Streaming devices

Fire TV app keeps crashing or closing

An app that closes itself or freezes is almost always a corrupted cache or an outdated app version. Clearing the app's cache usually resolves it in a few minutes.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
5–15 minutes
DIY cost
$0

Symptoms

  • App closes back to the home screen unexpectedly
  • App freezes on a loading screen
  • App won't open at all
  • Problem happens with one app but not others

Likely causes

  • CommonCorrupted app cacheCached data can become damaged after an update or interrupted download.
  • CommonOutdated app versionStreaming apps update often and old versions stop working with backend changes.
  • PossibleFire TV storage nearly fullLow storage can prevent apps from writing temporary files they need to run.
  • PossibleFire OS software out of dateAn outdated system version can be incompatible with newer app builds.
  • Less commonServer-side outage for that streaming serviceThe app itself may be down for everyone, not just your device.

What to do

  1. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select the app, and choose Clear Cache.
  2. If clearing cache doesn't help, choose Clear Data on the same screen (this signs you out of the app).
  3. Check the Appstore for a pending update to the app and install it.
  4. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About and check for a system software update.
  5. Restart the Fire TV device from Settings > My Fire TV > Restart.
  6. Uninstall and reinstall the app if the problem continues.
  7. Check the streaming service's status page or social media for a known outage.

When to call a pro

If every app crashes and a factory reset doesn't fix it, the device itself may be failing and should be replaced.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.