The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a popular media streaming device that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. While there is no true “off” function, you can power down or put your Fire TV Stick in sleep mode when not in use. Here are the main ways to turn off or disable your Fire TV Stick.
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Use the Remote to Put the Fire Stick in Sleep Mode
The easiest way to power down your Fire Stick is by using the included remote control:
- Press and hold the Home button on the remote for 3-5 seconds. A menu will appear on your TV screen.
- Select the “Sleep” option in this menu to put your Fire Stick into sleep mode. The TV screen will go blank.
This puts the Fire Stick in a low-power sleep state while still allowing it to receive software updates. To wake it up, simply press any button on the remote.
Use Mobile App to Put Fire Stick to Sleep
If you control your Fire TV Stick via the Fire TV mobile app, you can also put it to sleep this way:
- Open the Fire TV app on your iOS or Android device
- Tap the Settings icon (a gear icon)
- Select the “Sleep” option to power down the Fire TV Stick
Unplug Power Cable
Unplugging the power cable is the only way to fully power down the Fire Stick.
- Unplug the USB power cable from the wall adapter or USB port on your TV.
This completely cuts power to the device. To use your Fire Stick again, you’ll need to plug the power cable back in.
Set Auto-Sleep After Inactivity
You can make your Fire Stick automatically go to sleep after a set period of inactivity:
- Go to Settings > Preferences
- Select “Sleep After”
- Choose a timeout duration e.g. “After 30 minutes”
After the selected timeout with no remote or app control activity, the Fire Stick will automatically enter sleep mode.
Why There’s No True “Off” Function
Unlike some other media players, the Fire TV Stick does not have a full shutdown or “off” function in its software. Here’s why:
- Allows the Fire Stick to receive software updates even when powered down
- Lets you quickly wake the device and start streaming by pressing any remote button
- Reduces energy use compared to leaving the Fire Stick fully on and active
So while you cannot fully power off the Fire Stick, putting it in sleep mode provides many of the same benefits without losing functionality.
Other Ways to Disable the Fire Stick
If you want to temporarily stop using your Fire TV Stick, here are a couple other options:
- Unplug from HDMI port: Disconnect the Fire Stick from your TV’s HDMI port so video will not display.
- Turn off CEC control: Disable HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) so your TV remote will not automatically turn on the Fire Stick.
- Factory reset device: Reset the Fire Stick to default factory settings to erase your accounts and settings.
What Does Sleep Mode Do?
When you put your Fire TV Stick in sleep mode:
- The LED light turns off
- The TV screen goes blank
- Power consumption drops significantly
- The device can still receive software updates
- You can instantly wake the Fire Stick by pressing any remote button
So sleep provides much of the benefit of turning off the Fire Stick, while still keeping it ready for quick use.
Exit Sleep Mode
Waking your Fire TV Stick from sleep mode is easy:
- Press any button on the included Alexa Voice Remote
- Use a paired mobile app like the Fire TV app to send a command
- Ask Alexa to open an app or play content on your Fire TV Stick
After a brief delay, the Fire Stick will power back on and launch the requested app or content.
Troubleshooting Fire Stick Sleep Issues
If your Fire Stick does not enter sleep mode properly:
- Check remote batteries – Replace dead batteries in the Alexa Voice Remote
- Try a remote reset – Press and hold the Home and Back buttons for 10+ seconds
- Re-pair remote if necessary in Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices
- Consider a device restart – Unplug power, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect
A remote or full device reset typically resolves any unusual sleep issues.
Conclusion
While the Fire TV Stick lacks a true power off function, you have several good options to power down and disable the streaming media player when not in use. Using sleep mode saves power versus leaving the device fully active and ready to stream. Just press any remote button to instantly wake your Fire Stick and start enjoying content again!
