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How to clear cache on Amazon Firestick

An Amazon Firestick is a small and easy device for turning your TV into a media center, providing you with instant access to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video – or to live TV via Sling TV or AT&T TV. That said, the cache on your device can cause conflicts that lead to problems.

If you are experiencing unusually slow Firestick performance, or need to troubleshoot any other issues, clearing the cache is a great way to refresh your Firestick and get everything working smoothly again.

In this guide, we explain why cache may be an issue and how to clear the cache on your Firestick.

What is cache on Firestick?

Cache memory is the storage space inside your Firestick that is used to manage and access data used regularly by apps you install. This definition also applies to other devices. While it is similar to regular memory, cache is quickly accessible because of its involvement in loading applications – and making them run smoothly.

Eventually, because of the limited space on a Firestick device, cache memory will end up getting clogged up. As a result, the system and apps will no longer run optimally and you will begin to experience slow loading times, and, potentially, other issues.

Why do you need to clear cache on a Firestick?

Installing a wide variety of apps and games on a Firestick can cause its memory to get packed full of cached data. Eventually, this is going to start severely affecting your device's performance and you will notice it get really slow.

This is particularly true of people who use Kodi on their Firestick – because this inevitably leads to a lot of cached data. If you are experiencing a sluggish Firestick, it is almost certainly time to clear your cache.

Cached data can lead to conflicts on your device. As a result, it may become impossible to access certain streaming services on your Firestick. This happens because cached app and device-level data provides information about you and your location to online services.

Clearing app data and cache gives you a clean slate – so that you can access services without conflicts. This is particularly useful when using a VPN to unblock regional services, but may also come in handy to troubleshoot other problems.

How to clear cache on Firestick

The good news is that clearing the cache on your Firestick is easy. It only takes a few moments, and afterward, you should notice its performance improves a lot! Follow the steps below to clear the cache:

  1. Navigate to the main menu in your Fire Stick.
  2. Click Settings > Applications > Manage All Installed Applications

    Firestick manage installed applications
  3. Choose an application from the list. This will allow you to see that file's size, data storage, and cache.

    Choose an application from the list
  4. At the bottom of the menu on the left-hand side, you will see the words Clear cache. Click on this to delete the cache for that app.

    select clear cache
  5. As soon as the cache for that app has been cleared, repeat the process for any other apps on your Firestick you believe may be causing issues.

Remember that you can check the size of the cache by clicking on each app. This will provide clues as to whether it needs clearing or not. If it is large, it is probably a good idea to clear it.

What apps consumes the most cache?

All apps will consume some cache, so the more apps and games you install, the more likely it is that you will eventually experience some slowing. However, it is generally people who use Kodi – or other unofficial apps on their Firestick – that tend to experience the most severe cache problems.

If you have purposefully installed Kodi and any other add-ons on your Firestick, it may become necessary to clear your cache regularly in order to ensure it runs smoothly. Just remember that it is these unofficial apps that are probably causing the biggest problem, so clear their cache first to see if this resolves your issues.

If you have a Firestick and you want to use Kodi, check out our how to set up Kodi on Firestick guide to find out how to get up and running.

Conclusion

If your Firestick has been getting extremely slow – or serving you a 'critically low storage' message – it is a good idea to clear the cache. In this guide, we have described everything you need to know about clearing the cache on your Firestick.

If you have persistent problems after clearing the cache, leave us a message below and we will endeavor to help you as soon as we can. 

Written by: Ray Walsh

Digital privacy expert with 5 years experience testing and reviewing VPNs. He's been quoted in The Express, The Times, The Washington Post, The Register, CNET & many more. 

6 Comments

Mike Rhoades
on July 12, 2022
1) Is there an automatic app to clear cache? 2) Why do I have cache on apps I never use..Amazon Shopping, Screensaver, etc.?
https://cdn.proprivacy.com/storage/images/2021/10/image_615c6fedde9c4_1633447917-avatar_image-small_webp.webp
Danka Delić replied to Mike Rhoades
on October 19, 2022
Hi Mike! Yes, there are apps that clear cache for you, like CC cleaner, but they still won't work automatically, they will need you to initiate the scans and allow the deletion for particular apps. This is better anyway, because, by clearing your cache you're also clearing your browsing history and your saved passwords, and you probably want to have at least some insight into these actions. However, to have full control of what gets deleted, we recommend manual clearance. To answer your second question – unfortunately, many apps, like those you mentioned above run in the background and save cache on those occasions. You can use some of the cleaner apps for them, or, if you're really not using them (and are not planning on using them in the future), delete them altogether. It's better for your device and for your online security, anyway. Besides, you can always re-install them, should you change your mind. I hope this was helpful!
Kathy Finefield
on June 23, 2022
Hi, so when I go to clear the cache as soon as I click on the apps to clear it loops back to beginning and I have to start all over again, can you help?
https://cdn.proprivacy.com/storage/images/2021/10/image_615c6fedde9c4_1633447917-avatar_image-small_webp.webp
Danka Delić replied to Kathy Finefield
on October 19, 2022
Hi Kathy! It's because as soon as the cache for one app has been cleared, you have to repeat the process for any other app on your Firestick you believe needs cache clearance. In other words, you need to clear the cache for each app individually. I hope this was helpful.
MB
on January 15, 2022
When I go to clean up the cashe it clears, but then when I click out the cashe' is full again. It won't clear?
https://cdn.proprivacy.com/storage/images/2021/08/andreas-squarejpg-avatar_image-small_webp.webp
Andreas Theodorou replied to MB
on January 17, 2022
That sounds infuriating. My first recommendation would be to double-check to see if you need to select any items to remove. Failing that, I'd go with the old tech-support mantra of "have you tried turning it off and on again?"... Let me know if that helps. If not, we'll try and help you get to the bottom of this. Best of luck, Andreas

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