Where to find the auto-update setting
Auto-updates on Fire Stick are turned off in the Device Settings menu, under System > About > System Update. Open the Settings app from your Fire Stick home screen, scroll down to System, then select About. You'll see a System Update option with a toggle next to it — that toggle controls whether your Fire Stick downloads and installs updates on its own.
The exact wording varies slightly by Fire Stick model and software version, but the path is the same across all current models: Settings > System > About > System Update. Once you find that toggle, you can switch it off. The change takes effect when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Auto-updates are controlled by a toggle in Settings > System > About > System Update on your Fire Stick.
- Turning off auto-updates means your Fire Stick will not read or install system updates without your permission.
- You can still manually check for and install updates at any time using the same System Update menu.
- Disabling auto-updates may leave your device vulnerable to security issues if you don't install updates regularly yourself.
Why you might want to disable auto-updates
Most people leave auto-updates on, but there are legitimate reasons to turn them off. Some users disable auto-updates because a recent update changed the interface in ways they dislike, or because an update caused performance problems with specific apps. Others turn them off to control when their Fire Stick restarts — updates often require a reboot, which interrupts streaming or other use.
If you're using your Fire Stick for something time-sensitive (a live event, a presentation, or a scheduled recording), disabling auto-updates prevents an unexpected restart in the middle of it. You can then install the update at a time that works for you.
What happens when you turn off auto-updates
When auto-updates are off, your Fire Stick will not read or install system updates on its own. You'll still receive notifications that updates are available, but nothing will happen unless you manually go into System Update and install them yourself. This gives you full control over when your device restarts and when new software takes effect.
The downside is that you become responsible for keeping your Fire Stick current. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that could affect your device or your account, so leaving auto-updates off for months at a time is not recommended. If you disable auto-updates, plan to check for and install updates yourself at least once a month.
How to manually install updates when you need them
Go to Settings > System > About > System Update. If an update is available, you'll see an option to install it now. Select that option, and your Fire Stick will read and install the update, then restart. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes depending on the update size and your internet speed.
If no update is available, the menu will say your system is up to date. You can check this menu anytime to see the current status. There's no harm in checking frequently — it won't trigger an update if one isn't ready.
Re-enabling auto-updates if you change your mind
If you decide you want auto-updates back on, go to the same menu: Settings > System > About > System Update. Toggle the auto-update setting back on. Your Fire Stick will resume downloading and installing updates automatically, usually during off-peak hours when you're not actively using the device.
Once you turn auto-updates back on, you don't need to do anything else. The system handles the rest on its own schedule.
What to do if your Fire Stick won't update
If you try to manually install an update and it fails, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Make sure your Fire Stick is connected to your Wi-Fi network and that the connection is stable. You can check this in Settings > Network. If the connection looks weak, move your Fire Stick closer to your router or restart both devices.
If the connection is strong and the update still won't install, try restarting your Fire Stick. Go to Settings > System > Restart, or unplug the device for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Then return to System Update and try installing again. If it fails a second time, the update may be temporarily unavailable — wait a few hours and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off auto-updates affect my apps or streaming services?
No. Disabling auto-updates only controls the Fire Stick's system software, not individual app updates. Your apps will continue to update normally through the Amazon Appstore, and your streaming services will work the same way. The only thing that changes is when your Fire Stick's operating system gets updated.
Can I schedule updates for a specific time instead of turning them off completely?
Fire Stick does not have a scheduling feature for updates. You can either leave auto-updates on (and the system will update during off-peak hours) or turn them off and install manually whenever you choose. There's no middle ground that lets you pick a specific time.
What happens if I never install updates after turning auto-updates off?
Your Fire Stick will continue to work, but it will fall behind on security patches. Over time, unpatched vulnerabilities could expose your device or account to risk. Amazon recommends installing updates at least monthly if you disable auto-updates.
Do I need to do anything special before turning off auto-updates?
No. You can turn off auto-updates at any time without affecting your device or your data. If an update is currently installing, wait for it to finish first, but otherwise there are no prerequisites.