Updating a jailbroken Firestick safely
A jailbroken Firestick can receive system updates, but the process differs from a standard device. Amazon's updates arrive automatically or through the Settings menu, and they will install on a jailbroken device just as they do on any other. The risk is not that updates will fail — it is that they may overwrite or disable the tools and apps you installed after jailbreaking, depending on what you added and how deeply it modified the system.
The safest approach is to back up your current setup before updating, then reinstall your customizations afterward if needed. Most jailbreak tools and sideloaded apps survive updates intact, but some do not, and knowing what to expect saves you from losing access to apps or settings you rely on.
Key Takeaways
- System updates on a jailbroken Firestick install the same way as on a standard device, either automatically or through Settings > Device > About > Check for Updates.
- Back up your current setup — including a list of sideloaded apps and any custom launcher or home screen changes — before you update.
- Some jailbreak tools and sideloaded apps may stop working after an update, so test them when ready after the update completes.
- If an app or tool breaks after updating, you can reinstall it using the same method you used originally, or restore from a backup if your device supports it.
- Avoid force-stopping or unplugging your Firestick during an update, as this can corrupt the system and require a factory reset.
How to check for and install updates on a jailbroken Firestick
Open the Settings menu on your Firestick home screen. Navigate to Device, then select About. Choose Check for Updates. If an update is available, the Firestick will read and install it automatically — you do not need to do anything else. The device will restart during this process, which is normal.
If no update is available, your Firestick is already running the latest version. You can also allow updates to install automatically by going to Settings > Device > Developer Options and ensuring automatic updates are enabled, though this means updates will install without warning you first.
Do not unplug the device or force-stop it during an update. Let it complete fully, even if it takes 10 to 15 minutes and restarts multiple times. Interrupting an update can corrupt the system and force you to factory reset the device, which will erase everything.
What to back up before updating
Before you update, write down or take screenshots of the following: the names of all sideloaded apps you installed, the version numbers of any jailbreak tools you used, any custom home screen layouts or launcher changes, and any settings you modified in developer options or accessibility menus. This list is your reference if something stops working after the update.
If your Firestick supports it, you can also back up your entire device through Settings > Device > Backup & Reset > Backup Your Firestick Data. This creates a backup of your apps and settings that you can restore later, though it may not preserve all jailbreak-specific customizations.
Take a photo of your home screen and any custom menus you set up. If the update resets your layout, you will have a visual reference to rebuild it.
Testing your setup after the update
Once the update finishes and your Firestick restarts, open each sideloaded app and jailbreak tool you use regularly. Test that they launch, load content, and respond to your remote. Some apps may take longer to load the first time after an update, which is normal.
If an app or tool does not open, does not load content, or crashes, it may have been affected by the update. Check whether a newer version of that app or tool is available from the source where you originally installed it. Many developers release updates to their apps shortly after Amazon releases a Firestick update, so waiting a day or two sometimes resolves the issue without you doing anything.
If a critical app is broken and no update is available, you can reinstall it using the same method you used originally — whether that was sideloading through a file manager, using a third-party app store, or another installation method.
Reinstalling apps and tools after an update
If you need to reinstall a sideloaded app, the process is the same as your first installation. If you originally sideloaded using a file manager app, open the file manager, navigate to the folder where you stored the app's APK file, and select it to install. If you used a third-party app store, open that store and search for the app again.
For jailbreak tools like Kodi or other launchers, read the latest version from the official source rather than an older version you may have saved. Updates to these tools often include fixes for compatibility with the latest Firestick system version, so using the newest version gives you the best chance of everything working correctly.
After reinstalling, test the app again to confirm it works. If it still does not work, check the app's documentation or support forum to see whether other users reported issues with the latest Firestick update. Sometimes a tool or app requires a specific workaround or a newer version that is not yet available.
When an update breaks your jailbreak
Occasionally, a Firestick system update will disable or remove the jailbreak method you used. This is rare, but it happens. If you find that you can no longer sideload apps or access the tools you installed, the jailbreak itself may need to be reapplied.
Before you attempt to rejailbreak, check whether a new jailbreak method or tool has been released for your Firestick model and the new system version. Jailbreak communities and forums update their guides when Amazon releases new versions, so looking there first saves you from trying outdated methods.
If you decide to rejailbreak, follow the same steps you used originally. You will not lose your sideloaded apps just because the jailbreak was temporarily disabled — they remain installed on the device. Reapplying the jailbreak straightforward restores your ability to install new apps and access system settings.
Preventing automatic updates if you want to delay
If you prefer to wait before updating — for example, to give developers time to release compatible versions of your apps — you can disable automatic updates. Go to Settings > Device > Developer Options and turn off Automatic Updates. This prevents the Firestick from installing updates without your knowledge.
Keep in mind that disabling automatic updates means you are responsible for checking for updates manually. Amazon will eventually require you to update before you can use certain features or services, so you cannot delay indefinitely. Updates typically become mandatory within a few months of release.
If you disable automatic updates, check for updates yourself every month or so. This gives you control over when the update happens while keeping your device reasonably current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating my jailbroken Firestick remove the jailbreak?
Not usually. Most system updates do not affect the jailbreak itself. However, some updates may disable specific jailbreak tools or cause sideloaded apps to stop working. The jailbreak method usually remains intact, but you may need to reinstall individual apps or tools afterward.
Can I restore my backup if something goes wrong during an update?
If you created a backup through Settings > Device > Backup & Reset before updating, you can restore it by going to the same menu and selecting Restore. This will return your apps and settings to the state they were in when you backed up. However, this may also restore any issues that existed before the update, so use this option only if the update caused a major problem.
What should I do if an app crashes after updating?
First, restart the app. If it still crashes, restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If the app still does not work, uninstall it and reinstall the latest version from the source where you originally got it. If the latest version still does not work, the app may not be compatible with your new system version yet.
How long does a Firestick update usually take?
Most updates take between 5 and 15 minutes to read and install, depending on your internet speed and the size of the update. Your Firestick may restart multiple times during this process. Do not unplug it or interrupt it, even if it seems to be taking longer than expected.
Can I use my Firestick while it is updating?
No. During an update, your Firestick will be unavailable for streaming or other use. The device will restart and may display a progress screen. Wait for the update to complete fully before trying to use it again.