Experiencing an overheating Firestick? Don’t worry, it’s a common problem! This comprehensive guide offers various solutions to help you prevent it.
We at TROYPOINT have been hearing from many Amazon Firestick users. They’ve been reporting issues with their devices overheating. We’ve also noticed these complaints cropping up in numerous online forums.
When your Firestick gets too hot, its performance can suffer in several ways. Notably, it can significantly contribute to Firestick buffering issues.
Based on our tests, it seems the latest Fire TV Stick 4K Max doesn’t have the same heating issues as older models. However, some problems still persist, even with these newer devices.
Currently, the Amazon Firestick reigns supreme as the most sought-after streaming device. Its popularity stems from its affordability and convenient jailbreaking capabilities.
Firestick Overheating – Indicators
Besides manually checking your Firestick’s temperature, you’ll receive an on-screen warning. The message “Device overheating” will pop up to alert you.
You might also experience one or more of the following issues:
- Connectivity loss
- Frequent restarting or rebooting of the device.
- Lagging hardware that takes ages to launch an app
- Freezing menu while scrolling
- Buffering streams
In extreme cases, some users have even found their Firestick warped or melted.
It’s a fact that some apps demand more processing power than others. This is especially true for applications like Kodi.
When using these demanding apps, your Firestick might feel a bit warmer than usual. This is generally to be expected.
How to Stop Firestick Overheating – Prevention Techniques
Before your Firestick succumbs to heat damage, take action! Consider these fixes and preventive measures if you’re experiencing overheating problems:
1. Use HDMI Extender that comes with your Amazon Firestick
Personally, I believe this is the most effective method for preventing Firestick overheating.
Many users try to hide their Fire TV Stick behind their TV. While this seems like a good idea for aesthetics, it can lead to serious overheating due to poor ventilation in that space.
I recommend connecting the provided HDMI extender to your Firestick. Then, plug the extender into the HDMI input on your TV or receiver. This simple step creates a buffer zone between your warm television and your Fire TV Stick.
If possible, try connecting the Firestick to an HDMI input on the side of your television. This setup allows for better airflow.
Even when connected to the side, the Fire TV Stick should remain relatively hidden.
I personally use an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K in my garage, where temperatures can exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer.
The picture below demonstrates how I’ve connected my Fire TV Stick using the extender to prevent overheating.
Even on hot days, I haven’t encountered any overheating issues with this configuration.
TROYPOINT Tip: I’d recommend trying the first solution. See if it resolves the Firestick overheating issue before moving on.
If the problem persists, continue with the other solutions below.
2. Unplug the Firestick then plug it back in
Every app you install on your Firestick generates a cache. This cache is temporarily stored on your device while the app is running.
This can lead to slower performance. The culprit is often unwanted files and folders taking up valuable space on your device’s limited storage.
This also forces the device to work harder, potentially leading to overheating.
Unplugging the Firestick clears the cache and terminates running apps. When you plug it back in, the system cache is refreshed, and everything should be back to normal.
3. Clear cache in apps installed on your Firestick
Step 1
From the Firestick home screen, navigate to Settings.
Step 2
Select Applications.
Step 3
Next, scroll down. Then, you’ll want to select Manage Installed Applications.
Step 4
Choose an app. Ideally, pick one that has a large cache you can clear out.
Step 5
To clear the cache, simply click Clear Cache.
Step 6
Go ahead and repeat this process. You can do this with as many other apps as you’d like.
4. Delete Apps on Firestick
Free up storage space on your Firestick. One of the best ways to do this is by deleting apps you no longer use. This can make your device run smoother. It can also prevent your Firestick from overheating.
This can free up space. You can then add applications or download content you might not have been able to before.
You’ll find that not all apps can be removed. Amazon pre-installs certain applications that are there to stay.
A lot of these are tools or other services. They’re necessary for your Firestick or Fire TV to run properly.
Check out TROYPOINT’s step-by-step guide. It will walk you through how to delete an app on Firestick.
How to Delete Apps on Firestick or Fire TV
5. Block App Notifications
You might also consider stopping app notifications. Follow these instructions to do that.
Step 1
Go to the Firestick home screen and click Settings.
Step 2
From the Firestick home screen, click Preferences.
Step 3
To proceed, simply click on Notification Settings.
