9 Ways on How To Fix FireStick Black Screen
A FireStick black screen means that the device is not receiving enough power from the USB port, there is a software issue or the internet connection is poor. The Amazon Firestick requires a 1A-rated USB port to work properly.
The main reasons for a Firestick black screen are connection issues and bugs in Fire Stick OS. Sometimes, the format of the video being played on the TV is also the reason for a black screen appearing on the TV.
The use of Amazon Fire TV Stick helps you transform your old non-smart TV into a smart TV, but that doesn’t mean you are not going to face any problems with your Fire Stick. Many Firestick users have been facing black screen problems and sent us emails asking how they can solve this issue.
To fix the black screen problem in a FireStick, connect your Firestick device to a different HDMI port, restart your FireStick, use your Fire TV streaming device with another TV, remove the HDMI cable extender (if you are using one), check TV’s HDMI Port compatibility, and make sure it’s not overheating.
Read on to learn the reasons why your Firestick shows a black screen, how can you fix this black screen issue, and what to do when your Fire TV screen is black but the sound is coming.
Why is My Fire TV Stick Screen Black?
The Fire TV Stick screen goes black or blank due to several reasons including problems with the TV or Fire Stick itself, connection, or bug in Fire Stick OS. The format of the video file being played on the TV could also be a reason.
Generally, a Firestick black screen is not a serious issue and gets solved easily but you need to make sure to go through all the fixes provided in this article.
Why is My Fire TV Screen Black But the Sound is Coming?
If your Fire TV screen is black but sound is coming then it is due to corrupted files, outdated software or applications, glitches, bugs, or system errors. Additionally, improper connections involving power cords or HDMI cables also lead to this issue.
Other possible causes could be compatibility issues with your television model, problems with the display settings on your Fire TV, or even overheating of the device.
In some cases, the problem might be due to hardware failures within the Fire TV device itself.
How To Fix Fire Stick Black Screen Problem?
There are several causes of the Amazon Fire TV Stick’s black screen and therefore trying the below fixes one by one can help you find out the exact issue and solve the problem quickly.
The two types of Black Screens on a FireStick are listed below.
- Continuous Black Screen: This occurs when the black screen persists and doesn’t go away. To fix the continuous black screen problem, check and change the HDMI Connection, Check the TV’s Compatibility, Check for Overheating in Firestick, and Check your Internet Connection is working.
- Periodic Black Screen: This occurs when the black screen appears intermittently. To Fix the Periodic Black Screen, check for App Compatibility, Update FireStick Operating Software, Restart FireStick, and finally if nothing works, reset your Firestick.
The 9 ways to fix the FireStick black screen are listed below.
- Connect FireStick To A Different HDMI port on the TV
- Restart Your Fire Stick
- Try Using Your Fire Stick on Another TV
- Remove the HDMI Cable Extender
- Look for TV HDMI Port Compatibility
- Check if the Fire Stick is Overheating
- Check Server Status
- Clear App Cache
- Contact Amazon Customer Support
Let’s look at each one of them in detail.
1. Connect FireStick To A Different HDMI Port on TV
If you frequently connect your Fire Stick on your TV to the same HDMI port, there are chances that the HDMI port can get damaged or have a connection issue. So, take your Amazon Fire Stick and connect it through another HDMI port and the problem will be fixed in seconds.
Which HDMI port should you avoid plugging your Fire TV stick?
You should avoid plugging your Fire TV Stick into your TV’s HDMI port that is labeled as ARC or eARC and if you have a 4K TV plus the device into HDMI HDCP 2.2 port.
2. Restart Your Fire Stick
Like many other devices, a glitch or a minor bug in Firestick can be easily fixed by just restarting the device.
To restart your Fire Stick, Go to Settings and select My Fire TV. Now, select “Restart” and voila! your Amazon Fire TV will restart in a few seconds.
You can also use another method to restart the Fire Stick if the above method doesn’t work for you. Hold the “Select” and “Play” buttons together for 5 seconds and the device will restart.
However, if your Fire Stick has no power button, disconnect it from the power source, wait for around 30 seconds, and reconnect it back. This power cycles the devices and the temporary glitches are fixed in seconds.
3. Try Using Your Fire Stick on Another TV
There could be a technical issue with your TV or your TV is not supporting the Amazon Fire Stick. You can easily check this out by connecting your Fire Stick to a different TV. If it works, you know what to do next!
4. Remove the HDMI Cable Extender
We have the option to connect Fire Stick directly to the TV but since we get the HDMI cable extender that comes in the box and even Amazon recommends using the extended for improved wifi connectivity and remote performance, we use this.
But, with time the HDMI extender can get damaged and start having issues, to find out and resolve this issue, connect your Fire Stick directly to the TV HDMI slot. If the issue is resolved, buy a new HDMI extender.
