Start with the simplest fixes first

Most Amazon Fire devices that won't connect to WiFi are fixed by restarting the device, checking that WiFi is actually turned on, and making sure you are typing the password correctly. Before you assume something is broken, try these three things in order: restart your Fire by holding the power button for 10 seconds, check that WiFi is enabled in Settings, and re-enter your network password character by character — passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter.

If those do not work, move to the next section. The fixes below address the most common reasons a Fire device stops connecting or never connects in the first place.

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your Fire device by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then check that WiFi is turned on in Settings.
  • Delete the network from your device and reconnect by entering the password again, because stored passwords sometimes become corrupted.
  • Restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in, which fixes most connection problems between devices and routers.
  • If your Fire is far from the router or blocked by walls, move it closer to test whether distance or interference is the problem.
  • If nothing works, perform a factory reset on your Fire device, which erases everything but solves persistent software problems.

Forget the network and reconnect with the password

Your Fire device stores the WiFi password once you enter it, but that stored password can become corrupted or out of sync with your router. The fix is to delete the network from your device's memory and enter the password fresh.

Go to Settings, then Network, then WiFi. Find your network name in the list, press and hold it, and select "Forget". Now select your network again from the list and enter your password exactly as it appears — upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters all matter. If you are not sure what your password is, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or log into your router's admin page from a computer or phone to see or reset the password.

Restart your WiFi router

Your router and your Fire device sometimes lose sync with each other even though nothing has changed. Restarting the router fixes this in most cases and takes less than two minutes.

Unplug the power cable from the back of your router, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait another 30 to 60 seconds for the router to fully restart — you will see lights on the front of the router blink and then settle. Once the lights are steady, try connecting your Fire device again. If you have a modem separate from your router, unplug the modem first, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait for it to restart, then do the same with the router.

Check the distance and obstacles between your Fire and router

WiFi signal weakens as it travels through walls, floors, and distance. If your Fire is in a bedroom on the opposite side of the house from your router, or if it is in a basement or behind metal objects, the signal may be too weak to connect or stay connected.

Move your Fire device to within 10 feet of the router with a clear line of sight — no walls or large metal objects between them — and try connecting again. If it connects in that location, you know the problem is distance or interference. You can then move the router to a more central location, move the Fire device closer, or consider a WiFi extender or mesh network to strengthen the signal in that room. If the Fire still will not connect even right next to the router, move to the next section.

Check for software updates on your Fire device

Amazon releases updates to fix WiFi and other problems. If your Fire has not updated in a while, an old version of the software may have a bug that prevents connection.

Go to Settings, then Device Options, then System Update. If an update is available, select "Update" and let it run — this may take several minutes and your device will restart. Once the update is complete, try connecting to WiFi again. Note that your Fire needs to be plugged in during an update, and you should not unplug it or force it to shut down while the update is running.

Reset your Fire device to factory settings

If nothing above has worked, a factory reset will erase all settings and apps on your Fire and return it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This solves persistent software problems that prevent connection. You will lose any apps you installed and any files stored on the device, but your Amazon account and any content you bought through Amazon will still be there when you sign back in.

Go to Settings, then Device Options, then Reset to Factory Defaults. Select "Reset" and confirm. The device will restart and erase itself — this takes several minutes. Once it is done, you will see the setup screen as if the device is brand new. Follow the on-screen steps to connect to WiFi and sign into your Amazon account. Try connecting to your network during setup and see if it works now.

Contact Amazon if the problem persists

If your Fire still will not connect after a factory reset, the device may have a hardware problem with its WiFi radio. This is rare but does happen, especially if the device has been dropped or exposed to liquid.

Contact Amazon Support through the Amazon website or the Alexa app. Have the model number of your device ready — you can find it in Settings under Device Options. Amazon can troubleshoot further, offer a replacement, or discuss repair options depending on whether your device is still under warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fire connect to WiFi but then disconnect after a few minutes?

This usually means the signal is weak or unstable. Move the device closer to the router, restart the router, or forget and reconnect to the network. If it still disconnects, check whether other devices in the same location have the same problem — if they do, the issue is your router or internet connection, not the Fire.

Can I connect my Fire to WiFi without knowing the password?

No. You need the correct password to connect. If you do not know it, check the sticker on your router, ask whoever set up the network, or log into your router from a computer to reset the password. Most routers have an admin page you can reach by typing the router's IP address into a web browser.

Does a factory reset delete my Amazon purchases and account?

No. A factory reset erases apps and files stored on the device, but your Amazon account and anything you bought through Amazon stays with your account. When you sign back in after the reset, your purchases will be available to read again.

What if my Fire connects to WiFi but the internet is very slow?

Slow internet on one device usually means either the device is far from the router or your internet service is slow overall. Test by moving the Fire closer to the router and trying again. If it is still slow, test the speed on another device like a phone or computer in the same location — if that is also slow, the problem is your internet service, not the Fire.