There are two signals that an Amazon Fire TV stick has. It has an HDMI signal and an internet signal. The HDMI signal controls the sound and video that’s shown on a TV, and then internet connection allows your Firestick to stream content. Either of these can have a problem and they won’t work correctly, here’s how to troubleshoot issues with your Firestick signal.
As a general rule, start by restarting your Firestick, and your TV. To do that, unplug both of them from the wall outlet, wait for about 1 minute and then plug them back in. If you’re still having signal issues then check that the HDMI cable is plugged in correctly, and do the steps below.
It’s also a good idea to try a different HDMI cable if you have a spare one. There are some additional steps you should do to fix both a bad Wifi signal, and a bad or no HDMI signal. Below, I will explain these in step by step detail so you can get your Firestick working properly again.
Firestick Signal Problem (How to Troubleshoot)
As with all electronics from time to time they can have software glitches, or one of the components such as one of the cables can be faulty. There are a few steps you need to do to identify what’s causing the issue and fix it, here’s what they are.
Generally, reset your Firestick and your TV. Next, unplug and plug the HDMI cable back in on both ends to make sure it’s plugged in correctly. Then try a different HDMI cable. After that, make sure your TV is on the right HDMI channel, and if it is then do the steps below.
I’ve provided easy to follow instructions for all of the steps you should do below. Each of these steps can fix the issue so after doing it, see if the signal problem has been resolved. And if not, move on to the next step.
1. Restart your Firestick and restart your TV/display device
The most effective way to fix any issue with electronic devices is to restart them. Therefore, the first thing to do to solve the signal problem on your Firestick is to restart your Firestick and restart your TV or display device. It’s possible your Firestick is plugged into the receiver for a home theater system OR a projector rather than a TV. Whatever device your FireTV stick is plugged into restart it. To restart your Firestick disconnect it from the power. You can either unplug the power cable on your Firestick, or unplug it at the wall outlet. Wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug the power back into it.
To restart your display device such as a TV, or projector disconnect it from the power by unplugging it at the wall outlet. WAit for about 1 minute, then plug it back into the power and turn it back on again.
2. Check the HDMI cable is plugged in all the way on both ends
The HDMI cable sends the video and audio signal from your Firestick to your TV. If there’s an issue with it, it wont send a signal. There are few things to check with the HDMI cable:
- That it’s connected all the way in on both ends – it can have been bumped on accident.
- The connectors on both ends aren’t visibly damaged.
- Blow out the HDMI port and the ends of the HDMI cable, and/or use a very soft brush to gently remove any dust built up.
It’s also a good idea to try a different HDMI cable completely, if you have one laying around, or for another device you have in your home such as a computer.
3. Put your display device on the right HDMI channel
Many display devices such as TV, projectors, and monitors have multiple HDMI ports. They have HDMI1, and HDMI2. If your display device is on the HDMI1 port but your Firestick is plugged into the HDMI2 port then the display device will say no signal.
Use the remote on your TV or projector to select a different HDMI port. You can also have a look at what HDMI port your Firestick is plugged into. It will say in small lettering on the HDMI port what port it is. Such as, HDMI1, or HDMI2. That way you’ll be sure your display device is on the right HDMI channel.
If your display device is on the right HDMI but you still have no signal then move on to the next step.
4. Update the software on your Firestick and your TV
The software on your Firestick and your TV can have a pending update. If the software on your Firestick is up to date but the software on your TV isn’t it can cause a mismatch which will stop your Firestick from displaying a signal.
To update the software on your TV it’s best to Google how to do that. Each TV is slightly different. Generally, it’s located in the settings of your TV, under ‘System’ or something similar. Search for ‘how to update software on ____ TV’. Put your brand of TV instead of ____ such as Sony, Samsung, or LG.
5. Try your Firestick on a different display device
To narrow down what’s causing the signal issue try plugging your Firestick into a different display device. Provided the display device has an HDMI port it will work with your Firestick. Therefore, you can use a computer monitor, or another TV. Many projectors also have an HDMI port.
After doing that, put it on the right HDMI channel such as HDMI1 or HDMI2. And see if your Firestick works on a different device. If it does you can be sure that the issue is with the other display device. The HDMI port may be faulty, or it could be another issue. In that case, it’s generally best to contact your TV manufacturer and see what they recommend to solve this issue.
