One of the most popular ways to stream content on your smart TV is by using the Amazon Fire TV Stick. It’s capable of running the latest streaming apps, gives you access to Prime Video, and is cheaper than most subscriptions from cable providers. However, some Fire Stick users have experienced Firestick black screen.
This can happen due to connection issues, outdated software, and a minor glitch or bug. In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix Firestick not working black screen and the Fire TV black screen problem.
Read on to know more.
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How to Fix Amazon Fire Black Screen Issue
If your Amazon Fire Stick keeps blacking out recently, watching any content can sometimes be impossible. As mentioned earlier, it’s caused by various reasons, which can be related to your TV or a bug or glitch from your Fire TV Stick. Below are some fixes to help solve the black screen problem on your Amazon Fire Stick.
Remember to review each fix and see which one is the most effective for your streaming device:
Fix #1: Check Your TV’s HDMI Input
It’s possible to get a constant black screen once you view the incorrect HDMI input on your TV. Most modern smart TVs will have multiple HDMI inputs, so checking where your Fire TV Stick is plugged in first is essential.
You can see this on the labeling above the HDMI port where your Fire TV Stick device is plugged in. Then, turn on your remote and navigate to that HDMI input. Check if it boots up.
Fix #2: Power Cycle Your Fire Stick
Power cycling is a common fix to most problems with various devices, including streaming sticks. It works by re-initializing your device’s internal components by draining stored power. Also, it helps solve overheating issues, which can cause your streaming device to malfunction.
To power cycle your Fire TV Stick, follow these steps:
- Turn off your Fire TV Stick device and disconnect it from your smart TV.
- Unplug its power adapter and wait for one minute to drain the power or until your device cools down—if it’s overheating.
- Reconnect your Fire Stick to the HDMI port of your smart TV and plug its power adapter into the power port.
- Turn on your smart TV and check if the black screen issue on your Fire Stick is fixed.
If it’s still blacking out, check if you’re using the correct power adapter for your Fire Stick. Also, it requires 5 volts @ 1 amp of power from your outlet.
Fix #3: Restart Your Fire Stick
Once a power cycle doesn’t work, you can try restarting your Fire Stick while it’s plugged in. This solves most bugs or glitches after app updates or setting changes. To restart your Fire Stick, proceed to these steps:
- With your Fire TV Stick switched on, press and hold the Select and Play/Pause buttons on the Fire TV remote for five seconds.
- Your Fire Stick device will now restart.
Fix #4: Connect Your Fire Stick Directly to Your TV
If you’re using an HDMI extender, hub, or similar devices, these are prone to issues that can cause your Fire Stick to having a black display. Try connecting it directly to your TV’s HDMI port and see if it still has the same problem.
Once it still has a black display, try the other HDMI ports on your TV and check if it fixes the issue.
Fix #5: Check your WiFi Connection
Another common reason why your Fire Stick keeps blacking out when trying to stream high-resolution content is a slow WiFi connection. Ensure your WiFi router has an internet connection and provides enough speeds to stream HD and 4K content. If not, try upgrading your WiFi plan to a faster one.
Fix #6: Update the FireOS of Your Fire Stick
As mentioned earlier, outdated software can easily cause problems with your Fire Stick, which can cause the black screen problem. Most software updates contain fixes to bugs and common issues in the current update. So, it’s critical to download and install the latest software updates on your Fire Stick.
To update the FireOS of your Fire TV Stick, proceed to these steps:
- Switch on your Fire Stick and go to Settings > My Fire TV.
- Select Check for Updates and wait for your Fire Stick device to download and install the latest update.
Fix #7: Contact Amazon Support
If all fixes don’t work, the last thing that you can do is contact Amazon Support. Their support technicians can diagnose the problem and whether there’s an internal component problem with your Fire Stick. Remember to explain everything in detail and what fixes you’ve already done to try and fix this issue.
Final Thoughts
Amazon Fire TV Sticks are great devices to help your smart TV have the latest streaming apps and features. It’s capable of streaming in 4K and is cost-effective compared to other streaming devices. But, it’s possible to experience the Fire Stick black screen problem on your Fire TV Stick.
Hopefully, this guide helps you to fix the Fire Stick black screen issue. If your Fire Stick already suffers from apparent physical or component damage, it’s best to buy a new Fire TV Stick device with the latest features.