The fastest way to update Prime Video on Apple TV
The Prime Video app on Apple TV updates automatically by default, so you may not need to do anything. If you want to force an update right now, go to the App Store on your Apple TV, find Prime Video in your library, and tap the update button if one appears. If no update button shows, the app is already current.
Automatic updates happen in the background when your Apple TV is connected to power and Wi-Fi, usually overnight. You can also turn on automatic updates for all apps in your Apple TV settings if you have not already, which keeps Prime Video and everything else current without you checking manually.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Video updates automatically on Apple TV by default, so you may already be running the latest version.
- To force an update manually, open the App Store, go to your library, find Prime Video, and tap update if the button appears.
- Automatic updates require your Apple TV to be plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, usually happening overnight.
- You can enable automatic updates for all apps in Settings > Apps > Automatic Updates if you want hands-off maintenance.
- If Prime Video crashes or behaves oddly after an update, force-closing and reopening the app usually fixes it.
Check your current Prime Video version
Before you update, you may want to know what version you are running. On your Apple TV, open the App Store, navigate to the Purchased tab at the bottom, and find Prime Video in your library. The version number appears below the app name if an update is available; if you see only an Open button, you are on the latest version.
You can also check the app version inside Prime Video itself. Open the app, go to Settings (the gear icon), scroll down to About, and look for the version number listed there. This is useful if you want to confirm the update worked after you install it.
Update Prime Video manually through the App Store
Open the App Store on your Apple TV using the remote. Use the search function (magnifying glass icon) or navigate to the Purchased tab at the bottom of the screen. Find Prime Video in your library.
If an update is available, you will see an Update button next to the app name. Press it, and the app will begin downloading and installing. This usually takes one to three minutes depending on your internet speed. Your Apple TV will show a progress bar while the update installs.
Once the update finishes, the button changes back to Open. You can launch Prime Video when ready or wait until later. The app will work normally whether you restart it right away or leave it closed.
Turn on automatic updates so you never fall behind
If you want Prime Video to update without you checking, enable automatic updates in your Apple TV settings. Go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, then Apps, then Automatic Updates. Toggle this on.
With automatic updates enabled, Prime Video will install new versions in the background whenever your Apple TV is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. Apple typically pushes updates overnight, so you may wake up to a newer version without doing anything. This is the least hands-on approach and works well if you do not care about timing.
Automatic updates explore to all apps on your Apple TV, not just Prime Video. If you prefer to control when updates happen, you can leave this setting off and update manually through the App Store whenever you see a notification.
What to do if Prime Video crashes or freezes after updating
Occasionally an app behaves strangely right after an update—it might freeze, crash on launch, or show a blank screen. The first step is to force-close Prime Video and reopen it. Press and hold the Play/Pause button on your Apple TV remote for three seconds until the app closes, then open it again from the home screen.
If that does not work, restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings > System > Restart. Wait for your Apple TV to power back on, then open Prime Video again. A full restart clears temporary files and often fixes update-related glitches.
If Prime Video still will not work after a restart, you can delete and reinstall it. Go to Settings > Apps > Manage, find Prime Video, and select Delete. Then go to the App Store, search for Prime Video, and install it fresh. You will not lose your account or watch history—those are tied to your Apple ID.
Why your Prime Video app might not be updating
If you see no update button in the App Store and Prime Video is not working well, a few things could be blocking updates. Your Apple TV must be connected to Wi-Fi—if it is on a weak or unstable connection, updates may stall or fail. Check your Wi-Fi signal in Settings > Network and move your Apple TV closer to your router if needed.
Your Apple TV also needs free storage space to read and install updates. If your storage is nearly full, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Storage to see what is taking up room. Delete apps or cached data you do not use to make space.
If automatic updates are on but Prime Video has not updated in weeks, check that your Apple TV is actually plugged in and left on or in sleep mode overnight. Automatic updates do not run if the device is powered off. You can also manually force an update through the App Store at any time instead of waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign out of Prime Video before updating?
No. Updates happen in the background and do not affect your account or login. You will stay signed in after the update completes, and your watch history and saved shows remain exactly as they were.
Will updating Prime Video delete my saved shows or watch history?
No. Your account data is stored on Amazon's servers, not on your Apple TV. Updating the app only refreshes the software; it does not touch your personal information or viewing history.
How often does Prime Video release updates?
Amazon releases updates for Prime Video regularly, sometimes monthly or more often. You do not need to check constantly—automatic updates will install them for you, or you can check the App Store whenever you think about it.
Can I use Prime Video while it is updating?
No. The app closes during the update process and reopens once it finishes. If you try to open Prime Video while an update is running, you will see a loading screen. Wait for the update to complete, which usually takes a few minutes.
What if the update fails and gets stuck?
If an update stalls or shows an error, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. Once it powers back on, go to the App Store and try updating Prime Video again. If it fails a second time, check your Wi-Fi connection and available storage, then try once more.