Fire tablets update automatically, but you can also force an update manually

Your Fire tablet checks for software updates automatically when it is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in, usually overnight. Most updates install without you doing anything. If you want to update right away instead of waiting, you can go into Settings and check for updates manually. The process takes a few minutes and does not erase your apps or files.

Updates are important because they fix security problems, add new features, and improve how your tablet runs. Amazon releases updates for Fire tablets regularly, though the exact timing depends on which model you own and which version of Fire OS it is currently running.

Key Takeaways

  • Automatic updates happen when your Fire tablet is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, so you may not need to do anything.
  • To check for updates manually, open Settings, select Device Options, then select System Updates and tap Check Now.
  • Your tablet needs at least 50 percent battery and a Wi-Fi connection to read and install an update.
  • Updates do not delete your apps, photos, or files — everything stays on your tablet after the update finishes.
  • If an update fails to install, restart your tablet and try again from the System Updates screen.

How to manually check for and install updates

Open the Settings app on your Fire tablet. Tap Device Options, then scroll down and tap System Updates. You will see a button that says Check Now. Tap it, and your tablet will connect to Amazon's servers to see if a new version is available.

If an update is available, your tablet will show you the version number and file size. Tap read to start. The read happens in the background, and you can use your tablet while it downloads. Once the read finishes, you will see a button to install. Tap it, and your tablet will restart to complete the installation. This usually takes five to ten minutes.

Do not unplug your tablet or turn it off during installation. If the installation is interrupted, your tablet may not work properly. If something goes wrong, restart your tablet and go back to System Updates to try again.

What you need before updating

Your Fire tablet needs a Wi-Fi connection to read updates. Cellular or hotspot connections do not work for this. Make sure you are connected to a network you trust, because the read can be large — anywhere from 100 megabytes to over a gigabyte depending on the update.

Your battery should be at least 50 percent full before you start. If your battery is lower, plug your tablet in and wait a few minutes. Updates can take a while to install, and a low battery can cause the installation to fail partway through.

Automatic updates and when they happen

Amazon sends updates to Fire tablets automatically. Your tablet checks for new versions when it is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, typically at night when you are not using it. If an update is available, your tablet will read it automatically and ask you to install it the next time you use the device.

You can choose to install right away or delay it. If you tap Remind Me Later, your tablet will ask again the next time you unlock it. Most people let the automatic system handle updates because it is convenient and happens when the tablet is not in use.

Troubleshooting a stuck or failed update

If your tablet gets stuck during an update or the installation fails, restart it. Press and hold the power button until you see a menu, then tap Restart. Once it boots back up, go to Settings, Device Options, System Updates and try again.

If the update keeps failing, make sure your Wi-Fi connection is stable. Move closer to your router or restart your router. Also check that your battery is fully charged before trying again. If you still have trouble, you can contact Amazon customer service through the Help section in Settings.

What happens to your apps and files during an update

Updates do not erase anything on your Fire tablet. Your apps, photos, documents, books, and any other files stay exactly where they are. Your settings and preferences also remain the same. The update only changes the operating system that runs underneath everything else.

After the update finishes, you may notice that some apps look slightly different or have new features. This is normal. If an app does not work properly after an update, restart your tablet. If the problem continues, you can uninstall and reinstall the app from the Amazon Appstore.

Checking which version of Fire OS you have

To see what version your tablet is currently running, open Settings and tap Device Options. Scroll down to the bottom and look for Tablet Information or About Tablet. You will see the Fire OS version listed there, along with the build number and serial number.

Knowing your version is useful if you are troubleshooting a problem or trying to figure out if a new feature is available on your model. Different Fire tablet models sometimes get updates at different times, so your version number may not match someone else's even if you both have the same model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Fire tablet while it is updating?

You can use it while the update is downloading, but not while it is installing. During installation, your tablet will restart and be unavailable for a few minutes. Do not interrupt this process by turning off the tablet or unplugging it.

What if I do not want to update my Fire tablet?

You can delay updates by tapping Remind Me Later when prompted. However, security updates are important for protecting your tablet from hackers and keeping your personal information safe. Delaying them for a long time is not recommended.

Do updates cost money?

No. All Fire tablet updates are free. Amazon does not charge for system updates or security patches. If someone is asking you to pay for an update, it is not legitimate.

How long does a Fire tablet update usually take?

The read time depends on your Wi-Fi speed and the update size, but usually takes five to twenty minutes. Installation takes another five to ten minutes. The whole process from start to finish is typically under thirty minutes.

Will updating my Fire tablet make it run faster?

Updates sometimes improve performance, but not always. They mainly add security fixes and new features. If your tablet feels slow after an update, restart it. If it is still slow, you may have too many apps running or too little storage space available.