Reset Your Firestick PIN Through Device Settings

To reset your Firestick PIN, go to Settings on your home screen, then select Parental Controls. Choose PIN, then Change PIN. You will be asked to enter your current PIN first. If you remember it, type it in and follow the prompts to create a new one. If you do not remember your current PIN, you will need to use the factory reset method instead.

The new PIN you create should be four digits. Write it down somewhere safe — if you forget it again, resetting it requires more steps. Firestick does not have a "forgot PIN" recovery option tied to your Amazon account, so the PIN itself is your only gate.

Key Takeaways

  • If you remember your current PIN, you can change it directly through Settings > Parental Controls > PIN > Change PIN.
  • If you forget your PIN entirely, a factory reset is the only way to clear it, which erases all your settings and apps.
  • A factory reset takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires you to sign back into your Amazon account afterward.
  • Write down your new PIN in a place you will actually check — Firestick has no password recovery system.

Factory Reset When You Cannot Remember the PIN

If you have forgotten your PIN and cannot access the change option, you must perform a factory reset. This erases everything on your Firestick — all apps, settings, and preferences — and returns it to its original state. You will need to sign in with your Amazon account again and reinstall any apps you want.

To factory reset, go to Settings, then System, then Reset to Factory Defaults. Select Reset when prompted. The device will restart and take 10 to 15 minutes to complete the process. Do not unplug it during this time.

Once the reset finishes, you will see the initial setup screen. Sign in with your Amazon account. After that, you can set a new PIN if you want parental controls active again, or skip that step entirely.

What Happens to Your Apps and Settings After a Reset

A factory reset removes every app you installed, every preference you set, and every login you saved. Your Amazon account will still own those apps — you do not lose them permanently — but you will need to reinstall them one by one from the Appstore.

Your watch history, recommendations, and library remain tied to your Amazon account, so they will reappear once you sign back in. However, any custom settings like display resolution, sound preferences, or network settings return to factory defaults and must be reconfigured.

Prevent Future PIN Lockouts

Once you have set a new PIN, store it somewhere you will actually use. A note in your phone's notes app, a password manager, or a physical notebook all work better than trying to remember it. The goal is to avoid another factory reset.

If you live with others who might need the PIN, consider whether parental controls are necessary at all. You can turn them off entirely by going to Settings > Parental Controls > PIN > Turn Off. This removes the PIN requirement without a reset.

Difference Between Parental Controls PIN and Amazon Account Password

Your Firestick PIN is separate from your Amazon account password. The PIN controls what content can be watched and purchased on that specific device. Your Amazon password controls access to your entire account across all devices and the web.

Resetting the Firestick PIN does not change your Amazon password, and resetting your Amazon password does not change your Firestick PIN. If you have forgotten your Amazon password instead, you would reset that through Amazon.com on a computer or phone, not through the Firestick itself.

Troubleshooting If Settings Are Locked

In rare cases, parental controls may lock you out of the Settings menu entirely. If you cannot reach Settings from the home screen, a factory reset is your only option. There is no workaround to unlock Settings without either the PIN or a full reset.

If the factory reset itself does not work — for example, if the device freezes during the process — unplug the Firestick for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try again. If it still fails, contact Amazon support with your device serial number, which appears on the back of the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the PIN without losing my apps?

Yes, if you remember your current PIN. Use Settings > Parental Controls > PIN > Change PIN. Your apps and settings stay intact. A factory reset is only necessary if you have forgotten the PIN entirely.

Will resetting my PIN affect my Amazon Prime membership?

No. Your Prime membership is tied to your Amazon account, not your Firestick PIN. Changing or resetting the PIN does not touch your account status or subscriptions.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset typically takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. The device will restart and show a progress screen. Do not unplug it during this time, or the reset may fail.

Can I set a PIN without parental controls?

No. The PIN is part of the parental controls system. If you want a PIN, you must turn on parental controls. If you do not want parental controls, you cannot set a PIN.

What if I reset the PIN but still cannot remember the new one?

You will need to factory reset again. There is no recovery method. This is why writing down your PIN when ready after setting it is important — a second factory reset means reinstalling all your apps again.