5. Look for TV HDMI Port Compatibility
Amazon Fire Stick needs HDCP compatible TV. The resolution and refresh rate in the old TV sets are the major problem that leads to a black screen.
The majority of the new TVs support HDCP and Fire Stick works perfectly fine on that without any glitches. So, if you using an old TV, google your TV model and find out whether it supports this feature or not.
6. Check if the Fire Stick is Overheating
Do you use your TV sets continuously for hours? Or Do you live in a region with a hot climate?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, your Fire Stick is getting overheated and therefore you are seeing a black screen or glitches while using your device. To fix this issue, unplug the device and let your Fire Stick cool down.
7. Check Server Status
Amazon uses its own server to let you stream videos online and like other servers, Amazon AWS can also get into this problem.
If the servers are down, there is nothing you can do from your side. You just have to wait until the servers are back again. You will need a tool like Downdetector to check for server status.
8. Clear App Cache
Are You having a black screen problem when you are using a particular App? If yes, you should clear the App cache and the black screen problem will go away instantly.
To clear an App cache, go to the “Settings” and select “Applications“. Click on “Manage Installed Applications” and select the App you are having a problem streaming. Now, clear cache >clear data.
9. Contact Amazon Customer Support
Contacting Amazon Support is the last thing you have to do if nothing solves your Fire Stick black screen problem. There could be some issue with the Fire Stick and therefore nothing worked for you.
Contact the support team and let them know what you have already done to fix the problem so that they won’t tell you the repeat the same steps again.
If they find out the problem is with your Fire Stick and it is under warranty, they will either send you a new device or make it repaired at your doorstep.
Why is My FireStick Screen Black After Setup?
When you’re setting up your FireStick for the first time, a black screen may appear if the device fails to establish a connection with an Amazon Server. This is often due to connectivity problems. Hence, it’s important to have a stable internet connection while using a FireStick device.
However, there are several other potential reasons why your FireStick screen might go black after setup.
One common issue is an interruption in internet connectivity, as suggested above. But other problems can also lead to this issue, including incorrect display settings, outdated software, or even hardware malfunctions. An improperly connected HDMI cable can also result in a black screen. Therefore, we recommend checking the HDMI connection and ensuring it’s properly plugged in.
Another possible reason could be issues with HDMI-CEC Device Control. You can try turning this setting off and then on again in your Fire TV settings. Sometimes, simply restarting the FireStick device can resolve the problem. However, if the issue persists, it may be worthwhile to check your router and modem and consider resetting them.
It’s important to remember that troubleshooting will vary depending on the specific cause of the black screen. In any case, ensuring your FireStick’s firmware and apps are up-to-date can prevent many common issues.
Why is my Fire Stick not displaying anything?
Generally, when a Fire Stick screen goes black or fails to display any visuals, it’s due to the wrong HDMI input being chosen on the TV.
If your television displays an error message indicating no signal, consider switching to a different HDMI source using the Input or Source button on your TV remote.
Why is my Firestick stuck on a black screen?
One of the most common issues with Fire Stick devices is getting stuck on a black screen. The most common reasons and the fixing ways are listed below.
- Check your HDMI cable connection: Make sure that the HDMI cable is securely connected between your Fire Stick and TV, as well as at both ends. If it becomes loose, the connection may be disrupted and cause your device to become stuck on a black screen.
- Restart your Fire Stick device: To do this, press and hold the power button on the remote for 10 seconds until the light turns off and then back on again. This will reset your device and hopefully fix any software issues that might be causing the problem.
- Try resetting your modem or router, and then reconnecting to the same network: If you’re still stuck on a black screen, it could mean there’s an issue with your internet connection. You can do this by going to the Settings menu on your device and selecting “Network” from the list.
If none of these solutions work, your Fire Stick device is faulty and needs repair or replacement. You contact Amazon customer service for further assistance with this issue.
Can I Fix My Frozen Fire Stick?
Yes, you can fix the frozen Fire Stick by restarting the Fire Stick or using a different HDMI port. However, if your firestick keeps restarting, you will have to fix the below-listed issues.
- Outdated firmware or software
- Power issues
- Improper connection
- Defective accessories
- Software glitches
What is the life expectancy of a Fire Stick?
The lifespan of a Firestick typically ranges from 2 to 4 years, although it may vary based on how it’s used and cared for. It’s crucial to consider factors like usage patterns and maintenance to ensure an optimal experience with your Firestick.
As per an article on The Home Theater DIY, some users have shared their Firestick lasting an impressive 6 to 8 years, while others have unfortunately encountered malfunctions within just a year.
What are the signs of a Fire Stick going bad?
The signs of a Firestick going bad include limited app opening and display capability. When you open an app, it may close shortly after, and your Fire Stick’s display might freeze momentarily or show a black screen.