The fastest way to restart your Firestick

You can restart your Firestick without unplugging it by using the remote. Hold down the Select button and Play button at the same time for about 10 seconds until the screen goes black and you see the Amazon logo. The device will restart in about 30 seconds. This is the method most people use because it takes less than a minute and requires nothing but the remote you already have.

If that button combination does not work on your remote model, you have other options. Some older Firestick remotes do not support the dual-button restart. In that case, you can restart through the settings menu instead, which takes a bit longer but works on every Firestick.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold Select and Play together for 10 seconds to restart your Firestick without touching the device itself.
  • If your remote does not have a Play button, go to Settings > Device > Restart instead.
  • A restart clears temporary memory and often fixes freezing, buffering, or apps that will not open.
  • A restart is different from a factory reset — it keeps all your accounts and settings in place.

Restarting through the settings menu

If the button combination does not work, you can restart through the on-screen menu. Press the Home button on your remote to go to the main screen, then navigate to Settings using the arrow buttons.

From Settings, scroll down and select Device (or Device and Accessories on some models). You will see a Restart option in that menu. Select it, and the Firestick will restart the same way it does with the button combination — the screen goes black, the Amazon logo appears, and the device comes back on in about 30 seconds.

This route takes longer because you have to navigate menus, but it works on every Firestick model and remote type. It is also useful if you want to restart but are not sure whether your remote supports the button combination.

When to restart your Firestick

A restart clears the device's temporary memory and often fixes common problems without erasing your accounts, passwords, or downloaded apps. If your Firestick is freezing, apps are crashing, video is buffering constantly, or the remote is not responding, a restart is usually the first thing to try.

Restart your Firestick if you have not done so in several weeks, even if nothing seems wrong. Like any computer, it can slow down over time as temporary files build up. A monthly restart keeps it running smoothly.

If a restart does not fix the problem, the next step is usually to unplug the device for 30 seconds and plug it back in. If that does not work either, you may need to factory reset the device, but that erases all your settings and requires you to sign in again.

What happens during a restart

When you restart, the Firestick shuts down all running apps and clears the device's RAM (temporary memory). Your Amazon account, passwords, installed apps, and settings stay in place. The restart takes about 30 to 60 seconds total, and you will see the Amazon logo on a black screen while it happens.

During the restart, do not unplug the device or press buttons on the remote. Let it finish on its own. Once the home screen reappears, the restart is complete and you can use the device normally.

Troubleshooting if the restart does not work

If you press Select and Play and nothing happens, your remote may not have a Play button or may not support that restart method. Try the settings menu route instead: Home > Settings > Device > Restart.

If the settings menu is frozen and you cannot navigate it, unplug the Firestick from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This is a hard restart and will force the device to shut down and start fresh. It takes longer than a soft restart but works when the device is completely unresponsive.

If the device still will not restart or respond, check that your remote has fresh batteries. A remote with low batteries may not send the restart command properly. Replace the batteries and try again.

Restart versus factory reset

A restart clears temporary memory and keeps all your accounts and apps. A factory reset erases everything and returns the device to the state it was in when you first bought it. You should only factory reset if a restart does not fix the problem and you are willing to set up the device from scratch.

If you are selling or giving away your Firestick, a factory reset is the right choice because it removes your Amazon account and any personal information. For everyday problems like freezing or slow performance, always try a restart first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will restarting delete my apps or sign me out?

No. A restart keeps all your apps, accounts, and settings. You will stay signed into your Amazon account and all your installed apps will still be there when the device comes back on.

How long does a restart take?

A restart takes about 30 to 60 seconds from the moment you press the buttons until the home screen reappears. Do not unplug or interrupt it during this time.

What if my remote does not have a Select button?

Some third-party remotes do not have all the same buttons as the official Amazon remote. Use the settings menu instead: Home > Settings > Device > Restart. This works on any remote that can navigate menus.

Can I restart my Firestick without the remote?

You can unplug the device from power for 30 seconds and plug it back in, which forces a restart. You cannot use the button combination without a remote, but the settings menu restart requires a remote to navigate.

Should I restart my Firestick regularly?

Restarting once a month or whenever you notice slowness is a good habit. It keeps the device running smoothly and prevents temporary memory from building up. There is no harm in restarting frequently.