If you are watching your favorite video and suddenly all you see is Amazon video black screen with sound, this could indicate issues on your side and Amazon’s.
To properly address the problem, you need to determine the cause. It could be from an unstable network connection to a software bug.
The video black screen issue can occur on any device that supports Amazon Prime Video. Whether you are using iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac, you will encounter a problem without a stable internet connection. Restart your router if you are experiencing slow internet speeds, or contact your ISP for additional assistance.
Amazon Prime Video has specific requirements to function flawlessly. You need to consider your computer’s operating system, browser, and internet speed.
If you meet the minimum settings, you should be able to enjoy an incredible streaming Hollywood Blockbusters experience.
Why Is My Amazon Prime Video Showing Black Screen
There can be numerous reasons why your Amazon Prime Video shows a black screen without sound.
It could be due to an unstable net connection, wrong resolution, a bug in your device, or a browser problem.
Slow or Unstable Internet
Check network status in your device’s network connection settings. Connect to a network immediately if you don’t have internet.
Amazon Prime Video requires at least 900 Kbits/sec to play standard definition videos. On the other hand, high-definition videos need at least 3.5 Mbits/sec.
Incompatible Resolution
Check the resolution of the video you are watching. You may be playing HD content that is not compatible with your device.
Try lowering down the solution and see if it fixes the issue. Then, restart your router to ensure you get the best internet connection. To play 4K videos, you need a steady connection of at least 15mbps.
Browser Problem
Browsers slightly differ from one another, and sometimes your default browser may not be compatible with Amazon Prime Video.
Try changing your default browser or installing a new one if you encounter a black screen while accessing the streaming service.
Software Bug
Sometimes, an outdated browser or device may cause a black screen. Often check for updates to make sure you get the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.
Take note that some devices no longer support updates and may not be compatible with the Amazon Prime Video app.
Verify if your device meets the minimum requirements to run Amazon Prime Video smoothly.
Keep everything updated, subscribe to a fast broadband package, and position your streaming device close to your router to ensure the best performance.
How to Troubleshoot Amazon Video Black Screen with Sound
If you have Amazon Prime Video black screen with sound issues, this post will guide you to solve the problem in time for your shows.
Solution #1: Check Your Internet Connection
The first thing you should do is check your network connection. Amazon Prime Video requires fast and stable internet to run smoothly.
Android
- Open your Wi-Fi Settings.
- Tap Network & Internet or Connections.
- Turn ON your Wi-Fi.
- Find the Wi-Fi connection indicator on top of your device’s screen.
- You may be out of the Wi-Fi range if you don’t see it.
iOS
- Open Settings.
- Look for Wi-Fi.
- Please tap on the Wi-Fi option and make sure it’s ON.
Note: If you are experiencing slow internet speeds, restart your router. If the connection issue persists, contact your Internet Service Provider.
Solution #2: Perform a Power Cycle on Your Viewing Device
The simplest but most useful troubleshooting method is restarting your Amazon Prime device.
A minor glitch may easily cause Amazon Prime Video black screen. You need to restart your device to fix it.
Android
- Hold the power button until you see the menu.
- Then, press Restart.
iOS
- Press and release the Volume Up button.
- Press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press the Side button.
Note: If you use Fire TV as your streaming device, unplug the power cord for three seconds and plug it back on.
You can also restart it from the menu by going to Settings > My Fire TV > Restart.
Solution #3: Clear Browser History or App Cache
If you use the Amazon Prime Video app, you can easily re-install the app to fix the issue.
But if you are streaming from a browser, you may need to clear the data cache.
Chrome
- Open Chrome on your computer and click More at the upper right corner.
- Click More Tools > Clear Browsing Data.
- Select a time range. To delete everything, choose All Time.
- Next, check the boxes to Cookies and other site data and Cached images files.
- Click Clear Data.
Opera
- Press CTRL+H to open browser history.
- Click Clear browsing data.
- Choose what you wish to delete and the time range.
- Click Clear Data.
Note: If you have the app, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications. Select Amazon Prime Videos and click Clear Cache Data.
Solution #4: Check Your Connected HDMI Cables
If you have a fast and stable net connection and a new browser, but the issue persists, check your cable connection and the power rating of the source.
Ensure HDMI cables are joined properly by unplugging and plugging them back in.
Also, the power rating for your USB source should be at least 1 Ampere for your streaming device to function smoothly.
Solution #5: Clear Prime Video Viewing History
Clearing Amazon Prime Video viewing history may also fix the black screen without sound issues.
Do this to remove content from your watch history and ensure they’re not used for future recommendations.
- Go to the Amazon website on your device and log in to your Amazon Prime account.
- Go to Accounts & Lists > Your Prime Video.
- When you get on the Prime Video page, click Settings.
- Once you get on the Account & Settings page, click the Activity tab > View Watch History.
- Scroll down and click on Remove this from watched videos.
Note: Amazon Prime Video does not allow you to clear the viewing history in one click. You need to remove items one by one.
Solution #6: Update Your Device or Web Browser
Regularly check for updates for your device’s software. New versions include bug fixes and security patches that may help solve the issue.
Also, update your web browser by following these steps:
Chrome
- Open Chrome.
- Click More at the upper right.
- Click Help > About Google Chrome.
- Click Update Google Chrome.
- Click Relaunch.
To update Chrome from your mobile phone, open the Google Play Store, then tap your profile icon. Then, click Manage Apps & Device. Under updates, find Chrome and click Update.
Note: If you can’t find the Update Google Chrome button, it means you have the latest version of the web browser.
Read Next: Is Hulu Free with Amazon Fire Stick?
Last Thoughts
Check your network connection if you see a black screen without sound while watching Amazon Prime videos. Try restarting your router to re-establish the connection. If the problem is with the network, contact your Internet Service Provider for further assistance.
Thus, to fix an Amazon Video black screen without sound issue, first determine the cause. Once you find it, you will know the appropriate solution to your problem.
If you have another issue with your Amazon Prime Video, browse our blog. We have guides that can help you diagnose the problem and solve it.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.