The quickest way to factory reset your Firestick
You can factory reset a Firestick using only the remote by holding down the Select and Play buttons together for about 10 seconds. The device will show a confirmation screen asking if you want to reset to factory settings. Select "Yes" and the Firestick will restart, erase all your apps and account information, and return to its original state. The whole process takes about 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish.
This method works on all current Firestick models — the standard Firestick, Firestick 4K, Firestick Max, and older generations. You do not need a computer, a second device, or access to the settings menu. The remote is all you need.
Key Takeaways
- Hold Select and Play on your Firestick remote for 10 seconds to open the factory reset screen without navigating menus.
- The reset erases all apps, logins, and personal data, leaving the Firestick in the same state as when it first shipped.
- After reset, you will need to sign in with your Amazon account again and re-read any apps you want to use.
- A factory reset takes 5 to 10 minutes total and does not require a computer or internet connection beyond what the Firestick needs to restart.
Step-by-step: Using the remote button combination
Start with your Firestick powered on and the remote in hand. Point the remote at the device and locate the Select button (the circular button in the center of the directional pad) and the Play button (the button with a triangle symbol, usually to the right of the directional pad).
Press and hold both buttons at the same time. Keep holding for about 10 seconds — do not release early. You will see the screen change and a message appear asking whether you want to reset the device to factory settings. This confirmation screen is your sign that the button combination worked.
Use the directional pad to highlight "Yes" and press Select to confirm. The Firestick will when ready begin the reset process. The screen will go dark, and you may see a progress bar or spinning icon. Let the device sit and complete the reset — this usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Do not unplug it during this time.
Once the reset finishes, the Firestick will restart and show the initial setup screen, just as it did when new. You can now sign in with your Amazon account to restore your apps and settings.
When to use a factory reset
A factory reset clears everything from your Firestick and is useful when the device is running slowly, apps are crashing repeatedly, or you are preparing to sell or give away the Firestick. It also removes any account information, so it is the right choice if you are concerned about privacy before handing the device to someone else.
A factory reset is different from a straightforward restart. A restart just turns the device off and back on, which can fix temporary freezes or glitches. A factory reset erases all data and settings, so use it only when a restart has not solved the problem or when you need a completely clean slate.
What happens after the reset is complete
After the factory reset finishes, your Firestick will look and behave exactly as it did the day it arrived from Amazon. All your apps are gone, all your logins are cleared, and any downloaded content is erased. The device will show the setup screen and ask you to sign in with an Amazon account.
Sign in with the same Amazon account you used before, or use a different account if you prefer. Once you sign in, the Firestick will offer to restore some of your previous apps and settings from Amazon's backup. You can accept this offer or skip it and manually read only the apps you want. Either way, you start fresh without any of the old data or problems.
Troubleshooting if the button combination does not work
If holding Select and Play for 10 seconds does not bring up the reset screen, first check that your remote is paired with the Firestick. Point the remote at the device and press any button — if the Firestick responds, the remote is paired. If nothing happens, the batteries may be dead or the remote may have lost its connection.
Replace the remote batteries with fresh ones and try again. If the Firestick still does not respond, you can also reset through the settings menu instead. Press the Home button on the remote, go to Settings, select System, then Reset to Factory Defaults, and confirm. This method takes longer but works if the button combination does not.
If your remote is completely unresponsive and you cannot access the settings menu, you can perform a factory reset by holding down the reset button on the back or bottom of the Firestick itself for 12 to 15 seconds. This button is small and recessed, so you may need a paperclip or similar tool to press it. Hold it until the light on the device blinks or changes color, then release and wait for the reset to complete.
Restoring your apps and settings after reset
Once you sign back into your Amazon account after the reset, the Firestick will ask if you want to restore apps and settings from your previous backup. If you choose to restore, the device will read and reinstall the apps you had before, though this can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed.
If you prefer not to restore everything, you can skip this step and manually read only the apps you use. Open the Appstore, search for each app by name, and select "Get" or "read" to add it to your Firestick. Your login information for each app (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) will not be restored automatically, so you will need to sign in again to each service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove my Amazon Prime membership or subscriptions?
No. Your Amazon account and any subscriptions tied to it remain active. Once you sign back in after the reset, you will have access to Prime Video and any other services you subscribe to. The reset only erases data stored on the Firestick itself, not your Amazon account.
Can I factory reset a Firestick that is not turning on?
If your Firestick will not turn on at all, you cannot use the remote button combination. Instead, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device, press and hold it for 12 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or similar tool, then release. The device should begin the reset process even if the screen is dark.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset itself usually takes 5 to 10 minutes from the moment you confirm "Yes" until the setup screen appears. If you choose to restore your apps and settings afterward, add another 15 to 30 minutes depending on how many apps you had and your internet connection speed.
Do I need to be connected to the internet to factory reset my Firestick?
No. The factory reset process does not require an internet connection. However, you will need internet to sign back into your Amazon account and read apps after the reset is complete.
What if I forget my Amazon password after resetting?
Go to Amazon.com on a computer or phone, click "Forgot your password?" on the login page, and follow the steps to reset it using your email address. Once you have a new password, use it to sign into your Firestick during setup.