6. Enable the Firestick in your TV settings (only some TV models)
On some TVs you need to enable the Firestick in the TV settings. When you do that it will ask you to put in your Firestick login credentials. This has been reported to be an issue with some Sony TV models, which can cause a signal error.
To do that you need to use your TV remote to open up the settings on your TV. It varies by TV model but typically you press the menu button. Then look for a setting that says ‘devices’. This will list all the devices connected to your TV.
Your Firestick should be listed there as one of the devices. Select, and then select ‘enable’ or similar. It will then prompt you to put in the login credentials for your Firestick. This is your Amazon username and password. With this particular troubleshooting step it’s difficult to figure out if your TV requires it. However, it’s been reported online that it’s required for some Sony TVs. Refer to the owners manual for your TV. If you don’t have the printed version that came with your TV, in most cases you can find an online version of it by doing a Google search or by using the search function on the official website for your TV brand. For example, something like ‘Sony Bravia owners manual’.
The below steps are to troubleshoot a bad network signal. If the issue you’re having is only with the HDMI signal then don’t do the following 2 steps.
7. Factory reset the network settings on your Firestick
A Firestick has software on it that can have a bug with it. Doing a restart can fix this when it happens but doesn’t fix all issues. So, removing and re-adding the network connection can also remove any glitches in the software that can cause your Firestick to not connect to the network.
To do that go to the settings on your Firestick and then go to:
Network > Your Wi-Fi Network, and then press the menu button to forget the network. After that select ‘add network’ or select your Wi-Fi or ethernet connection from the list of network connections it shows.
8. Restart your WiFi modem
It’s common for WiFi modems to have a temporary issue where the internet connection just doesn’t work at all. Doing a reset of your WiFi modem is almost always recommended when there’s an issue with the WiFi or internet. To do that, unplug the power cable at the back of your WiFi modem, wait for a minute or so, then plug it back in.
Another good way to test it’s working is to check that the internet is working on another device that’s connected to your modem such as a smartphone. This will tell you for sure if there’s a problem with your internet connection or if it’s working fine.
Below are some more specific issues related to the signal on a Firestick, and how to fix them. Some involve the same steps above, and you can skip steps you’ve already done. In other cases they will have unique troubleshooting steps that are only for each specific issue.
Firestick No Signal WiFi
A Wifi connection is required for a Firestick to log in, use most of the apps, and stream video. The WiFi connection has two points of failure, the WiFi modem, and the settings on your Firestick. If you have no WiFi signal on your Firestick this is what you should do.
As a general rule, start by restarting your Wi-Fi modem, and your Firestick. To do that disconnect them from the wall outlet or remove the power cable from the back of each device. After that, plug them both back in and turn them back on. If it still has no signal follow the steps below.
I’ve explained the additional steps a bit further up in this article in the list of steps. The steps you should perform for this issue are step 7. Factory reset the network settings on your Firestick, and step 8. Restart your WiFi modem.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on May 2, 2022.
Firestick No Signal HDMI
The HDMI signal sends both the video and audio signal from your Firestick to the display device you’re using such as a TV or projector. To use your Firestick the HDMI signal needs to be working but there are a few issues that can occur that will stop it from working. This is what to do if you have no HDMI signal.
Overall, begin by disconnecting the power to your Firestick, wait for about a minute and then connect the power again. If it still has no signal check the HDMI cable is plugged in properly on both ends, and then try a different HDMI cable if you have one. Following that do the steps below.
The software on your TV or your Firestick can have a pending update. This can be another issue that can cause no HDMI signal. I’ve provided step by step instructions for this step and the other steps explained above at the top of this article. Go to the top of this article and start with step 1. Restart your Firestick and restart your TV/display device. Each step can solve the issue so after doing it check if you have an HDMI signal, and if not move on to step after it.
Firestick Weak WiFi Signal
To stream video without interruptions a Firestick needs a stable and relatively strong WiFi signal. There are a few factors that change how strong the WiFi signal is, and a few issues with your WiFi modem, or Firestick that can make the WiFi signal weak. To troubleshoot a weak WiFi signal this is what you should do.
In general, restart your Wi-Fi modem, then reset the network settings on your Firestick device. Next, your Wi-Fi modem may be too far from your Firestick and you should position your Wi-Fi modem closer.
Overall, it’s best to start with the first 2 steps, before moving your WiFi modem. Instructions for how to perform each of these steps are explained at the start of this article. Do step 1, step 7, and step 8.
