The fastest way to update apps on Fire tablets
Most apps on your Fire tablet update automatically in the background, but you can also check for and install updates yourself in a few taps. Open the Amazon Appstore (the app store built into Fire tablets), tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then tap My Apps & Games. Any app with an available update will show an Update button next to its name. Tap Update All to install every pending update at once, or tap Update next to individual apps if you prefer to do them one at a time.
The whole process takes less than a minute if you have a working Wi-Fi connection. Updates read and install without closing other apps you're using, though some apps may ask you to restart them after the update finishes.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Amazon Appstore, tap the menu icon, then My Apps & Games to see which apps have updates waiting.
- Tap Update All to install every pending update at once, or tap Update next to individual app names.
- Most Fire tablets are set to update apps automatically overnight when plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, so manual updates are optional.
- Updates require a Wi-Fi connection and enough free storage space on your tablet—delete old files or unused apps if updates fail.
- If an update fails or gets stuck, restart your tablet and try again from My Apps & Games.
Turn on automatic app updates so you don't have to check manually
If you want apps to update without you doing anything, turn on automatic updates in the Appstore settings. Open the Amazon Appstore, tap the menu icon, then tap Settings. Look for Automatic Updates and toggle it on. Your tablet will then read and install app updates automatically when it's connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into power—usually overnight.
Automatic updates are the default setting on most Fire tablets, so you may already have them turned on. Check your settings to be sure, especially if you just set up a new tablet or reset an old one.
What to do if an app update fails or gets stuck
If an update starts but doesn't finish, or if you see an error message, the most common fix is to restart your tablet. Hold the power button until you see the shutdown menu, tap Power Off, wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Once it's fully restarted, go back to My Apps & Games and try the update again.
If the update still fails, check that you have enough free storage space on your tablet. Go to Settings > Storage to see how much space is available. If you're running low, delete apps you no longer use or clear out old downloads and photos. Then try the update once more. If it continues to fail after a restart and a storage check, the app itself may have a temporary problem—wait a few hours and try again, or contact Amazon support if the issue persists for more than a day.
Check your Wi-Fi connection before updating
App updates need a stable Wi-Fi connection to read. If your tablet keeps losing connection or the update is moving very slowly, move closer to your router or restart your Wi-Fi. On your Fire tablet, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu, tap Wi-Fi, turn it off, wait 5 seconds, then turn it back on.
If you're still having trouble, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once your connection is stable, try the update again. Updates usually take a few minutes per app depending on the app's size and your internet speed.
Understand which apps can and cannot be updated
Not every app on your Fire tablet can be updated through the Appstore. Some apps come built into Fire tablets (like Alexa, the Silk web browser, and the Clock app) and update only when you update the entire tablet's operating system. These system apps won't show an Update button in My Apps & Games.
Apps you downloaded from the Amazon Appstore will always have an update option if a new version is available. If you sideloaded an app (installed it from outside the Appstore), it won't show up in My Apps & Games at all, and you'll need to update it manually by downloading the new version from wherever you got it originally.
Update your tablet's operating system separately from apps
Your Fire tablet's operating system (the software that runs the whole device) updates separately from individual apps. To check for a system update, go to Settings > Device Options > System Updates. If an update is available, you'll see a button to read and install it. System updates are larger than app updates and may take 10 to 20 minutes to install, so plug in your tablet and make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection before you start.
Most Fire tablets are set to read system updates automatically and install them when you're not using the device, usually overnight. You can check whether automatic system updates are turned on in the same System Updates menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update my apps, or can I skip updates?
You don't have to update apps, but updates usually fix bugs and add security patches that protect your tablet from problems. Skipping updates for a long time can cause apps to work poorly or stop working altogether. It's best to update regularly, but you can choose to skip individual updates if you prefer.
Why is my app update taking so long?
App size and internet speed determine how long an update takes. Large apps like games or video streaming services can take several minutes. If an update is taking longer than 15 minutes, check your Wi-Fi signal strength and restart your router. If it's still stuck after that, restart your tablet and try again.
Can I use my tablet while apps are updating?
Yes. Updates read and install in the background, so you can browse, read, or use other apps while updates are happening. Some apps may ask you to restart them after the update finishes, but that won't interrupt what you're doing.
What happens if I turn off my tablet during an app update?
If you turn off your tablet while an update is installing, the update will pause and resume the next time you turn the tablet back on and connect to Wi-Fi. The app will continue updating from where it left off, so you won't lose progress or damage the app.
Why does the Appstore say "No updates available" when I know there should be one?
This usually means all your apps are already up to date. If you recently updated an app and the button disappeared, that's normal—the update finished. If you believe an app should have an update but doesn't show one, try restarting your tablet and opening the Appstore again, or check the app's page in the Appstore to see if an update is actually available.