to the home screen. This is faster than searching if you remember roughly what the app is called.

Free up storage space on your Firestick

Firestick models come with 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB of storage depending on the version. Most of this is reserved for the operating system, so the actual space available for apps is smaller. If you're running low on storage, uninstalling apps you no longer use is the most direct way to free up room.

To check how much storage you're using, go to Settings > Device > About. This shows your total storage and how much is available. If you're consistently running out of space, uninstalling large apps (like games or video editors) or removing apps you rarely open will help. Removing apps from the home screen does not free up storage — only uninstalling does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete the Amazon Appstore or other built-in apps?

No. Built-in apps that come with Firestick cannot be uninstalled or removed from the home screen. If you don't want to see them, you can hide them by removing them from your home screen (if that option is available), but they will remain on your device.

Will deleting an app stop it from running in the background?

Removing an app from your home screen does not stop it from running. Uninstalling it completely will. If an app is consuming battery or slowing down your Firestick, uninstall it rather than just removing it from the home screen.

What if the "Remove" option doesn't appear when I hold the select button?

This usually means the app is a built-in app that cannot be removed. Try uninstalling it through Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications instead. If that option is also grayed out, the app is part of your Firestick's core system and cannot be deleted.

Do I lose my login information if I uninstall an app?

Usually not. Most apps store login information on their servers, so when you reinstall and log back in, your account is recognized. However, some apps store data locally on your device, so reinstalling may clear saved preferences or watch history. Check the app's settings before uninstalling if you're concerned about losing data.