The fastest way to update Kodi on Firestick

Open Kodi on your Firestick, go to Settings (the gear icon), then select System > System Update. If an update is available, you will see a button to read and install it. Kodi will restart during the process, which takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of the update.

If no update appears in System settings, your version is current. Kodi does not always push updates to every device at the same time, so waiting a few days and checking again sometimes reveals a newer version. You can also check what version you are running by going to Settings > System > System Information and looking at the build number.

Before updating, make sure your Firestick is plugged in and connected to stable Wi-Fi. A lost connection during an update can corrupt the installation. If you have customized your Kodi setup with add-ons or skins, the update will not erase those — they stay in place after the restart.

Key Takeaways

  • Updates appear in Kodi's Settings menu under System > System Update, and you can trigger them directly from there without restarting your Firestick first.
  • Kodi rolls out updates gradually, so your device may not show an available update for days or weeks after a new version is released.
  • Your add-ons and custom settings remain intact after an update, though occasionally an add-on may need its own update to work with the new Kodi version.
  • A stable internet connection is essential during the update process, since a dropped connection can leave Kodi in an unusable state.

What to do if System Update shows nothing

If you check System > System Update and see no option to update, Kodi believes you are on the latest version available for your device. This does not always mean you have the absolute newest Kodi release — Amazon and the Kodi team stagger rollouts by region and device model, so some Firesticks receive updates weeks after others.

Check the official Kodi website or the Kodi subreddit to see what the current version number is. Compare it to the version shown in your System Information. If yours is older, wait a few more days and check again. If you have been waiting more than a month, you can uninstall and reinstall Kodi from the Amazon Appstore, which sometimes forces the latest version to read.

Reinstalling Kodi to force an update

If the in-app update is stuck or not showing a newer version after several weeks, uninstalling and reinstalling can work. Go to your Firestick's home screen, find Kodi in your apps, press and hold it, and select Uninstall. Then open the Amazon Appstore, search for Kodi, and select Install.

Before you uninstall, back up your settings and add-ons if you have spent time customizing Kodi. The easiest way is to go into Kodi's Settings > File Manager > Add Source, note down any custom sources you added, and take a screenshot of your add-on list. After reinstalling, you can add those sources back and reinstall your add-ons in the same order.

Reinstalling usually takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on your internet speed. Once it finishes, open Kodi and let it load fully before making any changes — the first launch after a fresh install can be slower than normal.

Why updates sometimes fail or get stuck

A failed update usually happens because of a weak Wi-Fi signal, a power interruption, or a problem with Amazon's servers during the read. If Kodi stops responding or gets stuck on a loading screen during an update, unplug your Firestick for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to boot fully. Then try the update again from the beginning.

If the same update fails twice, try restarting your router as well. Sometimes a temporary network issue on your home network prevents the Firestick from downloading the full update file. After restarting the router, wait two minutes for it to stabilize, then attempt the update once more.

Add-ons and updates: what breaks and what does not

Most add-ons continue to work after a Kodi update without any action on your part. However, occasionally an add-on that relies on an older Kodi feature will stop working or show errors. When this happens, the add-on developer usually releases a fix within days or weeks.

If an add-on breaks after an update, you have two options: wait for the developer to release a fix, or uninstall the add-on and look for an alternative. You can check whether a fix is available by going to Add-ons > My Add-ons, finding the broken add-on, and selecting it to see if an update is available. If the add-on has not been updated in several months, it may be abandoned and worth replacing.

Checking for updates manually on a schedule

Kodi does not have a built-in setting to notify you when updates are available. If you want to stay current without checking manually every week, set a calendar reminder for the first of each month to open Kodi and check System > System Update. Most major Kodi releases happen in the first half of the month, so a monthly check usually catches updates within a few weeks of their release.

Alternatively, you can follow the official Kodi blog or Kodi's social media accounts to see when new versions are announced. This tells you when to expect an update to appear on your Firestick, even if it takes a few days to reach your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating Kodi delete my add-ons or settings?

No. Updates preserve your add-ons, skins, and custom settings. Your Kodi setup will look and work the same after the update finishes. Occasionally an add-on may need its own update to work with the new Kodi version, but the add-on itself is not removed.

How long does a Kodi update take on Firestick?

Most updates take 3 to 10 minutes from start to finish, depending on the size of the update and your internet speed. Larger updates or slower connections can take up to 15 minutes. During this time, Kodi will be unavailable and your Firestick may restart once or twice.

Can I use my Firestick while Kodi is updating?

No. Once you start the update, Kodi closes and you cannot use it until the update finishes and the app restarts. You can use other Firestick apps during this time, but Kodi itself will be offline.

What if my Firestick loses power during a Kodi update?

Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and let it boot fully. Then open Kodi and try the update again. If Kodi will not open or is stuck, uninstall and reinstall it from the Amazon Appstore to get a fresh copy.

Why is my Kodi version different from what I see online?

Amazon and Kodi roll out updates gradually by region and device model. Your Firestick may receive an update weeks after it is released. This is normal and does not mean your device is broken or outdated — it just means your turn to receive the update has not arrived yet.