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Basic Troubleshooting

Sometimes you make encounter issues when using the PBS app on your Amazon Fire device. These issues can range from the app not loading, videos not loading, or a variety of error messages when selecting a video. Most of these issues can be resolved with some basic troubleshooting steps on your device.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Powercycle

Powercycling is a simple step to try first when experiencing issues with the PBS app or video playback. To powercycle, you will need to unplug your Amazon Fire device from both the TV it is connected to and the power outlet. Wait 30-60 seconds, then plug the device back into the TV and the power outlet. Turn the device back on and wait for it to reboot. Once rebooted, try the PBS app again.

If the issue continues after powercycling, try the other options listed below.


Uninstalling and Reinstalling the PBS app

If powercycling your device does not resolve the issue, the next step will be to uninstall and reinstall the PBS app.

On an Amazon Fire TV device, you will need to select the Settings icon on the right side of the screen:

Select Applications:Select Manage Installed Applications:

Scroll down to find PBS in the list of apps, and then select PBS:

Select Uninstall:

After uninstalling, you will need to return to the Amazon Fire TV Home screen by selectin the Home button on your remote. Then select the Search icon on the left side of the screen and search for PBS. 

Select the PBS app and reinstall it. If you are prompted to activate, select Activate Now and follow the on-screen instructions for reactivating the app.

After activating, check to see if the same issue occurs. If the issue is still not resolved, try the option below.

Clearing the Cache and Data for the PBS app

The next option will be to clear the cache and data for the PBS app on your device.

From the Home screen of your Amazon Fire TV, select the Settings icon:

Select Applications: 

Select Manage Installed Applications: 

Scroll down to find PBS in the list of apps, and then select PBS:

Next select Clear data: 

Then select Clear cache: 

You can confirm if the Data and Cache are cleared by checking the information on the right side to see if both the Data and Cache are at 0 MB. If both are at 0 MB, then they have been successfully cleared. If they are not at 0 MB, please try clearing again.

After confirming that the cache and data are cleared, select the Launch application option to return to the PBS app:

If you are prompted to activate, select Activate Now and follow the on-screen instructions for reactivating the app.

After activating, check to see if the same issue occurs. If the issue is still not resolved, submit a ticket to our support team.