Firestick is an affordable, user-friendly way to turn any TV with an HDMI port into a Smart TV. You can download apps, play games, everything you would do with a Smart TV, all in a little stick.
A common cause of slow response on a Firestick is a cluttered cache. Many apps accumulate cache over time, which can bog down the device’s performance. To fix this, go to Settings, then Applications, and manage installed applications. Here, you can clear the cache for individual apps. Regularly clearing the cache can significantly improve the Firestick’s responsiveness.
Another reason for a sluggish Firestick could be an overloaded internal memory. When the device’s storage is full, it can slow down significantly. To address this, uninstall any apps that you no longer use. Go to Settings, then Applications, and manage installed applications to remove unwanted apps, freeing up space and potentially speeding up the device.
Background processes and data collection can also contribute to a slow Firestick. Some apps run processes in the background or collect data, which can use up the Firestick’s resources. You can limit these by adjusting the privacy settings. Go to Settings, select Preferences, then Privacy Settings, and turn off data monitoring and device usage data. This can help free up resources and improve the speed of your Firestick.
Whether you are reading this article because your Firestick is running slowly, has an audio lag, or is not mirroring a streaming device, this article will provide several ways to troubleshoot the issue so you can get back to loving your FireStick again.
How To Fix A Slow Firestick
Firestick’s turn your ordinary TV into a great TV. When you use a Firestick, you want to enjoy apps such as Netflix or Hulu. A slow Firestick, though, makes you want to buy a smart TV. Before you go shopping, here are some ways to love your FireStick again.
You can fix a slow Firestick by restarting the Firestick. Restarting the Firestick will remove any bugs or glitches within the software that is preventing it from operating smoothly. Make sure the Firestick is securely inserted into the correct HDMI port.
Restart
Restarting your Firestick is the first method to try when you are troubleshooting why your Firestick is running slow.
When there are apps running in the background, the Firestick will slow down and eventually crash. Restarting the Firestick will remove this issue.
There are several ways you can restart your Firestick, including how to restart if your device is frozen.
Settings Option
Step 1: Open the home window of FireStick and press the Home button on your remote.
Step 2: Click on ‘Settings’.
Step 3: Go to ‘My Fire TV’.
Step 4: Select ‘Restart’.
Step 5: Click on ‘Restart’ again to confirm. A ‘Powering Off’ message will display on the TV screen to signal the FireStick is in the process of restarting.
Using the Remote
This method is good to use if the Firestick screen is frozen and you are not able to access the Settings page. On the remote, simultaneously press and hold down the ‘Select’ and ‘Play/Pause’ buttons for 5 seconds.
If the above-metioned way does not work to restart the Firestick, you can force a restart by unplugging the FireStick from its power source. Wait at least 60 seconds before plugging the device back in.
How To Fix Audio Lag On Firestick
Are you noticing there is a lag between the audio and picture? Whether you are experiencing an audio issue within one app, or several, it is sure to ruin a calm night in.
You can fix audio lag on firestick by installing any pending software updates or restarting the Firestick. Restart the Firestick by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘My Fire TV’ > ‘Restart’. You can also press and hold the Select button on the remote for 5 seconds to restart the FireStick.
Two additional ways to fix an audio lag on the Firestick are by force-stopping an open app and disabling the Dolby Digital Plus setting.
Force Stop App
If you are experiencing an audio-video lag within one app, force-stopping the app will remove the bug within the software that is creating the problem.
Step 1: Open the Firestick homepage and select ‘Settings’.
Step 2: Go to ‘Applications’.
Step 3: Select ‘Manage Installed Applications’.
Step 4: Select the app you are experiencing audio issues with.
Step 5: Select ‘Force Stop’ to close the app.
Step 6: Select ‘Launch’ to reopen the app.
Disable Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital Plus is a great feature for home theaters. However, this feature could be the reason why you are experiencing an audio-video issue.
Step 1: Go to ‘Settings’.
Step 2: Select ‘Display & Sounds’.
Step 3: Select ‘Audio’.
Step 4: Select ‘Dolby Digital Output’.
Step 5: Select ‘Dolby Digital Plus OFF’.
