Why Do Apps Show Unavailable on Firestick?

If you’re a Firestick user, you may have encountered the frustrating issue of apps showing as “unavailable” on your device.

This issue can occur for a variety of reasons, including incorrect device settings, outdated software, or internet connectivity issues.

So why do apps show as unavailable on Firestick?

The most common reason is that the device is set to the wrong country in your Amazon account settings.

This can be easily fixed by logging into your account and updating the country settings. Other solutions include updating the software, checking your internet connection, or performing a complete device reboot.

Why Do Apps Show Unavailable on Firestick

Incompatibility With Your Firestick Model

If you’re experiencing the “unavailable” message when trying to install an app on your Firestick, it could be due to incompatibility issues with your device. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Older Firestick models may not be compatible with newer apps

If you have an older Firestick model, it may not be able to run the latest apps due to hardware limitations. For example, the Peacock app may not be available on older Firestick models.

When you’re not sure which Firestick model you have, you can check the model number on the device itself or in the settings menu.

• Some apps may require specific Firestick models

Certain apps may only be available on specific Firestick models. For example, the Apple TV app is only available on the Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube. If you’re trying to access an app that requires a specific Firestick model, you may need to upgrade your device.

In general, it’s a good idea to check the compatibility of an app before downloading it on your Firestick. You can usually find this information on the app’s product page in the Amazon Appstore.

If an app is not compatible with your Firestick model, you may need to look for alternative apps or consider upgrading your device.

Connected Network issues

Actually, it could be because of network issues. There could be a problem with the network connection between your Firestick and router, or between your router and the internet.

Here are some common network issues that can cause apps to show as unavailable:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal

When you’re too far away from your router, or if there are too many walls or obstacles between your Firestick and router that reduces the signal, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. This can cause apps to fail to install or show as unavailable.

• Internet connection problems

If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, apps may fail to install or show as unavailable. You can check your internet connection status by going to Settings > Network on your Firestick.

• Router issues

If there’s a problem with your router, such as outdated firmware or incorrect settings, this can cause apps to fail to install or show as unavailable.

Additionally, network congestion. If there are too many devices connected to your network at once, this can cause network congestion and slows it down.

Temporary Glitch and Bugs

Sometimes, apps may show as unavailable on your Firestick due to temporary glitches or bugs. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a software update or a server issue.

This can also happen if there is a problem with the app’s code or if there is a temporary issue with the Firestick store itself.

For example, if there is a bug in the app’s code that prevents it from being installed, this will cause the app to show unavailable instead of a download button.

Regional Restrictions

Some apps and content on the Amazon Fire TV Stick are region-locked, meaning you can only access them from specific locations.

This is because some content providers have licensing agreements that only allow them to show their content in certain countries.

When you encounter the “unavailable” message on your Firestick, it could be due to regional restrictions. Especially if you stay in unsupported geographical regions.

For example, if you are in the US and try to access an app that is only available in the UK, you will see the “unavailable” message. This can also happen when you travel to a different country and try to access content that is only available in your home country.

Incorrect Country Settings

Since Amazon Fire Stick is restricted in some countries due to licensing and legal restrictions, if your Amazon account is not set to the correct country, certain apps may not be available in your region.

For example, ESPN is not available in the UK, so British users simply can’t install the app directly. Similarly, if you are in the US and your account is set to a different country, you may not be able to access certain apps that are only available in the US.

To check your country settings, go to “Manage Your Content and Devices” on your Amazon account and open the “Settings” tab. From there, go to the “Country Settings” section and select “Change” next to your current country.

How to Fix Apps Showing Unavailable on Firestick

Unplug Your Firestick and Replug It Back

If you’re experiencing issues with apps showing as unavailable on your Firestick, one of the first things you can try is unplugging your Firestick and then replugging it back in.

This simple solution can often fix the problem and get your apps back up and running.

To unplug your Firestick, simply locate the power cord and pull it out of the device or the power outlet. Wait for a few seconds before plugging it back in. You can then turn on your TV and Firestick and check if the issue has been resolved.

