Updating a jailbroken Firestick safely requires disabling custom apps first

A jailbroken Firestick can receive Amazon's official updates, but the process is different from a standard device. When you update, Amazon's software will overwrite some of the modifications you made, which can cause crashes or leave your custom apps broken. The safest approach is to disable or uninstall third-party apps before updating, let Amazon's update finish, then reinstall them afterward.

The update itself comes from Amazon's servers the same way it would on any Firestick. You are not doing anything illegal by updating—Amazon pushes updates to all devices, jailbroken or not. What changes is the preparation step and what you need to do after the update completes.

Key Takeaways

  • Disable or uninstall all sideloaded apps and custom launchers before starting an Amazon update on a jailbroken Firestick.
  • Go to Settings > Device > About and select Check for Updates to see if an update is available and install it from there.
  • After the update finishes and the device restarts, reinstall your sideloaded apps using the same method you used originally.
  • If the update fails or your device becomes unstable, you can factory reset and rejailbreak, but this erases all your settings and apps.

Disable third-party apps before updating

Open Settings on your jailbroken Firestick and go to Applications > Manage Installed Applications. Look for any apps you sideloaded or installed outside of the Amazon Appstore—these are the ones that need to be disabled or removed. Select each one and choose Uninstall or Disable. Pay special attention to custom launchers like Kodi, Plex, or alternative home screens, as these conflict most often with Amazon updates.

If you have installed Xposed Framework or other system-level modifications, disable those as well. These tools modify how Android itself works, and Amazon's update can conflict with them. You can reinstall everything after the update completes, so removing them temporarily is the safest path.

Check for and install the update

Once your third-party apps are removed, go to Settings > Device > About. Select Check for Updates. If an update is available, you will see a button to install it. Select it and let the process run—do not unplug the device or interrupt it. The Firestick will restart several times during the update. This is normal.

The update usually takes 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish. Your Firestick may appear to be stuck on a loading screen for a few minutes—this is part of the normal process. Wait until you see the home screen again before doing anything else.

Reinstall your sideloaded apps after the update

After the update finishes and your Firestick has fully restarted, you can reinstall your custom apps. Use the same method you used to install them originally—whether that is ADB (Android Debug Bridge) from a computer, a file manager app, or an app installer tool. Reinstall them one at a time and test each one before moving to the next.

If an app does not work after the update, it may need an updated version. Check the source where you downloaded it to see if a newer build is available. Some apps are maintained by their developers and receive updates to stay compatible with newer Android versions.

What to do if the update fails or causes problems

If your Firestick becomes unstable, crashes repeatedly, or will not boot after an update, you have two options. The first is to wait 24 hours—sometimes the device needs time to finish background processes after a major update. Restart it and see if stability improves.

The second option is a factory reset. Go to Settings > Device > Reset to Factory Defaults. This erases everything on the device, including your jailbreak and all your apps. After the reset, you would need to rejailbreak the Firestick and reinstall all your apps from scratch. Only do this if the device is unusable and waiting has not helped.

Prevent update problems by keeping backups

Before you update, write down which apps you have installed and where you downloaded them from. Take a screenshot of your home screen layout if you have customized it. This makes reinstalling faster and ensures you do not forget an app you use regularly.

If you use a custom launcher, note its settings—some allow you to export your configuration as a file. You can then import those settings after reinstalling, which saves time and restores your layout exactly as it was.

When to update and when to wait

Amazon releases Firestick updates on its own schedule, and you cannot choose when to receive them. However, you can delay an update by not going into Settings > Device > About and checking for it. Updates will eventually install automatically, but checking manually gives you control over the timing.

If you know a major update just rolled out, waiting a few days is reasonable—this gives other users time to report problems, and Amazon sometimes releases a follow-up patch quickly if issues appear. But do not wait more than a few weeks, as older Firesticks may stop receiving apps or services if they fall too far behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating a jailbroken Firestick remove my jailbreak?

Yes, Amazon's update will remove the jailbreak modifications. You will need to rejailbreak the device after the update finishes. The method depends on which Firestick model you have and which jailbreak tool you used originally—use the same process you used before.

Can I update if I have Kodi installed?

You should uninstall Kodi before updating, as it often conflicts with Amazon's system updates and can cause crashes. After the update finishes, reinstall Kodi using the same method you used originally. It will work normally on the updated system.

What happens if I update without removing sideloaded apps?

Your Firestick may still update successfully, but you risk crashes, freezing, or apps that no longer work. Some sideloaded apps can interfere with Amazon's update process itself. Removing them first takes 10 minutes and prevents these problems.

Do I need a computer to update a jailbroken Firestick?

No. The update happens entirely on the Firestick itself through Settings > Device > About. You only need a computer if you want to reinstall sideloaded apps using ADB afterward, and even that is optional—many apps can be reinstalled directly on the device.

How often does Amazon release Firestick updates?

Amazon releases updates several times per year, though the exact schedule varies. You will see a notification when an update is available, or you can check manually in Settings > Device > About. There is no way to know in advance when the next update is coming.