Fire Stick updates happen automatically, but you can check for and install updates manually if your device is behind

Your Fire Stick checks for software updates automatically and installs them when you're not actively using the device, usually overnight. Most of the time you won't need to do anything — the update straightforward happens in the background. However, if you want to update right away, or if you suspect your device hasn't updated in a while, you can force an update through the Settings menu in under five minutes.

Updates are important because they fix security problems, add new features, and improve how your Fire Stick performs. If your device is running an older version, you may notice apps crashing, slower performance, or features that don't work the way they should.

Key Takeaways

  • Fire Stick updates read and install automatically when the device is idle, so manual updates are optional unless you want to update when ready.
  • To manually update, go to Settings, select System, then About, and choose Check for Updates.
  • The update process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on file size, and your Fire Stick will restart during the installation.
  • If an update fails or stalls, unplugging the device for 30 seconds and restarting usually resolves the problem.
  • You cannot roll back to an older software version once an update is installed, so updates are permanent.

Steps to manually update your Fire Stick

Start from the home screen. Press the Menu button on your remote (the three horizontal lines). Scroll down and select Settings.

In Settings, highlight System and press the select button. Then choose About. You'll see your current software version displayed on this screen — it looks like "Build 5.2.8.2" or similar. At the bottom of the About screen, select Check for Updates. Your Fire Stick will connect to Amazon's servers and check whether a newer version is available.

If an update is available, a button labeled Install Update will appear. Select it. The device will read the update file, which typically takes 2 to 5 minutes on a stable internet connection. Once the read finishes, the installation begins automatically — your Fire Stick will restart, and you'll see a progress bar on the screen.

Do not unplug the device during this process. The entire update, from read to restart, usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. Your Fire Stick will restart one or more times, which is normal. When the process is complete, you'll return to the home screen and can resume using the device normally.

What to do if an update fails or gets stuck

If the update process stalls — for example, the progress bar stops moving for more than 10 minutes — unplug the Fire Stick from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This forces a restart and usually clears whatever caused the freeze. Once the device boots up, go back to Settings > System > About > Check for Updates and try again.

If the same update fails repeatedly, check your internet connection by going to Settings > Network and running a connection test. A weak or unstable connection can interrupt downloads. Move your Fire Stick closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If the connection is stable but the update still fails, try unplugging the Fire Stick for a full minute, then plug it back in and attempt the update once more. If it fails a third time, wait 24 hours before trying again — Amazon's servers may be experiencing temporary issues.

Automatic updates and when they occur

Amazon pushes updates to Fire Sticks on a rolling schedule, meaning not all devices receive the same update on the same day. Your device will typically read and install updates between midnight and 6 a.m. in your local time zone, when you're unlikely to be watching. The device must be plugged in and connected to the internet for automatic updates to work.

If your Fire Stick is unplugged or offline when an automatic update is scheduled, it will attempt the update the next time those conditions are met. You can check whether an automatic update is pending by going to Settings > System > About — if an update is queued, it will say so on the About screen.

How to tell if your Fire Stick is up to date

Go to Settings > System > About and look at the line labeled "Software Version" or "Build Number." This is your current version. To see whether this is the latest available, select Check for Updates on the same screen. If no update is available, you'll see a message saying your device is up to date.

You can also compare your version number to Amazon's official Fire Stick documentation online, though the manual check through Settings is more reliable because it connects directly to Amazon's servers and accounts for your specific device model and region.

Why your Fire Stick might not be updating

The most common reason a Fire Stick doesn't update is a weak or interrupted internet connection. Updates require a stable connection throughout the read and installation process. If your device is far from your router or if other devices are using a lot of bandwidth, the update may fail or not start at all.

Another reason is that your device may be set to install updates only during a specific time window. Check Settings > System > Developer Options (if available on your model) to see whether automatic updates are enabled. On most Fire Sticks, automatic updates are on by default and cannot be turned off, but older models may have this option.

Finally, if your Fire Stick is very old — more than five or six years old — Amazon may have stopped releasing updates for that model. In that case, "Check for Updates" will always show that your device is up to date, even though it's running an older software version. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong with your device.

What happens after an update installs

After your Fire Stick restarts following an update, all your apps, settings, and login information remain exactly as they were. Updates do not erase your data or log you out of services like Netflix or Prime Video. Your home screen layout, installed apps, and preferences all stay the same.

You may notice small changes to the interface or new features available in apps, but these are additions, not removals. If you notice an app behaving differently after an update, try restarting the app or restarting the Fire Stick itself by going to Settings > System > Restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Fire Stick while it's updating?

No. During an update, your Fire Stick is not usable — the screen will show a progress bar and the device will restart one or more times. The update process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes. Plan updates for a time when you won't need to watch.

What if I unplug my Fire Stick during an update?

Unplugging during an update can corrupt the software and leave your device unable to start. If this happens, plug the device back in and let it restart — it will usually recover automatically. If it doesn't, try unplugging for 30 seconds and plugging back in again. Contact Amazon support if the device won't start after multiple restart attempts.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for an update?

No preparation is needed. Make sure your Fire Stick is plugged in and connected to the internet, then let the update happen. You don't need to close apps or change any settings beforehand.

Why is my Fire Stick restarting multiple times during an update?

Multiple restarts during an update are normal. The device may restart 2 to 4 times as it installs different parts of the software. Each restart is part of the normal process and does not indicate a problem.

Can I downgrade to an older software version?

No. Once an update is installed, you cannot go back to the previous version. Updates are permanent and cannot be reversed through the Settings menu or any user-accessible method.