How To Fix Slow Internet On Firestick
Internet is the life-blood of our electronics. Without a good internet connection, we cannot enjoy our favorite movie or music streaming service. The Firestick, too, is dependent upon a good internet connection.
You can fix slow internet connection on Firestick by installing the most recent software update. Close any apps running in the background. Increase the network speed and signal by restarting the router or moving the router closer to the TV. Reducing the number of devices connected to the network.
If you continue to experience buffering issues with the Firestick, do a network speed test to see if the internet speed itself is the issue. If the speed is good, the issue could be an unstable internet connection. Using a hardwire internet connection such as an Ethernet will provide a more stable connection.
How To Fix Screen Mirroring Lag Firestick
Like most electronics, Firestick only has so much space available for apps. This means if you want to download more apps, you may first have to delete some to make room for the new apps. One workaround is to use your phone or laptop to mirror content to your TV.
You can fix screen mirroring lag Firestick by moving the streaming device closer to the Firestick. Amazon recommends a distance of no more than 30 feet or 10 meters. Make sure the device you are mirroring is connected to the same network as the FireStick.
Electronic devices are dependent upon updates in order to run optimally. If an update is pending, the lingering old data could affect how the FireStick is operating. You can check for, and install, any pending updates by doing the following.
Firestick’s Older Than 2020
Step 1: On the Firestick home screen, go to ‘Settings’.
Step 2: Select ‘My Fire TV’.
Step 3: Select ‘About’.
Step 4: Select ‘Install Update’. If your device does not have an ‘Install Update’ option, select ‘Check For Updates’.
Step 5: Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the process. The device will automatically reboot.
Newer Firestick
Step 1: On the Firestick home screen, go to ‘Settings’,
Step 2: Select ‘My Fire TV’.
Step 3: Select ‘About’.
Step 4: Select ‘Check For Updates’ or ‘Install Update’. Once the updates are installed, Firestick will restart automatically.
If you continue to experience issues with the Miracast feature of the Firestick, restart the Firestick using the steps outlined previously in this article.
How To Fix Slow Streaming On Firestick
Apps by themselves require a certain about of storage, or ROM, of your device. This storage space is not only for the app itself but also for any updates the app will receive. The more an app is updated and improves, the more storage space it requires.
If an app is not being used, that storage space is still being used. On top of the storage space being taken up, the app is technically still running in the background, even if you are not actively using it. All of these things will cause the FireStick to run slowly, especially when you are streaming.
Memory Cache
The Firestick cache is what enables you to download and use apps. All of the apps, whether actively used or not, store pieces of information in the memory cache bank. Each time you use the Firestick, information is stored in the memory cache.
Over time, this cache will become so full that no more information can be stored. Apps may begin crashing or you will experience buffering issues while trying to stream content.
The steps outlined below will walk you through clearing out the memory cache.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on March 5, 2022.
Step 1: Open the Firestick home screen and select ‘Settings’.
Step 2: Select ‘Applications’.
Step 3: Select ‘Manage Installed Applications’.
Step 4: Select the app you want to clear out.
Step 5: Select ‘Clear Cache’. You can select the ‘Clear Data’ option but keep in mind that selecting this will not only clear out the memory cache, it will also reset the app. You will lose any saved data such as login information and preferred settings.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on March 5, 2022.
Step 6: Once you select ‘Clear Cache’, the cache size will reduce to zero. You will need to repeat these steps for each individual app you want to clear out.
Factory Reset
A factory reset should be used as a last resort when troubleshooting issues with the Firestick. This type of reset will not harm the Firestick, but it will delete all of your saved apps, downloads, settings, anything you have saved.
Performing a factory reset will remove any bugs within the software and it will wipe the Firestick clean, returning it to its original factory default settings. Once the reset is complete, you will need to re-enter your credentials and reinstall any previously downloaded apps.
Step 1: Go to ‘Settings’.
Step 2: Select ‘My Fire TV’.
Step 3: Select ‘Reset to Factory Default’.
Step 4: Select ‘Reset’. After confirming your choice, the system will reset.
You can fix slow streaming on Firestick by reducing the number of downloaded apps. Downloaded apps require sufficient space, or ROM, in order to accept updates and improve. Having too many apps downloaded will bog down the Firestick, causing it to function slowly.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on March 5, 2022.