WiFi routers also have a range, and can only send a strong signal so far. Your WiFi modem may be positioned next to a thick wall or something similar that is stopping it from sending a strong signal. Therefore, moving your WiFi modem a little bit can dramatically change the strength of the WiFi signal.
Testing the WiFi signal is not just on your Firestick
A good way to test this is by using another device connected to the same WiFi network like a smartphone. Walk around the area where your Firestick is to see how strong the WiFi signal is on your smartphone. Also, move the modem a few feet in either direction and do the same thing.
If your smartphone has a really weak WiFi signal as well, then you can be sure its modem. You can get a WiFi booster that you position in between your WiFi modem and another part of your house where you want a WiFi signal. It receives the WiFi signal from your modem, and then boosts it.
There is also an ethernet adapter for a Firestick. This can be used to plug your Firestick into the modem via a cable which is guaranteed to have a strong internet connection. Before doing any of these steps it can be worthwhile contacting your internet service provider. They may be able to provide you with a stronger modem. That may or may not be included in your current internet plan.
Firestick Losing WiFi Signal
A WiFi signal that is working normally will remain on almost all the time. If there’s an issue with the WiFi signal it can be connected one second, and then weaker, or disconnect completely a few moments later. When this occurs it can be related to your Firestick or can be an issue with your Wifi router, in either case this is what you should do to fix your Firestick if it’s losing the WiFi signal often.
As a general rule, first restart your WiFi modem by disconnecting it from the power, and then plug it back in again. After that, reset the network settings on your Firestick. Finally, restart your Firestick by disconnecting the power cable, and plug it back in again.
These steps will solve this issue in most cases. But, your WiFi modem can also be too far from your Firestick. Or, your WiFi modem can be positioned where the signal is much weaker. Moving your WiFi modem even a foot or two can change how strong the WiFi signal is. If your WiFi signal is weak on your Firestick AND on other devices you should contact your internet service provider to have them troubleshoot the issue with you.
Firestick Losing HDMI Signal
A Firestick connects to a TV or other display device using the HDMI cable. The signal that travels over the HDMI cable can not be sent for a few different reasons or it can go in and out. Here’s what to do if the HDMI signal from your Firestick isn’t working 100%.
In general, this indicates your HDMI cable is beginning to fail. But, it could also not be plugged in completely. So, first check that both ends are plugged in all the way. Then, try a different HDMI cable. When it’s still losing the HDMI signal, restart your Firestick and your TV.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on May 2, 2022.
Firestick Remote No Signal
The Firestick remote controls the menu on your Firestick and allows you to open apps, and select TV shows. Like all remotes it can have problems and not work at all. This is the steps you should take if your Firestick remote has no signal and doesn’t work with your Firestick.
Overall, you should restart your Firestick remote by removing the batteries and then putting the back in again. If it’s still not working, unpair and re-pair the Firestick remote to your Firestick. Following that, check that your Firestick remote has line of sight to the Firestick.
Some Firestick remotes use an infra-red signal (IR), whereas others use a bluetooth signal. An infra-red signal needs line of sight. Make sure there isn’t any object in between your Firestick remote and your Firestick. You also try pointing your Firestick remote at your Firestick.
Firestick No Video Signal
The video signal for your Firestick is sent to your display device such as a TV over the HDMI cable. But, there are a few things to do on your TV and Firestick to fix your Firestick when it isn’t displaying a video signal. Here’s what to do when this happens.
Generally, you should begin by checking that the HDMI cable is plugged in all the way and isn’t slightly loose. After that, reset your Firestick by disconnecting it from the power. Then, check if your display device (TV/projector/monitor) is on the right HDMI channel such as HDMI1 or HDMI2.
Firestick Says Unsupported Signal
An unusual problem that can occur with a Firestick is that it will say the signal is unsupported. This can be a bit confusing because an HDMI cable is universal and works regardless of the device. Here’s the steps you should do when you run into this issue with a new or existing Firestick.
In general, start by restarting your Firestick and your TV by unplugging them from the wall outlet, waiting for 1 minute, and then plugging them back in again. Next, try plugging your Firestick into a different port on your TV. Some TVs also require you to enable the Firestick in the settings.
Overall, begin by restarting your Firestick and your TV by disconnecting them from the wall outlet, and then plug them back in again. If the signal is still not showing, inspect the HDMI cable to see that it’s plugged in correctly on both ends. Following that, do the following steps.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on May 2, 2022.