Fire Stick updates happen automatically, but you can check for and install them manually

Your Fire Stick receives software updates through Amazon's servers without you having to do anything. The device checks for updates regularly and installs them when you are not using it — usually overnight. However, if you want to update right away or check whether your device is current, you can do it yourself through the Settings menu in under five minutes.

Updates bring security patches, bug fixes, and new features. Keeping your Fire Stick current protects it from known vulnerabilities and ensures apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and others work as intended. If your device is running slowly, apps are crashing, or you notice features missing that you see in reviews, an update may solve the problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Fire Stick updates install automatically overnight, so you may not need to do anything — check your current version first to see if you are behind.
  • To check manually, go to Settings, then System, then About, and look for the Build Version number to compare against Amazon's current release.
  • If an update is available, go to Settings, then System, then System Update, and select Check for Updates or Install Update.
  • The update process takes 5 to 15 minutes and your Fire Stick will restart — do not unplug it during this time.
  • If an update fails or your device becomes unresponsive, unplugging it for 30 seconds and restarting usually fixes the problem.

Check your current Fire Stick software version

Before you update, find out what version your Fire Stick is running. Use your remote to navigate to Settings at the top of the home screen. Select System, then About. You will see a screen showing your device name, serial number, and Build Version — this is the software version number.

Write down or photograph this number. You can then search Amazon's Fire Stick support page or check your device's documentation to see whether a newer version is available. If your Build Version matches the latest release listed on Amazon's site, your device is current and does not need an update.

Manually check for and install updates

Go to Settings on your home screen. Select System, then scroll down and select System Update. You will see two options: Check for Updates and Install Update. Select Check for Updates first. Your Fire Stick will connect to Amazon's servers and report whether an update is available.

If an update is found, the screen will show Install Update as an available option. Select it. Your device will read the update (this may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed) and then install it. The Fire Stick will restart during this process — this is normal. Do not unplug the device or press buttons on the remote while the update is installing.

Once the restart is complete, your home screen will reappear. The update is finished. Go back to Settings, System, About to confirm that your Build Version has changed to the new number.

What to do if an update fails or gets stuck

If your Fire Stick becomes unresponsive during an update, or if the update process seems to hang, unplug the device from power for 30 seconds. Plug it back in and let it restart. In most cases, the device will complete the update on restart, or it will roll back to the previous version if the update was corrupted.

If the same update fails twice, check your internet connection — a weak or unstable connection can interrupt the read. Move your Fire Stick closer to your router or restart your router and try again. If the problem persists, contact Amazon support with your Build Version number and a description of what happened. They can sometimes push the update directly or troubleshoot further.

Automatic updates and when they happen

Amazon pushes updates to Fire Sticks automatically on a rolling schedule. Your device checks for updates daily, usually in the early morning hours. If an update is available, your Fire Stick will read and install it when the device is idle — typically between midnight and 6 a.m. if your device is plugged in and not in use.

You do not need to do anything to enable automatic updates. They are on by default. If you want to disable automatic updates (not recommended for security reasons), you can do so in Settings, System, System Update, but this leaves your device vulnerable to known security flaws. Most users should leave automatic updates enabled.

Why your Fire Stick might need an update

Updates address three main categories of issues: security vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit, bugs that cause apps to crash or features to malfunction, and new features that Amazon adds to the Fire Stick platform. If your device is slow, if apps are freezing, or if you see error messages, an update often fixes these problems.

Older Fire Stick models (first and second generation) may not receive updates as frequently as newer models like the Fire Stick 4K or Fire Stick Max. If your device is more than four years old and stops receiving updates, it is still usable but will not get new security patches. At that point, upgrading to a newer model is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Fire Stick update take?

The read usually takes 2 to 5 minutes on a standard internet connection. The installation and restart add another 5 to 10 minutes. Total time is typically 10 to 15 minutes. Slower internet connections may take longer.

Will I lose my apps and settings if I update?

No. Updates preserve all your apps, logins, watch history, and settings. Your Fire Stick will look and work exactly the same after the update, just with the new software running underneath.

Can I use my Fire Stick while it is updating?

No. During the update process, your Fire Stick will be unresponsive. The screen may go black or show an update progress message. Wait for the restart to complete before using the remote or trying to access content.

What if my Fire Stick says "Update Failed"?

Restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Then go to Settings, System, System Update and try checking for updates again. If it fails a second time, restart your router and try once more. Contact Amazon support if the problem continues.

Do I need to pay for Fire Stick updates?

No. All Fire Stick updates are free and automatic. There is no subscription or fee involved.