Updating a Jailbroken Firestick Without Losing Your Setup

A jailbroken Firestick can update through Amazon's standard update process, but the update will remove all third-party apps and customizations you installed. The safest approach is to let Amazon push updates automatically—they happen in the background and won't delete your jailbreak itself, only the apps you sideloaded. If you want to keep your setup intact, you'll need to back up your installed apps before updating, then reinstall them afterward.

The core issue is that Amazon's updates restore the Firestick to its factory state for security reasons. Your jailbreak (the ability to sideload apps) typically survives the update if you used a method like ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to enable it, but all the apps you installed through that jailbreak will be wiped. This is different from losing the jailbreak itself—you can reinstall those apps once the update finishes.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon updates remove sideloaded apps but usually leave the jailbreak method itself intact, so you can reinstall apps after updating.
  • Automatic updates are safer than manual updates because they're tested for your specific Firestick model before they're pushed to your device.
  • Before updating, write down which apps you installed and where you got them so you can reinstall them in the same order afterward.
  • If your jailbreak method stops working after an update, you may need to re-enable it using the same tool or method you used originally.

Let Amazon Updates Install Automatically

The simplest and safest path is to allow your Firestick to update on its own schedule. Go to Settings > Device & Accessories > About > Check for Updates. If an update is available, you'll see the option to install it. Amazon typically pushes updates overnight or during low-usage hours, so you can also just leave your Firestick plugged in and let it update without your involvement.

Automatic updates are preferable to manual updates because Amazon tests each update against your specific Firestick model before sending it. Manual updates carry a small risk of installing the wrong version or encountering installation errors if your internet connection drops mid-update. Once the update completes, your Firestick will restart, and you'll be back at the home screen with your jailbreak method still in place—but without the apps you sideloaded.

Back Up Your Sideloaded Apps Before Updating

Before you trigger an update, list every app you installed through your jailbreak. Open Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications and scroll through to identify which ones are not Amazon's built-in apps. Write down the app names and note where you downloaded them from—whether that was APK Mirror, a GitHub repository, a Kodi fork, or another source. This list is your reinstallation guide.

If you used ADB to sideload apps, you can also back up the APK files themselves on your computer. Connect your Firestick to your computer via ADB and run the command adb backup -apk -all -f backup.ab to create a backup file. This won't preserve your app settings, but it will save the app files so you don't have to hunt for read links after the update. Store this file somewhere you can access it easily.

Reinstall Apps After the Update Completes

Once your Firestick restarts after the update, your jailbreak method should still be active. If you used ADB, you can reconnect and sideload apps the same way you did originally. If you used a different method—such as installing a custom launcher or using an app like Downloader—that method should still work. Test it by opening the app store or launcher you used before and confirming it's still there.

Reinstall your apps in the order you noted them down. Start with any core apps like Kodi or a file manager, then add streaming apps and utilities. If an app won't install or gives an error, check that you're downloading it from the same source as before—some apps have multiple versions, and you may need the exact version you had previously. If your jailbreak method itself is gone after the update, you'll need to re-enable it using the same tool or instructions you used the first time.

What Happens If Your Jailbreak Method Stops Working

Occasionally, an Amazon update patches the vulnerability that your jailbreak method exploited. If you can no longer sideload apps after updating, your jailbreak method is no longer functional on that Firestick version. You have two options: stay on your current version and skip future updates, or re-jailbreak using a different method if one is available for your Firestick model.

Staying on an older version means you won't receive security patches or new features from Amazon, which carries some risk. Re-jailbreaking requires you to research which methods work for your Firestick model and version—this information changes as Amazon releases updates. Check forums and GitHub repositories dedicated to Firestick modifications to see what methods are currently working. The process is usually the same as your original jailbreak, but the specific steps may differ.

Manual Updates: When and How

You only need to manually update if Amazon hasn't pushed an update to your device yet and you want it when ready. Go to Settings > Device & Accessories > About > Check for Updates. If an update is available, select it and confirm. Your Firestick will read and install the update, then restart automatically. This process takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your internet speed and the update size.

During a manual update, keep your Firestick plugged in and don't unplug it or interrupt the process. If your internet connection drops, the update may fail and your Firestick could become unstable. If this happens, unplug the device for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the update again. Most failed updates can be retried without permanent damage.

Avoiding Common Mistakes During Updates

Don't unplug your Firestick during an update, even if it seems to be taking a long time. Updates can take 15 to 30 minutes, and the device may appear frozen during parts of the process. Let it sit until it restarts on its own. Unplugging mid-update can corrupt the system and require a factory reset.

Don't assume your jailbreak is gone just because your apps disappeared. The jailbreak method itself (the ability to sideload) usually survives updates. Test it by trying to sideload a straightforward app using the same method you used before. If that works, your jailbreak is still active and you just need to reinstall your apps. If it doesn't work, then your jailbreak method has been patched and you'll need to research alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating my Firestick remove the jailbreak completely?

No. The jailbreak method itself—the ability to sideload apps—usually survives updates. What gets removed are the individual apps you installed. Your jailbreak method may stop working if Amazon patches the vulnerability it exploited, but that's rare with each update.

Can I downgrade to an older version if the new update breaks my jailbreak?

Downgrading is not straightforward on Firestick and is not recommended. Your best option is to research whether a new jailbreak method works for your updated Firestick model, or to stop updating and stay on your current version.

How long does a Firestick update take?

Most updates take 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish, including the read, installation, and restart. Larger updates or slower internet connections may take longer. The device will restart automatically when the update is complete.

Do I need to be connected to WiFi to update?

Yes. Your Firestick must be connected to WiFi to read and install updates. Make sure your connection is stable before starting an update, as a dropped connection mid-update can cause problems.

What should I do if an update fails?

Unplug your Firestick for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the update again. If it fails a second time, try restarting your router and checking your WiFi connection. If updates continue to fail, you may need to perform a factory reset, which will erase all your apps and settings.