Deleting apps on Firestick takes two minutes and frees up storage space

You delete an app on Firestick by finding it in your apps library, selecting it, and choosing the remove option from the menu. The process is the same whether you're using a Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, or any other Firestick model. Once you delete an app, it's gone from your device — but you can reinstall it later from the Amazon Appstore without paying again if it was free, or without additional cost if you originally purchased it.

Firestick doesn't have a lot of built-in storage, so removing apps you don't use regularly can help your device run faster and give you room for new ones. The steps below work on all current Firestick models and the latest Fire TV operating system.

Key Takeaways

  • You delete apps through the Apps section of your Firestick home screen, not by uninstalling them from settings.
  • Deleted apps can be reinstalled later at no cost if they were free or if you already paid for them.
  • Removing unused apps frees storage space and can improve your Firestick's performance.
  • You cannot delete Amazon's built-in apps like Alexa or the Appstore itself, though you can hide them from your home screen.

How to delete an app from your Firestick home screen

The fastest way to delete an app is directly from your home screen. Highlight the app you want to remove, then press and hold the select button (the center circle) on your remote for about two seconds. A menu will appear with options including "Remove from Home" or "Uninstall" depending on your Firestick model and software version.

If you see "Remove from Home," that option hides the app from your home screen but doesn't actually delete it from your device. To fully remove it, look for "Uninstall" in that same menu. Select it, and the app will be deleted. You'll see a confirmation message asking if you're sure — select "Uninstall" again to confirm.

Delete apps through the Apps library

If you want to see all your apps at once and delete multiple ones, use the Apps section. From your Firestick home screen, go to the top menu and select "Apps." This opens your full apps library, organized by category or by recently used.

Find the app you want to delete, highlight it, and press and hold the select button on your remote. The same menu will appear. Choose "Uninstall" and confirm. You can repeat this for as many apps as you want to remove in one session.

What happens to your data when you delete an app

When you uninstall an app, the app itself and its files are removed from your Firestick. However, if that app stored data on Amazon's servers — like your login information, watch history, or saved preferences — that data usually stays in your Amazon account. When you reinstall the app later, it will often remember your login and settings.

Some apps store data only on your device, not in the cloud. If you delete those apps, that local data is lost and won't come back if you reinstall. There's no way to know which apps do this without checking each app's privacy policy, so if you're concerned about losing saved data, take a screenshot of any important information before you uninstall.

Apps you cannot delete from Firestick

Amazon's built-in apps — like Alexa, the Appstore, Settings, and Home — cannot be uninstalled. These are core to how Firestick works, and Amazon doesn't allow their removal. If you don't want to see them on your home screen, you can hide them instead.

To hide an app you can't delete, highlight it on your home screen, press and hold select, and choose "Remove from Home." This removes it from view without uninstalling it. You can still access it through the Apps library if you need it later.

Freeing up storage space on your Firestick

Firestick models have between 8 GB and 32 GB of storage depending on the version, but not all of that is available for apps — the operating system takes up space. If your Firestick is running slowly or you're getting messages that storage is full, deleting unused apps is the quickest fix.

You can check how much storage you're using by going to Settings, then Device, then Storage. This shows you the total available space and how much is free. If you're consistently running low, focus on deleting large apps like games or streaming apps you don't use often. Streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video can take 100 MB to 500 MB each, so removing a few can make a real difference.

Reinstalling an app you deleted

To get an app back after deleting it, open the Appstore from your home screen or from the Apps menu. Search for the app by name, select it, and choose "Install" or "Get." If you originally paid for the app, you won't be charged again — Amazon remembers your purchase. If it was free, it installs at no cost.

Installation usually takes less than a minute for smaller apps, though larger ones may take a few minutes. Once it's done, the app will appear in your Apps library and on your home screen if you want to add it back there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting an app remove my login information?

Usually not. Most apps store your login on Amazon's servers, so when you reinstall, you'll still be signed in. Some apps only store data locally on your Firestick, so deleting them means losing that data. Check the app's settings or privacy policy if you're unsure which type it is.

Can I delete multiple apps at once?

No, you have to delete them one at a time. Go to the Apps library, find each app, press and hold select, and choose uninstall. There's no batch delete option on Firestick.

What's the difference between "Remove from Home" and "Uninstall"?

"Remove from Home" hides the app from your home screen but leaves it installed on your device, taking up storage. "Uninstall" completely removes it. If you see only "Remove from Home," you need to look for an uninstall option in the full menu or go to the Apps library to fully delete it.

Why is my Firestick slow after deleting apps?

Deleting apps should improve speed by freeing storage, not slow it down. If your Firestick is still slow, restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If that doesn't help, check Settings > Device > Storage to see if you still have very little free space.

Can I delete the Amazon Prime Video app?

No, Prime Video is a built-in app that cannot be uninstalled. You can remove it from your home screen so you don't see it, but it will stay on your device. If you don't use it, hiding it is the best option.