This solution can be particularly effective if your Firestick has been running for a long time without being restarted.

Over time, the device can become bogged down with too many apps running in the background, which can cause issues with app availability. Unplugging and replugging the device can help reset the system and clear out any issues.

Update the Country Settings of Your Amazon Account

Secondly, update the country settings of your amazon account. This is because some apps and the Firestick itself are only available in certain countries, and if your account is set to a different unsupported country, you may not be able to access them.

To update your country settings, follow these steps:

• Log in to your Amazon account on your computer or smartphone.
• Go to “Manage Your Content and Devices”.
• Open the “Preferences” tab.
• Select “Country/Region Settings” and then click on “Change”.
• Update your country to the one you are currently located in and click on done.

In addition to updating your country settings, you may also need to update your digital payment method to reflect your new country.

To update your digital payment method, follow these steps:

• Log in to your Amazon account on your computer or smartphone.
• Go to “Manage Your Content and Devices”.
• Open the “Settings” tab.
• Click on “Edit Payment Method” and enter your new payment details.
• Click on “Save” to update your payment method.

By updating both your country settings and digital payment method, you should be able to solve the unsupported problem.

Sync Amazon Content

Another thing to try after updating your account country settings is to sync your device’s Amazon content.

Since the issue could be due to a syncing issue with your Amazon content. It is advisable to do this in order to update any changes made to your account.

Follow these steps to sync your Amazon content:

• Go to the home screen of your Firestick and select “Settings.”
• Scroll down and select “Applications.”
• Select “Manage Installed Applications.”
• Scroll down and select “Amazon Application Sync.”

• Select “Enable Application Sync.”
• Once you have completed these steps, your Amazon content should be synced and available to use on your Firestick.

Deregister Your Firestick and Re-Register After a While

You would also want to deregister your Firestick for some time before signing in again. This process will reset your device to its factory settings and will remove all the data associated with your Amazon account. Here’s how you can do it:

• Go to the Settings menu on your Firestick and select My Account.
• Select Deregister.
• Confirm that you want to deregister your device.
• After you have deregistered your Firestick, you can re-register it with your Amazon account after a while.

This process will ensure that any issues with your account or device are resolved. Here’s how you can re-register your Firestick:

• Connect your Firestick to a stable internet connection.
• Go to the Settings menu on your Firestick and select My Account.
• Select Register.
• Enter your Amazon account login credentials and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

In case you’re in blacklisted regions, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) might help. A VPN can help bypass geographic restrictions and censorship, which can be the cause of the app unavailability issue.

To use a VPN on your Firestick, you will need to download a VPN app from the device App Store. Once you have installed the app, you can launch it and connect to a VPN server.

It is important to note that not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPNs may slow down your internet connection or not work with certain apps.

It is also recommended to use a reputable VPN service that has been tested and proven to work with Firestick.

Check for Firestick Update

Lastly, update your Firestick to the recent version to ensure it’s running an up-to-date software and firmware.

To check for updates, follow these steps:

• Go to the home screen of your Firestick and select “Settings” from the menu.
• Select “My Fire TV” and then select “About”.
• From the “About” screen, select “Check for Updates”.
• If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.

Updating your Firestick can help fix issues with apps not working properly or showing as unavailable.

It is important to keep your Firestick updated to ensure that you have access to the latest features and bug fixes.

If you have automatic updates turned on, your Firestick will automatically check for and install updates as they become available.

However, if you don’t have automatic updates turned on, you will need to check for updates manually.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, there are various reasons why apps show as unavailable on your Firestick device. It could be due to an issue with your internet connection, outdated software, incorrect country settings, or a problem with the app itself.

With the right approach for fixing this issue, you can easily get it fixed in no time. If none of the provided solutions work in your case, you may need to contact Amazon customer support for further assistance.

If you’re also experiencing an app not found error on your Firestick, don’t hesitate to check out this masterpiece on how to fix app not found error on Firestick to get it solved.