Updating Kodi on Firestick: The Direct Path

Kodi updates on Firestick happen inside the Kodi app itself, not through the Amazon Appstore. When you open Kodi, the app checks for updates automatically, but you can also force a check manually. Go to Settings > System > System Information, and look for an Updates option. If an update is waiting, Kodi will show you the version number and let you read and install it from there.

The process takes five to fifteen minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of the update. Your Firestick will not restart on its own — you control when the installation happens. Once you confirm, Kodi downloads the file, installs it, and returns you to the home screen. You can use your Firestick while this happens, though performance may slow slightly.

Key Takeaways

  • Kodi updates come through the app's own settings menu, not the Amazon Appstore, so you must open Kodi to check for new versions.
  • Navigate to Settings > System > System Information and look for an Updates option to see if a new version is ready.
  • Updates typically take five to fifteen minutes and do not require a restart, though you can restart manually afterward if Kodi behaves oddly.
  • If no update option appears in System Information, your version of Kodi is current, or your Firestick model may not support the latest release.

Why Kodi Does Not Update Through the Amazon Appstore

Kodi is not available in the official Amazon Appstore, so Amazon cannot push updates to it the way it does for other apps. Instead, Kodi maintains its own update system inside the process. This means you are responsible for checking for updates — Amazon will not notify you that a new version exists.

This setup also means Kodi updates are independent of Firestick OS updates. You can be running the latest Firestick software and still be several versions behind on Kodi. The two update cycles do not sync, so checking one does not tell you about the other.

Step-by-Step: Finding and Installing an Update

Open Kodi on your Firestick and use the remote to navigate to the home screen. Press the menu button (three horizontal lines) or look for a gear icon to enter Settings. From there, select System.

Inside System, scroll down until you see System Information. Select it. On this screen, you will see your current Kodi version number at the top. Look for an Updates button or link — it may say "Check for Updates" or straightforward "Updates." Select it.

Kodi will connect to its servers and check whether a newer version exists for your Firestick model. If one does, you will see the new version number and a button to read and install. Select that button. The read begins when ready, and Kodi shows a progress bar. Once the read finishes, Kodi installs the update automatically and returns you to the home screen.

What Happens If No Update Option Appears

If you navigate to System Information and see no Updates button or option, one of three things is true: your Kodi version is current, your Firestick model does not support the latest Kodi release, or the update servers are temporarily unreachable.

The easiest check is to note your current version number (shown in System Information) and visit the official Kodi website to see what the latest stable release is. If your version matches, you are current. If it does not, try checking again in a few hours — server issues are usually temporary. If your version is older and the Updates option still does not appear after multiple checks, your Firestick hardware may not meet the requirements for the newer release, and you may need to stay on your current version.

Restarting Kodi After an Update

After an update installs, Kodi does not force a restart. However, restarting the app can help clear any temporary files or settings that might cause odd behavior. To restart, press the back button repeatedly until you exit Kodi completely, then reopen it from your Firestick home screen.

If Kodi feels sluggish or menus load slowly after an update, a restart usually fixes it. If problems persist after a restart, you can uninstall and reinstall Kodi entirely, though this will erase your settings and add-ons — a step to take only if the app becomes unusable.

Checking Your Firestick Model Compatibility

Older Firestick models (first and second generation) may not support the latest Kodi versions. Kodi regularly drops support for older hardware as the process grows more complex. If you own a Firestick from 2014 or 2015, you may find that no update option appears because your device cannot run the newest release.

To find your Firestick model, go to Settings > System > About on your Firestick home screen. Look for "Device Model" or "Serial Number." You can then search the Kodi website or forums to see whether your specific model supports the current release. If it does not, your Firestick will continue to work with its current Kodi version, but you will not receive new features or security updates.

Troubleshooting a Stuck or Failed Update

If Kodi begins downloading an update and the progress bar freezes, wait at least ten minutes before taking action — large updates can take longer than expected on slower connections. If the bar remains stuck after ten minutes, press the back button to cancel the read and try again later.

If an update fails partway through, Kodi usually reverts to your previous version automatically. If it does not and Kodi will not open, uninstall the app from your Firestick (go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select Kodi, and choose Uninstall), then reinstall it fresh from wherever you originally obtained it. This resets Kodi to its default state and removes any corrupted update files.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Kodi release updates?

Kodi releases major versions roughly once a year, with smaller bug-fix updates appearing several times between major releases. You might see an update available every few months, or you might go six months without one. The frequency depends on what bugs need fixing and what features the developers are working on.

Will updating Kodi erase my add-ons and settings?

No. Updates preserve your add-ons, watched history, and settings. Your Kodi configuration stays intact. However, if an add-on was built for an older Kodi version and is not compatible with the new one, that add-on may stop working — but the update itself does not delete it.

Can I downgrade Kodi to an older version?

Downgrading is possible but not straightforward on Firestick. You would need to uninstall the current version, then manually install an older version from a file — a process that requires sideloading, which is beyond typical Firestick use. Most users stay on their current version if they prefer not to update.

What if my internet is slow — will the update fail?

Slow internet makes updates take longer, but they usually complete as long as your connection stays stable. If your connection drops during the read, Kodi cancels the update and reverts to your previous version. You can try again once your connection is more stable.

Do I need to update Kodi regularly for security?

Updates often include security fixes, so updating when new versions are available is a good practice. However, if you use Kodi only for local content or trusted add-ons, the security risk is lower than if you stream from many unknown sources. The choice to update is yours, but newer versions are generally safer.