The Firestick optimizes itself regularly to offer you a smooth streaming experience, and this can be an issue sometimes. While optimizing, the screen may stick to “Firestick Optimizing System Storage and Applications.” Merely restarting the Firestick may not help, and there is a series of steps you need to follow to make the Firestick work.
In this guide, I’ll tell you how to fix the Firestick Optimizing System Storage and Applications issue. You’ll also get to know how to prevent this issue and make sure it doesn’t occur again in the future.
Why Does the Firestick Optimizing System Storage and Applications Issue Appear?
There are many reasons behind this issue, and it is essential to determine before fixing the problem. After extensive research, I compiled a list of several problems that may cause the Firestick optimizing issue.
Corrupt Firmware
Firestick updates itself from time to time, and it may cause the optimizing system storage issue if the latest firmware gets corrupted for any reason. Sometimes the latest firmware does not install properly because you turn off the Amazon Fires TV Stick or due to an improper internet connection.
Incompatible TV
If your TV is incompatible with the latest Fire OS, it can lead to an optimizing system storage issue. This incompatibility with the TV leads to an HDCP error during installation, which might fail to optimize the storage and can cause an issue in the loop.
Malfunctioning TV Port
Usually, the HDMI port on a TV doesn’t malfunction easily, but it’s hardware, so some issues can be there. If your TV’s port malfunctions, it can lead to a storage optimization issue. The reason is intermittent power and short-circuit, and it may also damage the Firestick hardware permanently.
Damaged Hardware or Power Supply
Damaged hardware, such as broken HDMI pins, can cause a storage optimization issue. Moreover, other components of the Fire Stick can lead to this issue.
Virus-infected Applications
If you download third-party applications on your Firestick, you may experience optimizing storage and application issues. It is daunting to find the applications that are behind this issue, and that’s why most people fail to fix the problem.
You Aren’t Using the Right Accessories
Amazon ships accessories with the Firestick for a reason, and if you use other third-party accessories, it may damage the hardware or cause other issues.
How to Fix Firestick Optimizing Storage and Applications Issue
The steps to fix this issue depend on the cause of the issue. If the issue is due to the hardware, you need to fix it. On the other hand, you need to update or reset the Firestick to fix the software glitch.
#1. Unplug and Replug the Firestick
First, you should unplug and replug the Firestick to refresh it and fix the issue. This solution works well in most cases and prevents you from resetting the Firestick.
- Turn off the TV and Fire TV stick. Plug it out from the TV.
- Wait for 60 seconds, and plug the Firestick back in.
- Turn it on, and check if it’s working.
#2. Use Amazon’s Official Accessories
If the issue is still there, it could be due to faulty hardware. You should always use the stock accessories such as the Micro USB cable and power adapter to ensure the Firestick gets the power it needs.
#3. Use a Different HDMI Port
As I explained, the issue can be due to a faulty HDMI port, so you should plug the Firestick into a different port. The best thing about modern smart TVs is the availability of multiple HDMI ports. Plug the Fire TV device in some other port, and turn the TV on.
#4. Update the Fire OS
Updating the Fire OS to the latest version comes with a host of benefits, and it can fix several issues as well. Generally, the Firestick updates itself automatically, it may sometimes not do it because of software glitches or other issues. Here are the steps to check the software OS version and update it quickly.
- Press the Home button, and click on Settings.
- Choose My Fire TV, and choose About.
- Scroll down, and click on Install Update.
- Your Fire Tv Stick will look for an update, and if it’s available, you can download it.
The update may take some time to install, so you should wait for it. Don’t turn off the TV or remove the Firestick from the port even if the screen has stuck. Let the Firestick reboot itself after the update, and you can keep using it.
#5. Factory Reset the Firestick
Factory resetting the Fire TV Stick helps remove all files from the device, and you can delete the malware as well. This also helps improve the Firestick’s speed, and you can enjoy streaming your favorite programs.
- Press the Right of the navigation and Back button for 10-15 seconds.
- You’ll get a prompt on the screen. Click on Continue to reset the Firestick.
Wait for the process to complete, and your Firestick will be restored to factory defaults.
#6. Delete Some Apps
Since the issue is related to storage and applications, you should delete some apps from your Firestick. Freeing up the storage helps improve the Firestick’s speed and prevents plenty of issues. Here are the steps to delete apps and clear storage from your Fire Stick.
- Press the Home button, and choose Settings.
- Select Applications, and click on Manage Installed Applications.
- Scroll from the list of apps installed on your Firestick, and select the app you don’t need anymore.
- Click on Uninstall, and you can delete the app.
- You can also choose Clear Cache to clear app data.
Do this for all the apps that you want to delete, and you can get some free storage on your Firestick.
#7. Get in Touch with Amazon
If nothing works, you need to contact Amazon Customer Support. Tell the team about the fixes that you have tried, and then perform the steps explained by them.
How to Prevent the Firestick Storage Optimizing System Storage Issue
After fixing the issue, you should ensure that it doesn’t happen again. I have been following these steps and haven’t experienced the same storage optimizing issue again.
Update the Fire OS Regularly
Updating the Fire OS is important, and it helps make the interface better while preventing several issues. Make sure to check the available OS version once every month. You can check the latest Fire OS versions here.
Don’t Download Third-party Apps
Amazon does not recommend downloading and installing third-party apps on your Firestick. However, some people install these apps because of their unavailability on the official app store.
Before downloading an app, you should make sure that it does not contain malware and belongs to a trusted developer.
Prevent Hardware Issues
Although hardware issues in a Firestick aren’t very common, you may experience them sometimes. Avoid removing the Firestick from the TV multiple times, and make sure to use the stock accessories only.
Avoid Power Strip
Power strips are great, but not for your Firestick. The reason is the current fluctuation and power surge, which may damage the Firestick, and it can lead to several issues like the optimized system and storage error.
Why does my Fire Stick keep restarting?
After I fixed the “Firestick Optimizing System Storage and Applications” issue, my Fire TV Stick started restarting randomly and constantly. When I figured out the problem, I found out that it was because of power issues.
It is essential to plug in the Firestick properly. Make sure to press the Firestick into the HDMI port so that it fits well. You can also use an HDMI extender in case you aren’t able to reach the TV’s HDMI port due to a space crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do I do when my Fire Stick says to optimize system storage and applications?
A: First, you should restart the Firestick and then delete some applications. If the issue still persists, reset the Fire TV Stick to factory defaults. You can also contact Amazon customer support for help regarding replacing the Firestick and more.
Q: Why is my Fire Stick stuck in a loop?
A: It could be due to software or hardware issues. First, you need to do some scrutiny to determine the issue, and then follow the solutions explained in this article to make the Firestick work properly.
Q: Why is my Firestick not turning on?
A: Sometimes, the Firestick does not get enough power it needs to run the operations properly. Make sure to plug in the stock USB cable and keep the Fire OS up to date in order to prevent any issues.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has helped you get rid of the Firestick Optimizing System Storage and Applications issue, and you are now able to stream the movies or TV shows you want.
Also, follow the steps to prevent this issue from arising in the future, and you can have a great time with the Firestick.
Stay tuned to us for more informative posts, and become a Pro Firestick user who knows all the features and functionalities of his streaming device.
