Updating a jailbroken Firestick requires stopping the custom software first, then installing the official Amazon update

A jailbroken Firestick runs custom software that replaces or sits alongside Amazon's official system. When Amazon releases an update, that custom software can interfere with the installation process or cause the device to malfunction afterward. The safest approach is to uninstall or disable the jailbreak software before updating, let the official update install completely, and then reinstall the jailbreak if you want it back.

The exact steps depend on which jailbreak tool you used — Kodi, Downloader, or a pre-loaded custom ROM — but the principle is the same: remove the modification, update normally, then restore it if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Jailbreak software can block or corrupt Amazon's official updates, so you should uninstall it before updating your Firestick.
  • Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications and uninstall any jailbreak apps like Kodi, Downloader, or custom launchers before proceeding.
  • After uninstalling jailbreak software, navigate to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates and install any available update.
  • Once the official update finishes and your Firestick restarts, you can reinstall the jailbreak software if you choose to do so.
  • If your Firestick is stuck or won't start after an update attempt, a factory reset through Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults will restore it to working condition.

Uninstall jailbreak software before updating

The first step is to remove the software that modified your Firestick. This includes Kodi, Downloader, custom launchers, or any app you installed to bypass Amazon's restrictions. Go to Settings on your Firestick home screen, then select Applications, then Manage Installed Applications. Scroll through the list and tap each jailbreak app, then select Uninstall.

If you used a pre-loaded custom ROM (a modified version of Fire TV's operating system itself), you cannot straightforward uninstall it from the Applications menu. In that case, you will need to perform a factory reset first. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults. This erases everything on the device and restores Amazon's official software, which you can then update normally.

Take a moment to write down or screenshot any settings, usernames, or preferences you want to remember from your jailbreak setup. Once you uninstall or reset, that information will be gone.

Check for and install the official update

With jailbreak software removed, your Firestick can now accept Amazon's official update. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates. Your Firestick will connect to Amazon's servers and look for a newer version of Fire TV software.

If an update is available, a button will appear to install it. Tap it and let the process run without interrupting power or unplugging the device. The update typically takes 5 to 15 minutes. Your Firestick may restart several times during this process — this is normal. Do not unplug it or press buttons while it is updating.

Once the update completes, your Firestick will restart and return to the home screen. The update is now installed and your device is running Amazon's current official software.

Reinstall jailbreak software if you want it back

After the official update finishes, you can reinstall any jailbreak software you removed earlier. The process is the same as the original installation: use Downloader to sideload Kodi, or use whatever method you used before. Your Firestick is now updated and ready to accept the custom software again.

Keep in mind that future Amazon updates will require you to repeat this process — uninstall the jailbreak, update, then reinstall. Some users choose to stay on an older version of Fire TV to avoid this cycle, but doing so means missing security patches and new features Amazon releases.

What to do if the update fails or your Firestick won't start

If your Firestick becomes unresponsive, shows an error message, or won't boot after an update attempt, a factory reset will restore it. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults. This erases all data and software and returns your Firestick to the state it was in when you first bought it.

If you cannot access the Settings menu because the device is frozen, unplug the Firestick from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This performs a hard restart. Once it boots, try accessing Settings again. If it still will not respond, a factory reset is the next step.

After a factory reset, your Firestick will be running the latest official Fire TV software. You can then set it up as a new device and reinstall jailbreak software if you want to.

Timing and what to expect during the update process

An official Fire TV update typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes from start to finish, depending on your internet speed and which Firestick model you own. Newer models (Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube) usually update faster than older ones. During the update, your Firestick will display a progress bar or status message on your TV screen.

Your device may restart 2 to 3 times during the process. Each restart is normal and part of the update sequence. Do not unplug the device or press any buttons while the update is running, as this can corrupt the installation and leave your Firestick in an unusable state.

Once the update finishes and your Firestick returns to the home screen, the process is complete. You can then use your device normally or reinstall jailbreak software as desired.

Common mistakes to avoid when updating a jailbroken Firestick

The most common mistake is attempting to update without removing jailbreak software first. This can cause the update to fail partway through, leaving your Firestick stuck in a boot loop or unable to start. Removing the jailbreak beforehand prevents this entirely.

Another mistake is unplugging the device during the update. Even a brief power loss can corrupt the installation. If you are concerned about power, plug your Firestick into a surge protector or UPS (uninterruptible power supply) before starting the update.

A third mistake is not backing up your jailbreak settings or app configurations before uninstalling. Once you uninstall Kodi or other apps, their settings are erased. If you want to restore them later, you will need to reconfigure everything manually. Taking screenshots of your settings beforehand saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to remove the jailbreak to update my Firestick?

Yes. Jailbreak software can interfere with Amazon's update process and cause the installation to fail or leave your device in an unusable state. Removing it first ensures the update installs cleanly and your Firestick works properly afterward.

Will updating my Firestick remove the jailbreak automatically?

Not always. Some jailbreak apps may be removed during an update, but others can persist or cause conflicts. The safest approach is to uninstall jailbreak software yourself before updating, rather than relying on the update to do it.

Can I update a Firestick with a custom ROM without doing a factory reset?

No. A custom ROM replaces Fire TV's core operating system, so you cannot update it through the normal Settings menu. A factory reset is the only way to restore the official software and then update it.

How long does it take to update a jailbroken Firestick after removing the jailbreak?

The actual update process takes 5 to 15 minutes. Add another 5 to 10 minutes for uninstalling jailbreak software beforehand. The total time from start to finish is usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your internet speed and device model.

What happens if my Firestick gets stuck during the update?

Unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in to perform a hard restart. If it still will not respond, perform a factory reset through Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults. This will restore your Firestick to working condition.