Toshiba Fire TV Critically Low On Storage [How to Fix]
If you’re on this page, you might have encountered a notification on your Toshiba Fire TV, informing you that your device is “Critically Low on Storage.”
This issue can prevent you from downloading apps and enjoying streaming content. Even more frustrating is when the notification appears despite having a significant amount of free storage.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to resolve this problem so you can regain control over your device’s storage and enhance your viewing experience. Let’s get started.
A quick way to resolve this issue is to delete unused apps, clear the app cache, use an external storage, and update the firmware.
Keep reading for a detailed guide on how to overcome this issue.
How To Fix ‘Toshiba Fire TV Critically Low On Storage’ Issue
Delete Unused Applications
One common reason for low storage on your Toshiba Fire TV is the accumulation of unused applications over time. To prevent this issue, it’s essential to keep your app list concise. Only install apps that you frequently use.
However, note that certain pre-installed apps cannot be removed, such as Amazon Photos, Amazon Live Shopping, Amazon Music, and Alexa Shopping, which occupy a considerable portion of the 8GB storage space.
To uninstall unused apps your downloaded, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Navigate to Applications.
- Select Manage Installed Applications.
- Scan through the list and uninstall unnecessary apps.
Remember to monitor your storage regularly, especially before downloading files or installing new applications.
To check available storage space:
- Click on the Settings icon.
- Locate My Fire TV.
- Select About and click on Storage to view available memory.
Clear Application Cache Data
Application cache data can accumulate over time, consuming a significant amount of your storage space. While these files improve user experience by enabling faster access and reduced loading times, they can become a burden if left unchecked. Web browsers and internet-dependent apps are often the main culprits.
Follow these steps to clear cache data on your Toshiba Fire TV:
- From the Home screen, click on Settings.
- Navigate to Applications and select Manage Installed Applications.
- Choose an application and select Clear Cache.
- Repeat this process for as many apps as necessary.
Cache data will gradually accumulate again as you use the apps, so regular cache clearing is recommended.
Alternatively, consider using a third-party cleaning app to simplify the process. It’s worth noting that Fire TV has a built-in storage optimization feature that clears the cache of unused apps after 30 days when storage becomes critically low. Unfortunately, this feature cannot be disabled, as it is part of the system software.
Related: How to Fix ‘Toshiba TV Stuck on Loading Screen’ Problem.
Expand Storage with an External Drive
Attaching an external storage device to your Toshiba Fire TV is an effective way to create additional memory space. This option is particularly useful for users who prefer not to delete apps or frequently monitor their storage.
By adding external storage, you can support your internal storage and prevent it from reaching critical levels. To attach an external storage device:
- Plug the external drive into the USB port.
- A notification will appear, prompting you to select Continue to enable the drive.
- You can choose to use the USB drive as external storage or integrate it as the primary storage. Keeping it as external storage allows you to download movies and access them on other devices like PCs or tablets.
To format the external drive as internal storage:
- Press and hold the Home button until the Utility menu appears.
- Launch the Settings app.
- Go to My Fire TV.
- Navigate to USB Drive or External Drive.
- Select Format to Internal Storage (Note: Back up the data on the drive beforehand, as the memory will be wiped).
Additionally, the Fire TV supports portable drives with up to 128GB of storage, which should effectively resolve your storage issues.
Remove Hidden Files
Certain applications may leave behind hidden files even after uninstallation, consuming memory space without your knowledge.
This is a common occurrence in devices like smartphones, tablets, and Toshiba Fire TVs. To address this issue, consider installing a file manager application that can locate and eliminate these leftover files. By doing so, you can create more space on your device for optimal performance.
Update the System Software
Regularly updating the operating system of your Toshiba Fire TV is crucial for overall system performance and gaining access to additional features.
Sometimes, a low storage notification may persist even when sufficient space is available due to software bugs or system glitches. Updating your firmware can often resolve this issue.
To check and update your Toshiba Fire TV:
- Open the Settings menu.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Go to About and choose Check for System Update
- Update your firmware version.
If your device is low on storage, make sure to free up some space before downloading the system upgrade.
Restore Factory Settings (Last Resort)
Restoring your Toshiba Fire TV to its factory settings can be an effective solution for critical low storage issues. However, keep in mind that this action will erase all your downloaded files, movies, and applications.
Consider backing up important files to an external drive before proceeding. Restoring the factory settings will revert your device to its original state when purchased.
To perform a factory reset:
- Click on the Settings icon.
- Navigate to My Fire TV.
- Select Reset to Factory Defaults.
- Confirm your action by clicking on Reset.
Wrapping Up
By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can effectively address storage issues on your Toshiba Fire TV. However, if the problem persists, reach out to the Amazon support team.