About FireStick Storage
The FireStick is an awesome streaming device, but it does have a limited storage capacity of around 8GB, with only 4.5GB available for internal storage.
And let’s face it, with all the amazing apps on the Amazon Store and the extra third-party apps we love sideloading using Downloader, it’s no surprise that it can quickly get filled up with apps, media, and other files, which can cause a drop in performance.
So, it’s essential to be mindful of your storage and regularly clear up unnecessary stuff to keep your FireStick running smoothly and efficiently.
Sometimes, you may run into a situation where your device doesn’t have enough space for installing new apps or updating the old ones. You might even see a critical low storage message. To avoid this, I suggest regularly uninstalling apps you don’t use and clearing storage from installations and other files.
Let’s be honest, most of us only use a few apps frequently, so it’s better to keep things tidy and free up space for the apps that matter most to you.
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How to Free Up Space on Amazon FireStick
Freeing Up Space by Clearing Cache and Data
Clearing the cache is one of the first steps you should take when facing app issues. The cache in apps contains files that help them load and run faster, so the app doesn’t have to download them again every time you use it. The good thing is, clearing the cache won’t delete any of your settings or personal data. It’s like giving the app a fresh start, which can often resolve problems and improve the app.
From the FireStick home screen, navigate to Settings in the top menu.
Scroll down and select Applications.
Click on Manage Installed Applications.
From the right you can also see the storage space available on your FireStick.
You’ll see a list of all the installed apps on your FireStick. Choose the app you want to clear the cache. On the right side, you’ll see the amount of MB that will be deleted by clearing the app’s cache.
You have two options to clear the app’s cache: you can either click the rewind button on your remote or access the app’s settings by clicking on the app.
Now, choose the Clear cache button.
Click on Clear Data in the app’s settings to remove all the app’s data. Unlike clearing cache, the clear data option will erase login information and personalized settings. Please keep in mind that this will also reset the app to its default state.
Note: If you’re using this command on Kodi, it will also erase all previously installed addons.
Click Clear Data once again to confirm deleting the app’s data.
Freeing Up Space by Uninstalling Apps on FireStick
Return to the app’s settings and click on Uninstall.
Deleting the app will free up space on your Firestick. Please, Confirm.
Freeing Up Space Using the Downloader App
Many of us use the Downloader app to install apps not available on the Amazon Store. Downloader has a useful feature that prompts you to delete the installation file after use, which I highly recommend using. However, if you haven’t used this feature regularly, you may find multiple installation files stored in the Downloader folder, taking up unnecessary space.
To access these files, click on the Files option from the left-hand menu of the Downloader app.
To delete the installation file, navigate to the file you want to remove and press the menu button on your remote control.
Click Delete to confirm deleting the installation file.
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Freeing Up Space Using the X-plore File Manager App
I have chosen to use the X-plore File Manager App for deleting the files we no longer need because it is a free app, doesn’t have any ads, and most importantly, it is available on the Amazon App store.
Let’s install it first.
From the Firestick home screen, go to the search icon (magnifying glass) in the top-left corner. Then scroll down to the input field and click on it.
Type “X-plore File Manager” using the on-screen keyboard.
As you start typing, suggestions will appear. Select X-plore File Manager from the suggestions.
The app will appear in the search results. Click on it.
On the app page, click on the Download button to start the installation.
Once the installation completes, click Open.
Click on Allow to grant X-plore access to photos, media and files on your device.
Choose Internal shared storage from within the X-plore File Manager.
Scroll down to the Downloader folder and click on it.
Select one of the files available in the Download folder and press and hold the Select button on your remote.
Choose Delete from the options available.
Click OK to delete the file.
Advantages of Freeing Up Space on FireStick
Freeing up space on your FireStick provides several advantages:
- Optimized Performance: Freeing up space on FireStick increases the navigation speed and reduces app loading time.
- Avoiding Buffering Issues: Insufficient space can lead to buffering problems while streaming movies or TV shows. Clearing space helps prevent interruptions and ensures a seamless streaming experience.
- Preventing App Update Failures: Freeing up space is important because some applications require sufficient storage for updating.
- More Content Storage: With more available space, you can download and store additional content, such as movies or shows, for offline viewing.
- Preventing App Crashes: Lack of storage can cause apps to crash or malfunction. By freeing up space, you can reduce the risk of app crashes and enjoy a stable viewing experience.
- Extended Device Lifespan: Regularly optimizing storage can extend the lifespan of your FireStick by reducing strain on its internal components.
- Data Security: Removing unnecessary files and data can help protect your sensitive information and reduce the risk of data breaches.
FireStick Storage: Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clear the cache on my FireStick?
Clearing the cache once every few weeks is recommended to keep the device running smoothly.
Can I expand the storage on my FireStick?
New Fire TV models such as Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and others support USB drives, allowing you to expand storage.
Are there any specific apps or files I should avoid deleting to prevent any potential system issues?
While you can uninstall unused apps and clear the cache safely, it’s essential to avoid deleting system files or crucial app data that may cause system issues. Stick to removing files you recognize as unnecessary.
Can I use cloud storage with my FireStick?
Yes, you can store your files and media on cloud storage services like Amazon Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
What if nothing above helps, and I still have problems with my FireStick?
If everything fails, you can perform a factory reset to restore your FireStick to its original settings. However, it is important to note that this process will delete all apps and data. Before proceeding, make sure to back up anything important. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults.
Conclusion
In this guide, we talked about how important it is to clear up space on your FireStick to keep it running smoothly and avoid any possible problems.
We explored the steps to clear cache and data on apps, uninstall unnecessary applications, and delete unnecessary files using the Downloader or X-plore File Manager app.