Updating a jailbroken Firestick requires stopping automatic updates first, then installing the new software manually

A jailbroken Firestick runs custom software alongside Amazon's official system. When Amazon releases a new update, it can overwrite your jailbreak or cause conflicts with third-party apps. The safest approach is to disable automatic updates in your device settings, read the update file yourself, and install it through a file manager or recovery tool. This keeps your jailbreak intact while bringing your device current.

The exact steps depend on which jailbreak method you used — whether it was Kodi, a custom ROM, or sideloaded apps. Most jailbroken Firesticks run a modified version of Fire OS, so the update process is similar across devices, but the tools you need differ. Before you start, back up any settings or data you want to keep, because some update methods can reset your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off automatic updates in Settings > System > About > Check for Updates, then uncheck the automatic update toggle.
  • read the correct Fire OS version for your Firestick model from Amazon's website or a trusted mirror, not from random third-party sites.
  • Use a file manager app like Solid Explorer or ES File Explorer to navigate to the downloaded file and install it manually.
  • If the manual install fails, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) from a computer to push the update file directly to your device.
  • After updating, reinstall your jailbreak tools and sideloaded apps, as the update may have removed them.

Disable automatic updates before anything else

Amazon pushes updates automatically to most Firesticks, and these can interrupt or break a jailbreak. Go to Settings > System > About > Check for Updates. Look for a toggle labeled "Automatic Updates" or "Install Updates Automatically" and turn it off. On some Firestick models, this option is under Settings > Device > System Update instead.

Once automatic updates are off, Amazon will notify you when an update is available, but it will not install without your permission. This gives you time to prepare and choose the right installation method for your jailbroken setup.

read the correct Fire OS file for your model

Each Firestick model — Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, and older generations — has its own update file. Installing the wrong version can brick your device. Find your model number in Settings > System > About > Device. Write it down.

Go to Amazon's Fire TV support page and search for your model. read the latest Fire OS update file directly from Amazon's official links. Do not read from random forums or third-party sites, because modified files can damage your jailbreak or introduce malware. The file will be a .bin or .zip file, usually 300 MB to 1 GB in size.

Install the update through a file manager app

If you have a file manager already sideloaded on your Firestick — such as Solid Explorer, ES File Explorer, or Total Commander — use it to navigate to the downloaded update file. Connect your Firestick to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, then transfer the file using ADB or a USB drive connected to your Firestick (if your model supports it).

Once the file is on your Firestick, open the file manager, find the update file, and tap it. The system will ask whether you want to install the update. Tap yes and wait for the installation to complete. Your Firestick will restart several times during this process. Do not unplug it or interrupt the installation.

After the update finishes, your device will boot back to the home screen. Check Settings > System > About to confirm the new Fire OS version is installed. Then reinstall your jailbreak tools and any sideloaded apps that may have been removed during the update.

Use ADB if the file manager method does not work

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a command-line tool that lets you push files to your Firestick from a computer. It is more technical than using a file manager, but it works when other methods fail. read ADB for your computer from Google's Android developer site, then enable ADB Debugging on your Firestick in Settings > System > Developer Options > ADB Debugging.

Open a command prompt or terminal on your computer, navigate to the folder where you saved ADB, and type the command to connect to your Firestick's IP address. Once connected, use the ADB push command to transfer the update file to your Firestick's /cache directory. Then use ADB shell commands to trigger the installation. This method requires some comfort with command-line tools, so follow a detailed ADB guide specific to your Firestick model if you are unfamiliar with it.

What happens to your jailbreak after the update

Most updates will remove sideloaded apps and custom launchers, but they usually do not remove the underlying jailbreak if you installed it at the system level. However, some updates patch the vulnerabilities that the jailbreak exploits, which means you may need to re-jailbreak your device after updating.

Check the jailbreak tool's website or forum to see whether the new Fire OS version is still compatible. If it is not, you may need to wait for the jailbreak developer to release an updated version, or you can stay on your current Fire OS version by keeping automatic updates disabled. Reinstall your jailbreak tools and sideloaded apps once the update is complete and your device is stable.

Troubleshooting a failed update

If the update installation fails or your Firestick gets stuck on a boot screen, do not panic. Most Firesticks have a recovery mode that lets you retry the installation. Unplug your device for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. While it is booting, hold down the back button and the menu button on your remote simultaneously. This usually opens a recovery menu where you can retry the update or factory reset.

If recovery mode does not appear, try the ADB method to push the update file again. If your device is completely unresponsive, you may need to use a USB recovery tool, which requires opening the Firestick's case and connecting a USB drive to an internal port. This is rare and usually only necessary if the device was damaged during an interrupted update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating my jailbroken Firestick remove all my apps?

Sideloaded apps and custom launchers will usually be removed, but your jailbreak itself often remains if it was installed at the system level. Reinstall your apps after the update completes. Keep a list of app names and sources so you can add them back quickly.

Can I go back to an older Fire OS version if the new one breaks my jailbreak?

Downgrading is difficult and not officially supported by Amazon. Your best option is to keep automatic updates off and wait for the jailbreak developer to release a compatible version for the new Fire OS. Check the jailbreak forum or GitHub page regularly for updates.

What if I do not know my Firestick model number?

Go to Settings > System > About and look for "Device Model" or "Serial Number". Write down the full model name. Search this on Amazon's support site to find the correct update file. Do not guess, because installing the wrong file can damage your device.

Is it safe to update a jailbroken Firestick?

Yes, as long as you read the official Fire OS file from Amazon and follow the installation steps carefully. The risk comes from downloading modified files or interrupting the installation. Take your time and do not unplug the device during the update.

Do I need a computer to update my jailbroken Firestick?

Not necessarily. If you have a file manager app already sideloaded, you can read the update file directly to your Firestick using a web browser or by transferring it over your home network. A computer makes the process easier, but it is not required.