Why Does My Fire TV Cube Keep Flashing Yellow?

Your Fire TV Cube is more than a streaming device. It’s a smart home assistant: it controls your soundbars, audio devices, and even your home’s lights. However, if your Fire TV Cube keeps flashing yellow, it can’t do any of these things.

If your Fire TV Cube keeps flashing yellow, it’s having internet connectivity problems. You can address the problem by re-entering your Wi-Fi credentials or restarting the router. You also need an internet speed of at least 3 Mbps for standard-definition programming.

Continue reading to learn more about troubleshooting your Fire TV Cube.

What to Do if Your Fire TV Cube Keeps Flashing

If your Fire TV Cube keeps flashing yellow, you’ll be unable to watch your favorite shows or give it commands. However, the following measures could remedy your problem:

Go Through the Setup Process Again

Inclement weather, power outages, and “dead zones” can sever the connection between your Fire TV Cube and router. Try setting up your device again by:

1. Connect the Fire TV Cube to your TV via an HDMI cable.
2. Plug in the Fire TV Cube into the wall.
3. Turn on your TV and select the correct output.
4. Press your remote’s center button.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Accept any updates.
7. Sign in to your Amazon account. You can do this on your phone by visiting amazon.com/code.

What happens next gives you insight into your problem. If your Fire TV Cube stops flashing yellow, you can likely watch your favorite shows and movies.

If not, move any audio devices at least two feet away from your Fire TV Cube. Audio devices can affect your device’s bandwidth and receptivity, impeding a solid signal.

Check Your Router’s Strength

As noted, you need at least 3 Mbps to maintain a solid connection. Ideally, your router should emit 5 Mbps, as this will let you watch high-definition programming. To check your router’s strength, visit speedcheck.org. This free service checks and reports your internet’s:

• IP address
• Download and upload speed
• Service provider’s name
• Security (whether you have a virtual private network (VPN)
• Latency (or your internet’s speed)

If you’re getting less than 3 Mbps, contact your service provider. They may offer a new router or explain any upgrade options.

Optimize Your Router’s Performance

You can have your Fire TV Cube 250 feet away from the router and still maintain a solid connection. If you’ve been using the same router for a few years, ideally, it shouldn’t be more than 100 feet away.

Even if you’re within the allotted range, you can enhance your connectivity by:

• Unplug any smart home devices. Your router can only support a certain amount of devices at a time. If you have multiple smart home devices operating simultaneously, this will reduce your router’s bandwidth—or how many devices it can support. Try disconnecting some of these devices and then powering on your Fire TV Cube.
• Purchase a Wi-Fi extender. A Wi-Fi extender extends your router’s coverage. So, if your Fire TV Cube is more than 250 feet away from it, installing a Wi-Fi extender can bridge the gap or revive any “dead zones.” The TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi Extender is a great, low-cost option that improves your router’s reach.
• Place your router on an elevated surface. CNET reports that Wi-Fi signals travel downward. So, if your router’s on a high surface, like a shelf, it’ll easily connect to your smart home devices.
• Remove any other smart home devices. Remove any speakers, streaming devices, or computers away from your Fire TV Cube. Having these internet-sucking devices on at once weakens the signal your Fire TV Cube gets.

What Do the Other Colors on My Fire TV Cube Mean?

Your Fire TV Cube emits three main colors, including:

• Orange. A solid orange light means your Fire TV Cube is in its “discovery” phase and actively searching for a Wi-Fi connection. Here, you can connect your device to the Wi-Fi using the TV’s on-screen instructions.
• Yellow. As noted, a flashing yellow light means your Fire TV Cube isn’t connected to the internet. However, if you’re getting a solid yellow light, your device is overheating. Turn it off and leave it for a half-hour, so it can cool down.
• Blue. Usually, your device only turns blue when it’s receiving information. However, some users online have reported that their Amazon devices stay blue for days on end. Here, Amazon suggests:
  • Going to your device’s homepage on the TV
  • Choosing “Settings.”
  • Selecting “My Fire TV.”
  • Choosing “Reset to Factory Defaults.”

If your TV turns purple or pink while using the Fire TV Cube, you need a new HDMI cord. You can purchase a new one online for less than ten dollars.

Final Thoughts

If your Fire TV Cubes keeps flashing, chances are, it’s not connected to the internet. You can try repositioning your device or checking your router’s internet speed. You may also consider purchasing a Wi-Fi extender if your device is more than 250 feet away from the router.