Update Your Fire Stick Through Settings

The fastest way to update your Fire Stick is through the Settings menu on the device itself. Press the Home button on your remote, scroll right to Settings, then select System and Updates. Choose Check for Updates, and if a new version is available, select Install Update. The Fire Stick will restart during the process — this is normal and takes about five to ten minutes.

Your Fire Stick must be plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi for updates to work. If you are on a weak connection, the update may fail partway through. Move your Fire Stick closer to your router or restart your router before trying again.

After the update finishes, your Fire Stick will restart automatically and return to the home screen. You do not need to do anything else. All your apps and settings stay in place.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings > System and Updates > Check for Updates to see if a new version is available and install it from your Fire Stick.
  • Your Fire Stick must stay plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi during the entire update process, which usually takes five to ten minutes.
  • If an update fails, restart your Fire Stick and your router, then try checking for updates again.
  • Fire Stick updates happen automatically in the background if you leave the device plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi overnight, so manual updates are optional.
  • After an update completes, your apps, passwords, and watch history remain unchanged.

Enable Automatic Updates to Skip Manual Checks

If you do not want to check for updates manually, you can turn on automatic updates. In Settings, go to System and Updates, then select Automatic Updates and toggle it on. Your Fire Stick will then read and install new software in the background when you are not using it, usually overnight.

Automatic updates require your Fire Stick to be plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. The device will not update while you are actively watching something, so your viewing is never interrupted. If an update is pending when you turn on your Fire Stick, it will install the next time the device sits idle for a few minutes.

What to Do If an Update Fails or Gets Stuck

If your Fire Stick gets stuck on an update screen or the update fails partway through, unplug the device from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This forces a restart and usually clears the problem. Once it boots up, go back to Settings > System and Updates > Check for Updates and try again.

If the update fails a second time, check your Wi-Fi connection. Move closer to your router or restart the router itself. Weak or unstable internet is the most common reason updates stall. You can also try the update at a different time of day when your network may be less congested.

If your Fire Stick still will not update after a restart and a second attempt, contact Amazon support with the model number of your device (found in Settings > System > About). They can tell you whether your device has a known issue or whether a factory reset is needed.

Check Your Current Software Version

To see what version of software your Fire Stick is currently running, go to Settings, select System, then select About. The screen shows your device model, serial number, and the current software version number. Write down the version number if you need to contact Amazon support.

You can compare your version number to Amazon's official Fire Stick documentation to see how far behind you are, though this is rarely necessary. If Check for Updates shows no new version available, your Fire Stick is already on the latest release for your device model.

Why Your Fire Stick Needs Updates

Software updates fix security problems, add new features, and improve performance. Fire Stick updates are usually small and install quickly, but they matter because they patch vulnerabilities that could let someone access your device or your Amazon account.

Amazon releases updates on its own schedule, and older Fire Stick models sometimes stop receiving updates after a few years. If your device is more than five years old and Check for Updates shows no new version available, your model has likely reached the end of its support cycle. This does not mean the device stops working, but it will not receive new security patches.

Troubleshooting Update Problems by Device Model

Fire Stick 4K and Fire Stick 4K Max usually update without problems because they are newer and have more processing power. Older models like the Fire Stick (2nd generation) sometimes take longer to update or may fail if they are low on storage space.

If you own an older Fire Stick and updates repeatedly fail, try clearing the cache. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select Amazon Appstore, then select Clear Cache. Restart the device and try the update again. If that does not work, you may need to factory reset the device, which erases all apps and settings but lets you set it up fresh afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Fire Stick while it is updating?

No. During an update, your Fire Stick is not usable and will show an update screen. The device restarts automatically when the update finishes. Plan updates for a time when you are not watching, or enable automatic updates to let the device update overnight.

Will an update delete my apps and passwords?

No. Updates preserve all your apps, login information, watch history, and settings. After the update finishes, everything returns to exactly how it was before.

How often does Amazon release Fire Stick updates?

Amazon releases updates roughly every one to three months, though the exact timing varies. You do not need to check manually if automatic updates are turned on — the device will install new versions on its own schedule.

What if my Fire Stick is not connected to Wi-Fi?

Updates require an internet connection. If your Fire Stick is offline, connect it to Wi-Fi first. Go to Settings > Network, select your Wi-Fi network, and enter the password if prompted.

Do I need to unplug my Fire Stick before updating?

No. Keep your Fire Stick plugged in during the entire update. Unplugging it during an update can corrupt the software and require a factory reset to fix.