Such a small yet powerful device…
That’s what came to mind when I got a Firestick for the first time.
And after years of using this streaming device…
I’ve found interesting facts about its lifespan. Along with helpful tips to extend it.
Continue reading to discover:
- How long Firesticks generally last.
- 3 tips to make your Firestick last longer than usual.
- 7 interesting facts about Firestick’s lifespan and durability.
- And a lot more…
How long does Amazon Firestick last?
Amazon Firestick lasts for 3 to 5 years. However, with enough precautions, this streaming device can last up to 8 years. But like any gadget, the Firestick can also fail earlier than expected. And this can happen if you rarely update or let your device rest.
Amazon Firestick lifespan – 7 facts
#1: The Firestick doesn’t have any moving parts
Unlike other streaming devices like Apple TV…
The Amazon Firestick doesn’t have any moving parts in its internal components.
And thanks to this design, your Fire TV is less likely to stop working early.
That’s because moving parts are usually the main causes of gadgets malfunctioning.
See, a Firestick is an example of a solid-state device.
And these types of gadgets are generally more reliable than those with moving parts.
Why?
That’s because…
Solid-state devices like Firestick have many advantages:
Not prone to overheating
My phone tends to overheat. And I’m guessing yours does too.
Now, this is primarily because of the moving parts inside our mobile devices.
But see, Firesticks don’t have any moving components.
So it’s less likely to overheat than an Apple TV, for example.
On top of that, as a solid-state device, Firesticks are also:
Quieter
A Firestick is as quiet as a flash drive.
“Wait. A flash drive doesn’t cause any noises.”
Exactly.
Since a Firestick and a flash drive are both examples of solid-state devices…
They don’t cause any noises on their own.
Energy-efficient.
Want to conserve energy?
Then you made the right choice with getting a Firestick.
With no moving parts, less energy is used to power your streaming device.
And with all of these advantages noted…
Having no moving parts increases your Firestick’s lifespan.
You might also want to know: Can You Use Roku and Firestick at the Same Time? 10 Steps
#2: Unstable power surges can make Firestick degrade faster
Like all technological gadgets…
A Firestick is also prone to the damages caused by power surges. Or unstable electricity.
So your device must get a stable and reliable energy source to last longer.
With that said, let me give you some…
2 tips to ensure that your Firestick always gets stable electricity
Tip 1: Plug your Firestick into the wall outlet
See, you can plug your Firestick’s power cable into your TV’s USB port.
But really, I don’t recommend doing it.
That’s because Amazon Firesticks need at least 1A (1000 mA) of power to function.
And most TVs can only produce 500mA to 900mA through their USB ports.
That said, it’s best to plug your Firestick into the wall outlet. So it can always get enough electricity.
But before you do so…
Tip 2: Measure your outlet’s voltage
Measuring your outlet’s voltage is the best way to check if it has stable electricity.
With that said, have a multitester/multimeter ready and follow the steps below:
Important: Before proceeding, wear rubber gloves and footwear for your safety. And always take precautions because you’re dealing with electricity.
- Set your multimeter to measure voltage.
- Insert each of your multimeter’s probes into the slots of your outlet.
- Keep the probes there for 3 seconds.
- Check the number on your multimeter.
- Gently pull the probes out from the outlet.
Need a visual guide to measuring your outlet’s voltage? Watch this video:
Now, the ideal voltage in the US is 120 V. But it’s acceptable if you’re getting a reading of 114V to 126 V.
So if the number you got is somewhere within that range…
Then you can proceed to plug your Firestick power cable.
But if you’re getting a lower or higher number than the acceptable voltage mentioned…
You should contact a local electrician or your electricity provider. So that they can take a look and fix your house’s voltage.
#3: Firesticks get security updates for at least 4 years
Even if you have a Firestick model that’s already discontinued…
You’ll still get regular security updates from Amazon.
And you’ll continue to do so for at least 4 years.
That said, the countdown starts from the day the model is last available for purchase.
So you don’t need to worry about your device’s security…
Even if Amazon has stopped producing it.
And to give you an example of this policy…
These Firestick models are eligible for security updates until 2026:
#4: Firesticks can overheat
I mentioned that Firesticks are less prone to overheating earlier.
But unfortunately, they still do overheat.
However, the cause is usually due to external factors. And not the device itself.
For example, your HDMI cable may be the 1 overheating.
And the temperature is simply getting transferred to your Firestick.
Moreover, the device may also overheat if it’s in an enclosed location where it’s naturally hot.