Step 4
You can hide all notification pop-ups from apps. Just set the Do Not Interrupt option to ON.
Step 5
Perhaps you’d prefer to turn OFF notifications only from a specific app? If so, you can click App Notifications. YouTube app is selected in this example.
Step 6
For that app, simply set notifications to OFF.
6. Reset your Firestick
The Firestick has only 8 GB of internal storage. It tends to fill up pretty fast. This can cause your device to become slow and unresponsive.
Resetting your Fire TV Stick will return it to its original factory settings. You’ll be able to start with a clean slate. Consider this a last resort, though.
You’ll have to reinstall everything after a reset. I recommend you explore the other solutions on this page first.
TROYPOINT has a great step-by-step guide on how to reset your Firestick if you need it.
How to Reset Firestick & Fire TV
7. Turn Off AutoPlay Feature
Turning OFF the AutoPlay feature can save you power. This applies to both sound and video. Here’s how you can do it.
Step 1
Go to the Firestick home screen and click Settings.
Step 2
To continue, you’ll need to click on the Preferences option. It’s usually pretty easy to find.
Step 3
Next up, locate and click on the Featured Content option. This is where you’ll find the settings we need to adjust.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to disable a couple of things. First, switch Allow Sound AutoPlay to the OFF position. then also turn off Allow Video AutoPlay. This will prevent those features from starting automatically.
8. Turn OFF Firestick Manually
The Fire TV has a really cool feature – it can shut itself down automatically! After 20 minutes of inactivity, your Firestick or Fire TV will automatically go into sleep mode. This helps save energy and is super convenient.
But, let’s be real, sometimes you might want to turn it off yourself to make things go faster. If you’re in a hurry and want to manually put your device into sleep mode, just follow the instructions in the link below. It’s quick and easy.
How to Turn Off Firestick or Fire TV
9. Turn OFF unused Amazon Services
If you don’t want to permanently delete Amazon services from your device, you can simply turn them off. Here’s how you can do that:
Step 1
Go to the Firestick home screen and click on Settings. You’ll find it among the other options there.
Step 2
Now, click on Applications. This is where you’ll find the list of apps and services installed on your device.
Step 3
Let’s say you don’t use GameCircle anymore. Simply click on it to access its settings. You can then choose to disable it. You can repeat this process for any Amazon service you don’t plan on using.
Step 4
Now, simply switch OFF the service. As an example, you can see Whispersync for Games is currently turned OFF.
10. Turn Off the Firestick’s Data Monitoring Feature
There’s been a recent update from Amazon to their Fire TV Sticks, as well as their Fire TV. It has some new privacy settings that you might want to take a look at.
You’ll find two areas to check out in the Fire TV Settings / Preferences. They are “Privacy Settings” and “Data Monitoring”.
Previously, it was difficult to disable these options. But Amazon is giving us more control. We can now deactivate them in the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV settings. Just click the link below to learn how!
Stop Amazon From Spying On You.
11. Don’t Power Your Firestick from Your TV’s USB Port
It’s generally not a good idea to use the USB port on your TV to power the Firestick.
For optimal performance, use the power adapter that came with your Firestick. Plug it directly into a wall outlet. This can help prevent various issues.
12. Only Use the Original Firestick Power Cord
It’s best to avoid using power cords from other devices with your Firestick. Sticking with the original cord helps prevent potential problems like overloading.
13. Should You Modify Your Firestick’s Case for Better Cooling?
There’s a trend where folks remove the Firestick’s internals and drill holes in the plastic casing.
Others attach heat sinks to the Firestick’s processor.
However, TROYPOINT doesn’t recommend these modifications. They could do more harm than good.
You should be fine as long as you follow the first tip in this post. Ensuring adequate airflow is usually enough.
Firestick Overheating FAQ
How Can I Prevent My Firestick from Overheating?
This guide has outlined several solutions you can try. These include restarting, clearing the cache, using an HDMI extender, and more.
Does Overheating Affect Firestick Performance?
Absolutely. An overheating Firestick can experience various problems. These include buffering, power issues, memory and storage problems, and more.
How Can I Tell if My Firestick is Overheating?
Several signs can indicate your Firestick is overheating. Look out for slow performance, connection drops, buffering, freezing, or frequent restarts.
Do Newer Firesticks Overheat?
While overheating is less frequent in newer Firesticks, it can still happen.