If an app on your Firestick is frozen, buffering, crashing, or refusing to open, restarting it can often fix the problem without reinstalling anything. Learning how to restart an app on Firestick takes only a few minutes and works for popular apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and Kodi.
The most reliable method is to force-stop the app through Fire TV settings, then open it again. If that does not work, you can clear its cache, restart the Firestick, or check for updates.
How to Restart an App on Firestick
Fire TV does not include a standard “close app” button, so an app may continue running in the background. Use the Force Stop option to fully close it.
- Turn on your Firestick and press the Home button on your remote.
- Select the Settings gear on the right side of the screen.
- Choose Applications.
- Select Manage Installed Applications.
- Scroll through the list and choose the app that is having problems.
- Select Force Stop.
- Confirm the action if prompted.
- Return to the Fire TV home screen and open the app again.
This process closes the app completely and starts a fresh session when you launch it. It does not delete your account, preferences, or downloaded content.
If you are unsure whether the restart worked, wait a few seconds after selecting Force Stop before reopening the app. Opening it immediately can sometimes allow the same temporary issue to continue.
Clear an App’s Cache After Restarting
Restarting an app usually fixes temporary glitches, but a damaged or oversized cache can cause repeated buffering, freezing, or crashes. The cache contains temporary files, such as images and video fragments, that help an app load faster.
To clear the cache:
- Open Settings from the Firestick home screen.
- Select Applications.
- Choose Manage Installed Applications.
- Select the affected app.
- Choose Clear Cache.
After clearing the cache, open the app and test it again. You may notice that the app takes slightly longer to load the first time because it must rebuild its temporary files.
Avoid selecting Clear Data unless necessary. Clearing data can sign you out and remove app settings, downloaded titles, profiles, or other locally stored information. If you do use it, you will generally need to sign in again.
It is also helpful to check available storage. From the same app settings screen, remove apps you no longer use. Limited storage can prevent apps from updating or operating properly.
Restart the Firestick When the App Still Fails
If force-stopping the app does not solve the issue, restart the entire Firestick. This refreshes the device’s memory and stops background processes that may be interfering with the app.
You can restart it in two ways.
Using the settings menu:
- Go to Settings.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Choose Restart.
- Select Restart again to confirm.
Using the remote:
Press and hold the Select button and the Play/Pause button at the same time for about five seconds. The Firestick should restart automatically.
Wait for the home screen to load completely before opening the app. A full device restart is especially useful when several apps are slow, the menus are lagging, or the Firestick has been running for many days.
If the screen is frozen, unplug the Firestick’s power cable from the wall outlet, wait at least 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Avoid making this a regular habit, since restarting through the menu is safer when the device responds normally.
Update the App and Fire TV Software
An outdated app may stop working correctly after a service provider changes its platform. Updating both the app and Fire OS can resolve compatibility problems.
To update an app:
- Highlight the app on the Firestick home screen.
- Press the Menu button on the remote, which has three horizontal lines.
- Select More Info.
- Choose Update if an update is available.
You can also find the app in the Amazon Appstore and check for an update there.
To check for Fire TV updates:
- Open Settings.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Choose About.
- Select Check for Updates.
Install any available update and restart the Firestick afterward. Keep the device connected to power during the update process.
For apps installed from outside the Amazon Appstore, verify that you downloaded the latest version from the developer’s legitimate source. Unofficial or modified app versions may be unstable, incompatible with your Fire OS version, or unsafe.
Check Your Internet Connection
Sometimes the app is working properly, but the internet connection is causing the problem. Streaming apps need a stable connection, not just a high advertised speed.
Go to Settings, select Network, and choose your Wi-Fi network. Fire TV may display the connection status and offer a test option. If the signal is weak, move the router closer to the Firestick or reduce obstacles between them.
You can also try these fixes:
- Restart your modem and router.
- Disconnect other devices that are using heavy bandwidth.
- Connect the Firestick to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network if it is nearby.
- Use an Ethernet adapter for a more stable wired connection.
- Check whether other streaming apps have the same issue.
If only one app fails while everything else works, the problem may be with that app’s service. Check the provider’s status page or social media account before changing more settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I restart an app on Firestick without deleting it?
Yes. Use Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select the app, and choose Force Stop. This closes the app without removing it or deleting your account information.
Will clearing an app’s cache sign me out?
Normally, no. Clearing the cache removes temporary files only. Choosing Clear Data, however, may remove saved settings and sign you out, so use that option only after trying a force stop, cache clearing, and device restart.
Why does my Firestick app keep crashing after I restart it?
The cause could be outdated software, low storage, a weak internet connection, corrupted app data, or a problem with the streaming service. Update the app and Fire OS, clear the cache, restart the device, and reinstall the app only as a last resort.
Conclusion
Knowing how to restart an app on Firestick can quickly resolve freezing, buffering, and launch problems. Start with Force Stop, then clear the cache or restart the Firestick if needed. Updating the app, freeing storage, and checking your network can prevent the same issue from returning.
