Fix Fire TV Stick Error PLR_PRS_CALL_FAILED: 12 Solutions

Quick Fix

Fire TV Stick error PLR_PRS_CALL_FAILED means a streaming playback problem. To fix it: Clear the app cache – go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > select the streaming app > Clear Cache. Also try restarting your Fire TV Stick by unplugging it for 30 seconds. This fixes the error for most users.

What Is Error PLR_PRS_CALL_FAILED?

Error code PLR_PRS_CALL_FAILED appears on Amazon Fire TV Stick when a streaming app cannot play video content. You’ll see this error on Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or other streaming apps. The error indicates a playback request failure – your device tried to start a video but something went wrong.

Common causes include corrupted app cache, network connectivity issues, outdated app versions, Fire TV software problems, or streaming service outages. Let’s fix it step by step.

Method 1: Restart Your Fire TV Stick

A simple restart clears temporary glitches causing playback errors.

Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Restart
Or unplug the Fire TV Stick from power
Wait 30 seconds
Plug it back in
Wait for it to fully boot
Try playing the video again

Method 2: Clear App Cache

Corrupted cache is the most common cause of PLR_PRS_CALL_FAILED.

Go to Settings
Select Applications
Select Manage Installed Applications
Find and select the problematic app (Prime Video, Netflix, etc.)
Select Clear cache
Go back and select Clear data (you’ll need to sign in again)
Restart the app and try playing content

Method 3: Force Stop the App

Force stopping can fix app freezes and playback errors.

Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications
Select the streaming app
Select Force stop
Confirm if prompted
Wait a few seconds
Reopen the app from home screen
Try playing content

Method 4: Check Internet Connection

Poor network connectivity causes streaming playback failures.

Go to Settings > Network
Select your WiFi network
Press the Play/Pause button to check connection status
Look at signal strength and connection speed

If connection is weak:

Move Fire TV Stick closer to router
Use the HDMI extender cable included in the box
Switch from 2.4GHz to 5GHz WiFi
Restart your router
Consider an Ethernet adapter for Fire TV

Method 5: Update the Streaming App

Outdated apps can have playback bugs.

Go to Settings > Applications > Appstore
Enable Automatic Updates
Or go to Appstore on home screen
Go to App Library
Select the app and check for updates
Install any available updates

Method 6: Update Fire TV Software

System updates fix bugs and improve compatibility.

Go to Settings
Select My Fire TV
Select About
Select Check for Updates
If an update is available, select Install Update
Wait for installation and restart
Try the streaming app again

Method 7: Reinstall the App

A fresh install fixes corrupted app files.

Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications
Select the problematic app
Select Uninstall
Confirm uninstallation
Restart your Fire TV Stick
Go to Appstore and reinstall the app
Sign in and try playing content

Method 8: Check Streaming Service Status

The streaming service might be having issues.

On your phone or computer, visit downdetector.com
Search for the streaming service (Prime Video, Netflix, etc.)
Check if others are reporting issues
If service is down, wait for them to fix it

Method 9: Try a Different Show/Movie

The specific content might have a problem.

Try playing a different video
If other videos play fine, the issue is with that specific content
Try the original video again later
Report the issue to the streaming service if it persists

Method 10: Disable Data Monitoring

Data monitoring features can interfere with streaming.

Go to Settings > Preferences > Data Monitoring
Turn off Data Monitoring
Restart your Fire TV Stick
Try playing content

Method 11: Change Video Quality Settings

High quality settings may fail on slower connections.

In Prime Video:

Open Prime Video
Go to Settings
Select Stream & Download
Lower the Streaming Quality
Try playing content

In Netflix:

Open Netflix on a browser (netflix.com)
Go to Account > Profile > Playback settings
Select a lower quality option
Try Netflix on Fire TV again

Method 12: Factory Reset Fire TV Stick

A factory reset fixes persistent software issues.

Go to Settings > My Fire TV
Select Reset to Factory Defaults
Confirm the reset
Wait for the reset to complete
Set up your Fire TV Stick again
Install streaming apps and test

Warning: Factory reset erases all data, apps, and settings. You’ll need to set up everything again.

Preventing PLR_PRS_CALL_FAILED

Keep Fire TV software updated
Update streaming apps regularly
Clear app cache monthly
Maintain strong WiFi signal
Restart Fire TV Stick weekly
Use HDMI extender for better WiFi reception

FAQ

What does PLR_PRS_CALL_FAILED mean?

PLR_PRS_CALL_FAILED stands for “Player Playback Request Service Call Failed.” It means the Fire TV’s video player couldn’t successfully request or receive video data from the streaming service. It’s typically caused by cache issues, network problems, or app bugs.

Why does PLR_PRS_CALL_FAILED only happen on certain apps?

Each streaming app has its own cache, settings, and playback system. If only one app shows the error, that app likely has corrupted cache or needs an update. Clear that specific app’s cache and data, or reinstall it.

Does PLR_PRS_CALL_FAILED mean my Fire TV Stick is broken?

No, this error is almost always a software issue, not hardware failure. Clearing cache, updating apps, or factory resetting typically fixes it. Hardware problems would cause different symptoms like no display or constant crashes.

Why does the error happen only on certain videos?

Some videos may have encoding issues or temporary server problems. If only specific content shows the error while others play fine, the issue is likely with that content on the streaming service’s end. Try again later or report to the service.

Can slow internet cause PLR_PRS_CALL_FAILED?

Yes, insufficient bandwidth can prevent video playback from starting properly. Fire TV needs at least 3 Mbps for SD, 5 Mbps for HD, and 25 Mbps for 4K. Test your connection speed in Settings > Network.

Will factory reset delete my Amazon account?

Factory reset only erases data on the Fire TV Stick. Your Amazon account, purchases, and subscriptions remain safe. After reset, you’ll sign back in and your content will be available again.