In this guide, you will find the instructions to reset FireStick to factory defaults. The method used here works on FireStick 2nd Gen, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, as well as older Fire TV models.
Resetting FireStick is easy. It just requires a few clicks. But, resetting means restoring your device to the factory settings. It will be like a new device; like the one, you plugged in for the first time after the purchase.
While FireStick is a great streaming device, it occasionally runs into troubles. And, sometimes, resetting is the only solution.
Let us discuss the various reasons why you may need to reset your FireStick, how to do it, and what to do after it has been reset.
Why do I need to reset FireStick?
There are many scenarios when resetting might be the only resort to restoring FireStick to its normal functioning. We discuss some of them here.
#1 Running out of storage
Despite being an incredible streaming tool, FireStick has some glaring shortcomings. And, limited storage space is probably the most prominent one.
FireStick and FireStick 4K devices have a storage capacity of 8GB. Fire TV Cube does only slightly better with 16 GB.
At least 30% of the 8GB is reserved for the OS and system files. That leaves you with only a little over 5 GB to use. That’s too low and it fills up fast.
Even if you keep uninstalling apps, the residual files keep occupying the space.
When you can’t figure out how to clear up space, resetting FireStick might be the only solution.
#2 Slow performance
If your FireStick has gone slow, you may want to restart and refresh it. However, restarting does not always solve the problem.
When FireStick continues to be slow no matter how many times you power it off or restart, the only viable solution left is to reset the device to factory settings.
I have run into such situations myself and can confidently say that resetting will enhance the performance quite dramatically.
#3 FireStick is Frozen/Unresponsive
I have been using FireStick for a long time and only once have I experienced this problem. Therefore, I assume that it must be rare.
Nevertheless, when your FireStick freezes, does not respond to the remote controller and unplugging it also does not help, resetting is the only way to get it back working.
How to Reset FireStick
There are two ways to reset FireStick:
- Using the FireStick Settings
- With the help of FireStick remote
We will cover both methods one by one.
Method #1: Reset FireStick from the Settings
The Settings menu of your FireStick has a variety of options to tweak or customize your device and to change your preferences. One of the options is to reset FireStick.
Here is how you do it:
1. First, go to the home screen of your FireStick device if you are not there already
This is how the home screen looks like
2. Next, navigate to the top part of the home screen where you see the menu bar
In the menu bar, select the last option Settings
3. When you get to the Settings menu, scroll to the right and click My Fire TV
4. You should see the following set of options
Scroll down to the bottom and click Reset to Factory Defaults
5. FireStick will ask you for your confirmation since resetting will remove all your personal information, remove all your existing apps, and delete all your personal preferences
Click Reset to continue
FireStick will now start to reset. It may take several minutes. Make sure you do not unplug the power cable until the reset is complete
Method #2: Reset FireStick directly with the remote
A frozen device is one of the reasons why users want to reset FireStick to the factory defaults. However, when Firestick is not responding, you cannot navigate to the Settings menu and My Fire TV option to reset the device.
Thankfully, there is a way to reset FireStick or Fire TV even when the system would not respond.
Here is what you can do:
Make sure your FireStick remote has working/charged batteries
Now, hold down the Right Button on the navigation ring and the Back Button together
You must keep them pressed together for at least 10 seconds (sometimes it may take more time)
You will see the reset notification on your screen shortly.
What do I do next after the reset?
Once you have reset your FireStick to factory defaults, it would be the same as you took out new from the box.
The FireStick device that has been reset needs to be configured again like it is new.
Here are some of the options for you:
#1 Set up your Amazon FireStick
As I said, once you reset FireStick, it needs to be set up all over again. You are required to sign in again with your Amazon account.
Plug in your FireStick to the power source and wait for it to reboot (in case you unplugged it)
This should be the first screen you should see.
Press the Play/Pause button on your remote to get started. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device.
For detailed information and step-by-step instructions, read our guide on How to Set Up Amazon Fire TV Stick
#2 Reinstall the VPN
If you use 3rd party/free streaming apps on Firestick, you most probably be using a VPN already. After setting up your FireStick, the very first thing you should do is reinstall the VPN app and connect to a VPN server.
If you don’t have a VPN yet, you should get one and keep your streaming activities anonymous. I always use ExpressVPN on my streaming devices and I suggest you do the same. Better safe than sorry.
After testing over 30 VPNs, I can confidently say that ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN for Firestick. You can try it risk-free for the first 30-days.
The following are the steps to install and start using ExpressVPN.
1. Go to ExpressVPN.com and subscribe to its service. Right now, there is an offer going on where you can get 3-months free and save 49% on its annual plan.
2. Go to the top-left section of your FireStick home screen and select the Search option
3. Look up for Express VPN and follow the onscreen instructions to install the app
4. Sign in with your ExpressVPN username and password that you got when signed up for its service in the first step above.
5. Connect to a VPN server
You can learn more about ExpressVPN features and its set up here.
#3 Jailbreak Your FireStick
Jailbreaking is a great way to make the most out of your FireStick. By jailbreaking FireStick, you allow yourself the opportunity to explore tons of free content, including Movies, Shows, Live TV, Sports, and a lot more.
Don’t confuse yourself with iOS jailbreak. With Firestick, the jailbreak term means nothing more than installing popular free streaming apps. It does not require any technical expertise.
Read our guide on How to jailbreak FireStick. This guide provides step-by-step, clear, and easy instructions. I have compiled this guide for a layperson like myself.
Jailbreak DOES NOT void the FireStick warranty. It DOES NOT change anything at the root level. It is a 100% safe process.
#4 Get your favorite apps back
As I said, resetting FireStick will remove all your installed apps. You will need to reinstall them again.
While the apps from the Amazon Store are saved in the Cloud, the third-party apps are not.
With third-party apps, you can enjoy unlimited streaming of Movies, Shows, Live TV, and more.
Follow our list of Best Apps for FireStick in 2020. With each app on this list, you will also find the links to their installation guides.
How to Reset Firestick without Remote
I have been asked several times how do we reset Firestick without its remote.
Well, there is a way to reset your Firestick without the remote. You can use the Fire TV App available for Android, iOS, and Kindle handheld devices. However, your FireStick needs to be set up again after the reset and that can only be done with a physical remote. Therefore, if your remote is damaged, not working, or you can’t find it, you will need to buy a new one from Amazon if you intend to reset the device.
Alternatively, if your friends or neighbors are also the proud owners of Fire TV Stick, you can borrow their remote for setting up your device.
Wrapping Up
So, this is how you reset your FireStick to factory defaults. After the reset, your device will be like brand new. You will need to set it up again. Just follow the instructions in this guide to get your FireStick working again after the reset.
