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Firestick YouTube Freezing (Causes and How to Fix)

As an avid Firestick user, I can relate to the frustration of having YouTube suddenly freeze on you. I recently experienced this issue and wanted to find out why it was freezing and how to fix it. After doing some research, I have compiled some tips and tricks that I have found to be useful in resolving this issue. In this blog post, I will share my knowledge and insights on what causes Firestick YouTube to freeze and how to fix this problem. Hopefully, my experience and information can help you avoid the same issue!

This can happen due to Wi-Fi connectivity issues or outdated versions of the app or the Firestick. In addition, an accumulated app cache and an overheated Firestick can also have a negative impact on performance.

IssueCauseSolution
Disrupted Wi-Fi ConnectionPoor internet connectivity or speed1. Check network status on Firestick
2. Restart your router/modem and check if the problem is resolved
Problems with the AppRequired Update1. Update your Firestick and enable automatic updates
Accumulated Cache1. Clear YouTube app’s cache and data through Firestick settings
Firestick IssuesOutdated software1. Check for Firestick software updates in the settings
Overheating1. Unplug the Firestick and let it cool down
2. Ensure proper ventilation around the Firestick to prevent future overheating
General TroubleshootingPersistent freezing issues1. Restart your Firestick
2. Contact Amazon’s help center if the problem persists after trying all troubleshooting methods

3 Causes of YouTube Freezing on Firestick

Let’s start by listing the top three causes of YouTube freezing on your Firestick:

  1. Disrupted Wi-Fi Connection

One of the first things you should check is the status of your internet connection. We know it’s a pretty obvious cause of YouTube freezing, but it shouldn’t be overlooked.

You should test to see if your Wi-Fi is having general connectivity problems or has been disabled for any reason. To do so, open your phone or laptop to check if the internet connection is working properly.

Another thing to consider is your internet speed and the resolution of the YouTube content you’re watching. For instance, if you were playing a video in 4K resolution, your internet connection should be able to support a speed of 20 Mbps

Even if your internet connection is 20 Mbps, other devices in the house that are connected to it are competing for its speed. Thus, although you may have a compatible internet speed, you can still experience pauses or freezing while watching a high-resolution video.

  1. Problems With the App

The performance of the YouTube app can be affected by two major factors:

Required Update

You should check to see if you’re still using an old version of YouTube. If you are, it’s possible that this is what’s causing it to freeze.

Updates in almost all apps result in a faster and smoother experience. Besides, updated versions include fixes for previous or ongoing bugs.

Accumulated Cache

Here’s the thing, cache is designed to speed up app performance. It saves temporary files about the app to reduce loading time when you reopen it. 

However, these files can have the opposite effect when they pile up. The app’s data retrieval becomes slower, and you begin to experience issues such as crashing, freezing, buffering, etc. Not to mention that accumulated cache can take up a lot of storage space on your device.

Firestick Issues

Just as we explained how app updates affect performance, so do Firestick software updates. What’s more, an overheated Firestick could also be the cause of YouTube freezing. 

When the Firestick overheats, it begins to display what appears to be technical issues. More specifically, it’ll begin to reboot on its own, take longer to load, continuously buffer streaming, and generally freeze. In this situation, simply unplug it and let it cool down.

How to Fix YouTube Freezing on Firestick

We’ve compiled a list of all fixes that can get YouTube streaming back to normal; check them out:

  1. Restore Internet Connection

Check the network status on the Firestick to see if the problem is due to a poor internet connection or something else. Here’s how to check its status:

  • Press the Home button
  • Open Settings
  • Select Network
  • Find your network name
  • Press the Play/Pause button

If the information displayed about your network indicates connectivity issues, this should be the first thing to address.

Simply restart your router/modem by turning it off for about a minute. Then, reopen it and wait about a minute before checking to see if that solved your problem.

  1. Clear App Cache

In this step, we’ll show you how to clear the YouTube app’s accumulated cache and data. You should be aware that doing so will clear your information from the app, requiring you to log in again.

  • Navigate to Settings
  • Select Applications
  • Head to Manage Installed Applications
  • Choose the YouTube app
  • Select Clear Cache, followed by Clear Data
  1. Update Firestick

Before we update YouTube, let’s check that your Firestick is up to date. Here’s how:

  • Open Settings
  • Go to My Fire TV
  • Choose About
  • Navigate to Check for Updates
  • If there’s any, select Install Update
  1. Update App

You can update apps on your Firestick in two ways. The first is to update one app at a time. The second is to have all apps automatically updated.

We’ll walk you through the second method as it’s way more practical:

  • Go to Settings
  • Select Applications
  • Head to Appstore
  • Choose Automatic Updates and turn it ON
  1. Restart Firestick

Restarting the Firestick works wonders for resolving most of its common problems. Reboot it by following these steps:

  • Open  Settings
  • Select My Fire TV
  • Choose Restart

Wrapping Up

You’re now fully prepared to resolve the “Firestick YouTube freezing” issue! Make it a habit to regularly clear the app’s cache and data that have accumulated over time. This will directly relate to a smoother streaming experience.

Finally, if the problem persists after you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting methods we’ve mentioned, we suggest you contact Amazon’s help center.