Is your Firestick unable to connect to server? Sometimes, even with a strong signal and good internet connectivity, your Firestick may have difficulties connecting.
There are several reasons why this is happening.
Fortunately, with the recommended solutions below, this does not have to be a big issue.
Like any man-made device, glitches tend to occur from time to time. Usually, such inconveniences can be sorted out with simple at-home fixes.
You can check your router, restart your device or reset it.
If Firestick is unable to connect to a server, the reasons include:
- Poor signal
- HDMI cable issues
- Overheating
- Malfunction in the firestick remote
- Unresponsiveness of firestick buttons
With the few at-home tips listed below, you can easily bypass the issue of your Firestick not connecting to the server.
Reasons Why Firestick is Unable to Connect to Server
At times, a reset will not get your Firestick working. This could mean other issues may need to be addressed.
Such issues include:
- Poor Wi-Fi connection
- An issue with Firestick remote
- Firestick buttons are unresponsive
It is important to note that if your Firestick is not connecting to your Wi-Fi, it could be due to a poor signal. Try connecting directly to your TV using an Ethernet cable.
In addition, make sure your HDMI cable is connected correctly. If it is not correctly inserted or the cable is damaged, the Firestick may not connect to the server.
Long hours of using the Firestick could also cause problems, as it gets overheated and may affect the motherboard.
Make it a habit of switching it off for a few hours or use it at intervals.
Note: It is worth noting that a segment of people has this problem when they switch to a new Wi-Fi network.
How to Fix Firestick Unable to Connect to Server Issue
Method 1: Troubleshoot Router
If your problems are Wi-Fi-related, you need to make sure a few things are okay with your router.
The first troubleshooting move is to ensure the router is connected and functioning correctly.
Next, check whether it is connected to the TV and whether there are limitations preventing a connection.
Steps:
Step #1. Check the number of devices connected to Wi-Fi. If it has reached the set limit, you need to disconnect some devices to make room for the Firestick.
Step #2. Check the router’s admin panel and ensure your Firestick is whitelisted.
Step #3. Check whether the DHCP is disabled on your router. If not, you may have to configure your Firestick with a static IP address.
Step #4. Try reconnecting and see whether your Firestick can connect.
Step #5. Check and ensure that there is no physical interference between the Wi-Fi signal and the Firestick.
Step #6. If there are any obstacles, remove them. Devices such as baby monitors, radios, and phones can wreak the signal and cause connectivity issues.
Step #7. Alternatively, connect your TV directly to your router using an Ethernet cable to cater for inadequate bandwidth.
Method 2: Reboot Firestick
Rebooting your Firestick could solve the connectivity issues. You can restart using the following steps.
Step #1: Using Remote
Hold the ‘select’ and ‘play/pause’ buttons simultaneously for about five seconds until you see the message ‘Your Amazon Fire TV is Powering Off‘ pop up on your screen.
The device will then restart automatically in about two seconds.
Step #2: Using Settings
You can also choose to restart from the Firestick menu.
- Go to settings then navigate to ‘my fire tv.’
- Select ‘restart’
- Your Firestick will power off.
Step #3: Manual Reboot
This step involves unplugging your Firestick from the power source and then inserting it after a few seconds.
All the above steps will have the same result and possibly fix your connection issues.
Method 3: Deregister and Register Your Firestick
At times, you may find your amazon Firestick is unable to connect to server because your account cannot reach Amazon services.
As a result, you need to deregister and register again.
- Go to Settings and click on amazon account.
- Click on ‘Deregister’ a pop-up message ‘Deregistering your fire TV stick’ will appear.
- Register again by selecting ‘I already have an amazon account.’
- Sign back in and continue
- Save the Wi-Fi password and proceed.
Method 4: Install Updates
Another way to solve your issue is to install updates. Amazon has updates from time to time to solve performance issues or address a bug that users have reported.
- Go to Settings.
- Click on ‘My Fire TV’ and choose ‘About’
- You can select “Check for Updates” or “Install Update.”
- Updates will start installing.
- You will wait up to 15 minutes depending on the speed of your internet and the bulk of updates to be installed.
- Try connecting and enjoy your Firestick.
Method 5: Fix Remote Issues
If your remote has not been properly paired or operates on a different internet connection, your Firestick may be unable to connect to the server.
Press and hold on to the home button for a few seconds to pair correctly. If this fails, unpair the remote and click ‘forget’ on the Firestick.
Re-pair again and select a similar Wi-Fi connection as the Firestick.
Firestick Still Can’t Connect to Server?
If you have tried all of the above methods and your Firestick is still unable to connect, you should consider a factory reset.
You should only consider this option as a last resort if all else fails.
This is because a factory reset deletes all your downloaded content, data, and any saved settings.
You will have to set it up as if it is a new one after the factory reset.
To reset
- Go to Settings on your Fire TV. Scroll then select ‘My Fire TV.’
- Select ‘Reset to Factory Defaults’
- Click ‘Reset’
FAQs
Do I need to use a VPN with my Firestick?
It is advisable to use a VPN for all your internet activities. This can help you bypass geo-restricted content.
Does installing updates stop the buffering?
Each update has a detailed list of the issues it is meant to address. Usually, each update aims at boosting performance.
Conclusion
You may face problems from time to time when your Firestick is unable to connect to server.
Luckily, with the above troubleshooting methods, you can get your Firestick functioning normally in no time.
Follow the steps to the latter and ensure you read the instructions before proceeding.
The last thing you want is to create complex problems that may damage your Firestick and warrant a technician coming to fix it.
Check out our recent helpful guides on Firestick:
- Can You Plug a Firestick Into a Projector?
- Do I Need a VPN for Firestick?
- Can Firestick Connect to Bluetooth Speakers?
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.