The fastest way to update a Firestick app
Most Firestick apps update automatically in the background, usually overnight when your device is idle. You do not have to do anything — Amazon handles it. If you want to update an app right now instead of waiting, open the Appstore, find the app, and select Update if that button appears. If you see Open instead, the app is already current.
The automatic update setting is on by default for all users. If updates are not happening on your device, the most common reason is that automatic updates got turned off at some point, or your Firestick does not have enough storage space to read the new version.
Key Takeaways
- Apps on Firestick update automatically by default, so you usually do not need to do anything.
- To update an app manually right now, open the Appstore, search for the app, and tap the Update button if it appears.
- If the Update button does not show, the app is already on the latest version available for your device.
- Automatic updates require enough free storage space on your Firestick, so deleting unused apps or clearing cache can help if updates are stuck.
How to manually update a single app
Open the Appstore from your Firestick home screen. Use the search bar at the top to find the app you want to update. When you land on the app's page, look at the button on the right side — if it says Update, select it. The read and installation happen automatically from there.
While the update is installing, you can leave the page or go back to the home screen. You do not have to watch it finish. The app will be ready to use as soon as the installation completes, usually within a few minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed.
Turning automatic updates back on
If you turned off automatic updates and want to turn them back on, go to Settings on your Firestick home screen. Select Applications, then Appstore. Look for Automatic Updates and make sure it is set to On.
Once automatic updates are on, your Firestick will read and install new app versions on its own schedule, usually at night. You will not see notifications or prompts — the updates just happen in the background.
What to do if updates are not working
If automatic updates are on but apps are not updating, check how much free storage space your Firestick has. Go to Settings, select Storage, and look at the available space. If you have less than 1 GB free, delete apps you no longer use or clear the cache of apps you keep.
To clear cache without deleting the app itself, go to Settings, select Applications, then Manage Installed Applications. Find the app, select it, and choose Clear Cache. This frees up space without losing your login information or saved data inside the app.
If storage is not the problem, restart your Firestick. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Once it boots up, give it a few minutes to connect to the internet, and the update process should resume.
Why some apps do not update on older Firestick models
Older Firestick devices sometimes cannot run the newest versions of popular apps. If you search for an app in the Appstore and see only an Open button instead of an Update button, your device is already running the latest version compatible with your hardware.
This is not a problem with your Firestick or your internet. It means the app developer has moved on to newer features that require newer hardware. If you need the latest version of an app, you may need to upgrade to a newer Firestick model, but most apps work fine on older devices for years.
Checking which apps have updates available
Open the Appstore and select My Apps at the top. This shows all the apps you have installed. If any have updates waiting, they will have an Update button next to them. You can update them one at a time, or if your device supports it, look for an Update All option to install everything at once.
The My Apps section is also useful for seeing which apps are installed on your Firestick. If you see an app you no longer use, you can delete it from here to free up storage space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart my Firestick after an app updates?
No. Most apps work when ready after an update finishes installing. If an app is acting strange after an update, close it completely and reopen it. If the problem continues, restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
Can I stop automatic updates from happening?
Yes. Go to Settings, select Applications, then Appstore, and turn Automatic Updates to Off. You will then need to update apps manually through the Appstore when you want them updated.
What happens if my internet cuts out during an app update?
The update pauses and resumes automatically once your internet comes back. You do not need to restart the process. If the update fails completely, try updating the app again from the Appstore.
Why is an app update taking so long?
Large apps can take several minutes to read and install, especially on slower internet connections. Check your internet speed by running a speed test on another device. If your connection is very slow, the update may take 10 to 15 minutes or longer.