Now, as you know…
Exposure to excessive temperatures can shorten devices’ lifespan. And that includes your Firestick.
But fortunately, it’s easy to prevent this from happening. Just follow the…
3 tips to prevent your Firestick from overheating
Tip 1: Plug your device into a different HDMI port
Bad HDMI ports can generate heat. And some are simply located in enclosed locations.
So if you can, plug your Firestick into a different HDMI slot.
And ensure that it’s out in the open, not trapped between your wall and the TV.
Tip 2: Use a longer HDMI extender
If all your TV HDMI ports have little to no space around them…
Then consider getting a longer HDMI extender.
This way, your Firestick will be away from the heat of your TV.
And it can also cool naturally in an open area.
Tip 3: Allow it to rest
Like all gadgets, Firesticks can also heat up when used for long periods.
So to prevent it from having excessive temperatures, avoid using it for 8 hours straight.
With that said, simply keep these 3 tips in mind when using your Firestick.
Because if you prevent it from overheating, you’ll also extend its lifespan.
#5: You can let your Firestick plugged in overnight
There are really no advantages to unplugging your Firestick every night.
See, when your TV is OFF…
Your Firestick goes into its Sleep Mode.
And this is when it starts to update its apps or software automatically.
That said, leaving your Firestick plugged at night actually extends its lifespan.
Because if your device is up to date…
It’ll run smoother and more efficiently.
And as a result, its system won’t slow down significantly.
However…
Pro tip: I highly recommend unplugging your Firestick at least once weekly. This way, your Firestick can reboot and remove its temporary caches. And it’ll run more efficiently.
#6: Firestick’s accessories are replaceable
The Firestick itself can last 3 to 5 years. But some of its accessories can’t.
And some examples of these are your Firestick’s:
But fret not. It’s easy to find replacements for these accessories.
So you can still use your Firestick even if 1 of these starts to malfunction. As long as you buy its replacement.
#7: A slow Firestick isn’t necessarily about to fail
Firesticks slow down before they completely stop working.
But tell you what…
A slow Firestick isn’t necessarily about to fail.
See, there are many reasons for a Firestick to slow down.
But most of them are easily fixable.
With that said, if your Firestick is currently slow…
Do these fixes to speed up your Firestick’s performance
Fix 1: Clear the caches of its apps
Follow these steps:
- Turn ON your Fire TV.
- Head to its Settings.
- Click Applications.
- Scroll down and select Manage Installed Applications.
- Select an app you want to clear the caches of.
- Tap Clear cache.
Pro tip: Do these for all your streaming apps. Because they’re the ones with the most caches.
Fix 2: Keep your Firestick up to date
Here’s how you can update your device:
- Go to its Settings.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Tap About.
- Click Install Update.
- Wait for the process to finish.
Fix 3: Remove unused applications
Take note of the apps that you no longer use on your Firestick.
And follow these steps to delete it:
- Click the Settings gear icon.
- Tap Applications > Manage Installed Applications.
- From the list, select the app you want to delete.
- Click Force stop.
- Then select the Clear data option.
- Confirm the action by selecting Clear data once more.
- Lastly, select Uninstall.
After doing these…
Your Firestick will function better and faster.
How do I know if I need a new Firestick?
You’ll know if you need a new Firestick if your device is:
- Still slow despite trying several fixes.
- Having constant issues and is older than 5 years.
- Won’t turn ON despite trying simple methods to fix it.
That’s because just like any technological device…
A Firestick has its limits.
So if your Firestick is experiencing serious issues or it’s been with you for 5 years or longer…
Consider getting a new 1.
However, while we’re on the topic…
If you still have a functioning Firestick and want to get the most value out of it, here’s a…
Bonus: How to improve your Firestick’s lifespan
Tip 1: Keep your device updated
An outdated device will have a hard time running its system.
And as a result, its lifespan will be shorter.
With that said, if you want your Firestick to last longer…
Always keep it up to date.
Note: Refer to the previous section to update your Fire TV.
Tip 2: Put your device in sleep mode when not in use
If you no longer want to use your Fire TV:
- Click the Home button on your Firestick remote.
- Tap the Sleep option on your screen.
- Click OK.
Tip 3: Factory reset your device if it has serious problems
If your device is encountering serious bugs or issues…
Try to factory reset it by following these steps:
- Head to Settings.
- Tap the My Fire TV.
- Scroll down the list and select Reset to Factory Defaults.
- Confirm the action.
Keep these 3 tips in mind or maybe in your notes…
And your Firestick will function more efficiently for much longer.