As with any electronic device, the Amazon Fire TV Stick tends to overheat when used frequently. Unfortunately, most people assumed that the device was some type of perfect solution and now they’re complaining because they’re starting to realize that it has its flaws just like any other platform.
If you own a Fire TV Stick and you are struggling with problems like freezing, buffering and slow loading times, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to show you how to cool down Amazon Fire TV Stick following a few, easy steps.
What Causes an Amazon Fire Stick to Get Hot?
The most common causes behind a slow Fire TV Stick include:
- Overloading the device
- Overheating the device
90% of the time, overheating is the main cause. Once the Fire Stick device heats up, the Wi-Fi gets affected the most, which is what causes overheating symptoms like loss of connection etc.
Sometimes you’ll catch the device restarting out of the blue even though the Wi-Fi is still connected. Other users report frequent loss of device connectivity as the main symptom of Amazon Fire TV Stick overheating.
Either way, one of the indicators of Firestick overheating fix will be a warning sign that flashes on the screen to alert you of the problem. If you manage to fix the situation in a timely manner then you can continue to stream content without your Firestick going into reboot mode.
What to Do When Your Fire TV Stick Overheats
One of the most common complaints that people make about the Fire TV Stick is that it tends to overheat followed by an automatic reboot. But, before your Amazon Firestick gets hot, it typically starts by getting uncomfortably warm. When early adopters mentioned this, it was dismissed as a software code flaw that can be fixed with a simple update. But then another problem arose and that was the overheating/reboot issue.
It’s important to note here that the Fire TV Stick usually works fine even when it’s warm. But, overheating is a whole other ball game. It usually leads to freezing or slow loading times and you may even get a Firestick overheating message. Luckily, we’ve got some helpful tips on how to cool down Amazon Fire TV Stick.
The first and easiest thing you can do is to unplug and leave it to cool down for two minutes before you plug it in again. This window of time is enough to refresh the device by clearing its cache completely. If that doesn’t work, we recommend you try a factory reset. This involves setting up the device once again for two minutes. If your Amazon Fire TV Stick is still giving your problems, then you should probably report the issue to Amazon and return it so it can get fixed. You could even get a replacement if the device is beyond repair. Luckily, Amazon has a quick and simple return service so you won’t be without entertainment for too long.
How to Fix Overheating Firestick and Make It Faster
Is your Firestick getting hot? The following is a list of settings that when switched off, can help to cool down Amazon Fire TV Stick. Why do these settings work? Because they effectively lighten the load on the Fire Stick’s CPU which in turn speeds it up and lowers the temperature.
1. Turn Off Notifications
The Fire TV Stick displays a lot of different notifications. Most of them are automatically generated and come from the Amazon App Store, while others come from the apps that you’ve installed in the device. Some of these notifications are helpful because they keep you informed about new content and fresh news.
To switch off these automatically generated notifications, go to “Settings”, followed by “Applications”, then click on “Appstore” followed by “Notifications”. From there, you can disable the notifications individually by clicking on “Settings”, followed by “Preferences”, then “Notification Settings” and lastly “App Notifications.”
2. Switch Off Video and Sound Autoplay
One of the perks of owning an Amazon Fire TV Stick is that it constantly plays videos in a loop on your home screen. But, it doesn’t just play any videos. The algorithm selects videos that it thinks you will like based on your streaming history.
The problem with this feature is that it contributes a ton to the CPU load. But you can disable it easily. Simply click on “Settings”, followed by “Preferences”, then “Featured Content.” From there, go to the Allow Sound AutoPlay and Allow Video AutoPlay options and switch them off.
3. Get Rid of Unused Services
The Fire Stick device comes with a lot of build-in Amazon services like Whispersync and Prime Photos. Although they offer plenty of benefits, these services can take a lot out of your device.
That’s why it’s recommended to switch off any services that you’re not using. To do this, go to “Settings”, then “Applications”, followed by “Prime Photos” or any other service that you’d like to turn off. Once you click on the service, select the “turn off” option.
4. Disable Automatic Updates
Automatic updates are important because they ensure that your device stays up to date with security fixes and the latest features. But, the problem is they happen in the background and can take a lot out of the device. You can switch off automatic updates and run them manually instead whenever you’re not streaming content.
It’s fairly easy to disable automatic updates. All you have to do is click on “Settings”, then “Applications”, followed by “Appstore”, then “Automatic Updates”.
If you turn off automatic updates, always check for the latest updates so you can manually install them.
Hardware Hacks
In addition to the tips provided above, you can apply the following hardware hacks to cool down Amazon Fire TV Stick.
1. Change the USB Socket
If your Fire TV Stick gets its power from the mains, then you’ll notice that it feels warm to the touch every time you switch it off. This causes it to heat up quicker.
Alternatively, you can power up your Fire TV Stick using a USB port. That way, it’ll only power up when your TV is switched on. It’s worth noting here that this Fire Stick overheating fix can only work if your TV has an unused USB port.
2. Drill Holes in the Plastic Case
For a more hands-on approach, open holes into the device’s plastic case. This’ll open up the airflow inside your Fire TV Stick and all you have to do is open the plastic casing clips using a long fingernail or screwdriver with a flat head.
Once you get rid of the casing you’ll be able to poke holes into the device using a small drill. Just be careful while using the grill and make sure not to overdo it.
How to Optimize Your Amazon Fire TV Stick Even More
Now that you know how to cool down Amazon Fire TV Stick, why not take it a step further and optimize it? By learning how to sideload and install Amazon Fire TV apps and others, you can enjoy uninterrupted viewing with a wide array of streaming options to choose from.
Did you find this article helpful? Let us know in the comments section below if this guide has helped you learn how to cool down Amazon Fire TV Stick. We would love hearing from you if you still have a problem with your Firestick running hot!
