How to Fix “Optimizing System Storage and Applications” in Firestick?

‘Optimizing system storage and applications’ is a common waiting screen when a firmware update is applied to the Firestick. For a user, the issue aggravates when Firestick keeps looping with the same message and becomes unusable. The issue is reported on all generations and types of Firesticks with nearly all makes/models of the TV. Usually, the following type of message is shown by the Firestick:

Firestick’s optimizing system storage issue could be a result of a bunch of factors along with the hardware problems but mainly due to the following:

Update the Firestick without Display

If the Firestick’s latest update installation is having compatibility issues with the display, then Firestick might show the optimizing storage issue at hand. Here, using the Firestick without display might let the update install and thus solve the problem.

1. Power on the Firestick and TV.
2. Once the Optimizing screen message is displayed, wait till the Finishing Updates screen is shown.

   

3. When shown, unplug the Firestick device from the HDMI port of the TV but keep the device plugged into the power source. If the loop starts before that, then, the next time, you may unplug the device from the HDMI port at the last screen of the previous attempt.

   

4. Then wait for at least 3 hours and afterward, plug the Firestick into the HDMI port of the TV and check if it is working fine.

Insert the Firestick to Another TV Port

A malfunctioning port on the TV may cause the optimizing storage and applications issue at hand as the port may fail to provide sufficient power to Firestick (if USB powered from the TV) or the signal might be triggering the HDCP mechanism of the Firestick during the firmware upgrade. In such a case, trying a different TV port might solve the problem.

1. Plug out the Firestick from the TV (USB/HDMI) and power off the TV.
2. Now plug back the Firestick to a different TV port (without any extension cable) and power on the TV.
3. Once the status bar is near the end, keep pressing the Home key on the remote and check if the Firestick optimizing storage issue is resolved.

   

4. If the issue persists, check if using a wall charger to power the Firestick solves the problem.

Perform a Cold Restart of Firestick and TV

Firestick optimizing system storage and applications message could be a result of a temporary glitch of Firestick and TV communications. Here, performing a cold restart of the Firestick device and TV might solve the problem.

1. Unplug the Firestick device from the TV and power source (either USB powered or using an external power source).

   

2. Now power off the TV and remove its power cable from the power source.
3. Then, power off the router/modem or any other accessories and also, remove their power cables.
4. Now wait for 5 minutes and plug back the router’s power cable.
5. Now power on the router and let its lights stabilize.
6. Then plug back the TV’s power cable and power it on.
7. Now plug the Firestick (power and HDMI cables) and power it on. Make sure all the connections are proper/firm and nothing loose.
8. Then wait till the Firestick is properly powered on and if it shows the optimizing system storage screen is shown, let it finish.
9. When the status bar reaches the end, keep pressing the Home button on the remote and check if the Firestick optimizing system storage issue is resolved.

Use the Firestick’s Original Power Adapter and USB Cable

Firestick needs more power to complete its update process as compared to its routine operations. If you are using a 3^rd party power adapter and USB cable, then their failure to provide enough power to the Firestick device to update the firmware might cause the Firestick optimizing system storage and applications issue. In this scenario, powering the Firestick through the original charger and USB cable might solve the problem.

1. Power off the TV and Firestick.
2. Then remove the 3^rd party power adapter and cable from the Firestick.
3. Now connect the stock charger and USB cable to the Firestick.

   

4. Then power on the TV and Firestick.
5. If the optimizing system storage message is shown, let it complete its process. If your Firestick is some updates behind from the latest firmware, then this screen may repeat twice and thrice, so wait till all the updates are applied to the Firestick. Keep in mind, whenever the status bar reaches the end, keep pressing the Home button of the remote.
6. Afterward, check if the Firestick is working fine.

If you are not able to find the stock charger and cable, then you may use a 2.1 Amp USB power source. Some users reported that using the Apple devices’ power adapter/USB cable did the trick for them, so, make sure to check that option as well.

Try the Firestick on Another TV

If the TV you are using is not compatible with the installation mechanism of the latest firmware update, then Firestick may start showing the loop of optimizing system storage and applications. In such a case, trying the Firestick on another TV (a newer model) may let the update install and thus solve the problem.

1. Firstly, make sure to power off the problematic TVand the other TV.
2. Now, unplug the Firestick from the problematic TV and plug it into the other TV (a friend or family’s device).

   

3. Now power on the other TV and if Firestick shows the optimizing system storage screen, let it finish. If there is more than one update pending, then let all the updates install. The Firestick device might repeat the optimizing storage screen message twice or thrice. Make sure to press the remote’s Home button whenever the status bar reaches the end.
4. Once the Firestick’s firmware is updated, check if the Firestick’s optimizing system storage problem is solved.
5. If so, then check if the Firestick is working fine on the problematic TV.

Perform a Hard Reset of Firestick to Factory Defaults

If the latest failed update has corrupted Firestick’s firmware, then Firestick might start showing the optimizing system storage loop. In this scenario, resetting Firestick to the factory defaults might solve the problem. If you are thinking that the Firestick is stuck in optimizing and how to reset it? Then the hard reset of the Firestick is the answer (as discussed below).

1. Press/Hold the back key and right navigation key of the Firestick remote for 10 seconds and when the Reset Factory Settings confirmation box is shown, click on Reset.

   

2. Then wait for a few minutes till the reset process is complete but make sure to not press any keys on the remote.

   

3. Once the Firestick is restored to the factory defaults, hopefully, it will be clear of the optimizing storage loop.

If the issue is still there and you are using an older TV, then you may use an HDCP stripper to make the Firestick work with the older TV. If that is not the case and the issue is still there, you may have to get the Firestick replaced (if under warranty).