Update Your Fire Stick Manually or Automatically
Your Fire Stick can update itself overnight when plugged in and idle, but you do not have to wait. You can force an update through the Settings menu in about two minutes. The device will restart during the update — this is normal and takes five to ten minutes total. You need only your remote and a working internet connection.
Fire Stick updates are free and happen automatically by default. Amazon pushes them to all devices on the same schedule, so you may see the update available before it installs. If your device is running slowly, freezing, or losing connection to apps, an update often fixes it.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, select System, then About, and choose Check for Updates to force an update when ready without waiting for the automatic overnight cycle.
- The device will restart and be unavailable for five to ten minutes while the update installs — do not unplug it during this time.
- If an update is available, the Check for Updates button will show it; if your device is current, the screen will say so directly.
- Automatic updates happen when your Fire Stick is plugged in and idle, usually overnight, so you can also straightforward leave it powered on if you prefer not to update manually.
Step 1: Open Settings and Navigate to System
Press the Home button on your Fire Stick remote to return to the main menu. Scroll to the top of the screen and select Settings — it looks like a gear icon. From the Settings menu, scroll down and select System.
You are now in the System submenu. This is where Fire Stick stores information about the device itself, including its current software version and update status. The menu is short, so you will see all options on one screen.
Step 2: Select About and Check for Updates
In the System menu, select About. This screen shows your device name, serial number, and current software version. Below that information, you will see a button labeled Check for Updates. Select it.
The Fire Stick will now search for available updates. This takes about thirty seconds. If an update is waiting, the screen will show it and ask you to confirm. If your device is already current, the screen will say "Your device is up to date" or similar language.
Step 3: Confirm and Wait for Installation
If an update is available, select the option to install it. The Fire Stick will begin downloading and installing when ready. The screen will show a progress bar or spinner while this happens. Do not unplug the device or turn it off — let the update finish completely.
The device will restart once or twice during the update. This is normal. The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes. Once the restart is complete, you will return to the home screen, and the update is finished. Your Fire Stick is now running the latest software version.
Why Automatic Updates Happen and How to Check Them
By default, your Fire Stick checks for updates every night when it is plugged in and not in use. If an update is available, it will install automatically during this window. You do not need to do anything — the device handles it on its own schedule.
If you want to know whether an automatic update has already happened, follow the same steps above: Settings > System > About. The software version number shown is the version currently installed. You can compare this to the version number on Amazon's Fire Stick support page if you want to confirm you are on the latest release, though this is not necessary for normal use.
What to Do If an Update Fails or Stalls
If the update process stops responding, the progress bar freezes, or the device does not restart after fifteen minutes, unplug the Fire Stick from power. Wait thirty seconds, then plug it back in. The device will restart and may resume the update automatically, or it may roll back to the previous version.
Once the device restarts, check for updates again using the steps above. If the same update fails a second time, the issue is usually a weak internet connection. Move the Fire Stick closer to your router, or restart your router and try again. If updates continue to fail, contact Amazon support with your device serial number — you can find it in Settings > System > About.
Understanding Fire Stick Software Versions
Fire Stick software is called Fire OS. Each update is labeled with a version number like 5.2.6.1 or 6.2.8.4. You do not need to memorize these numbers. The important thing to know is that newer versions fix bugs, improve performance, and sometimes add new features to the home screen or settings menu.
Amazon releases updates on its own schedule, and not all Fire Sticks receive them on the same day. If your device shows no update available today, it may show one in a few days. This is normal and not a sign of a problem. Older Fire Stick models (first and second generation) may stop receiving updates after several years, but current models receive updates regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Fire Stick while it is updating?
No. The device will be unavailable during the update and restart. The screen will show a progress indicator, and you cannot navigate menus or launch apps. Plan for five to ten minutes of downtime. If you need to stop the update, unplug the device, but this may cause the update to fail and require you to start over.
What if I see an update notification on the home screen?
This means an update is ready to install. You can select it from the notification, or you can ignore it and let the device install it automatically overnight. Either way, the update will happen. Selecting it from the notification is faster if you want it done when ready.
Do I need to delete apps or clear storage before updating?
No. Fire Stick updates do not require free storage space or app removal. The update process happens in the background and does not affect your apps, settings, or watch history. Your device will work exactly as it did before, just with the latest software.
Will updating erase my apps or login information?
No. Updates preserve all your apps, passwords, and account logins. After the update finishes, your Fire Stick will look and work the same as before. You will not need to sign in to Amazon or any streaming services again.
How do I know if my Fire Stick needs an update?
Check Settings > System > About > Check for Updates. If an update is available, the screen will tell you. If your device is current, it will say so. You do not need to check manually — the device checks automatically every night. If you notice your Fire Stick is slow or apps are crashing, an update may fix it, so checking manually is worth trying.