Updates happen automatically, but you can check and install them manually

Your Fire Stick checks for updates on its own and installs them when you're not using the device—usually overnight. You don't have to do anything. But if you want to see whether an update is waiting, or force one to install right away, you can do it from the Settings menu in about two minutes.

The process is the same whether you own a Fire Stick 4K, Fire Stick HD, or the older Fire Stick (2nd Gen). You navigate to Settings, find My Fire Stick (or Device on older models), and look for an option called About or System Updates. From there, you can see what version you're running and whether a newer one is ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Fire Stick updates install automatically in the background, so manual checking is optional unless you want a specific feature right away.
  • To check for updates manually, go to Settings > My Fire Stick > About and select Check for Updates.
  • An update usually takes five to fifteen minutes to read and install, and your Fire Stick will restart during the process.
  • If an update fails or gets stuck, unplugging the Fire Stick for thirty seconds and plugging it back in usually fixes the problem.

Step-by-step: checking and installing updates manually

Start by picking up your Fire Stick remote and pressing the Home button (the house icon at the top). This takes you to the main menu. Scroll down and select Settings.

Once you're in Settings, scroll down to find My Fire Stick (on Fire Stick 4K and newer models) or Device (on older Fire Sticks). Select it. You'll see several options; look for About or System Updates—the exact name depends on your model. Select that option.

You'll now see your current software version displayed on the screen. Below it, you should see a button that says Check for Updates. Press it. The Fire Stick will connect to Amazon's servers and look for a newer version. If one is available, you'll see a prompt asking whether you want to install it now. Select Install. If no update is available, the screen will say your device is up to date.

Once installation starts, your Fire Stick will read the update and then restart automatically. This usually takes between five and fifteen minutes. You'll see a progress bar on the screen. Don't unplug the device during this time. When it's finished, the Fire Stick will restart and you'll be back at the home screen.

What to do if an update gets stuck or fails

Occasionally an update will stall partway through, or the installation will fail and the Fire Stick will get stuck on a loading screen. The fastest fix is a hard restart: unplug the Fire Stick from power for thirty seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to boot up fully (this takes about a minute), then go back to Settings > My Fire Stick > About and try checking for updates again.

If the same update fails a second time, check your internet connection. Go to Settings > Network and make sure your Fire Stick is connected to your Wi-Fi and that the signal is strong. A weak connection can cause downloads to fail partway through. If your connection is poor, move the Fire Stick closer to your router or restart your router by unplugging it for thirty seconds.

If the update still won't install after a restart and a connection check, try waiting a few hours and checking again. Amazon's update servers sometimes experience traffic, and retrying later often works. If you're still stuck after that, you can contact Amazon support through the Alexa app or by visiting amazon.com/help.

Why updates matter and what they usually include

Fire Stick updates fix security problems, add new features, and improve how the device works with your apps and your TV. Amazon releases updates regularly—sometimes monthly, sometimes less often—and they're always free. You don't have to pay anything or create an account beyond the Amazon account you already use to set up the Fire Stick.

A typical update might add a new feature to the Alexa voice assistant, improve how fast the home screen loads, or fix a bug that was causing an app to crash. Security updates are especially important because they patch vulnerabilities that hackers could use to access your device or your Amazon account. Staying up to date is one of the easiest ways to keep your Fire Stick running smoothly and safely.

Automatic updates: why they happen and when

By default, your Fire Stick is set to read and install updates automatically. Amazon does this in the background, usually between midnight and 6 a.m., when you're unlikely to be watching. The device checks for updates every few days, and if one is available, it downloads it and installs it without asking you first.

You can turn off automatic updates if you want to control when updates happen, though Amazon doesn't recommend it. To do this, go to Settings > My Fire Stick > Developer Options and toggle off Automatic Updates. If you turn this off, you'll need to check for and install updates manually using the steps above. Most people leave automatic updates on because it's simpler and keeps the device find without any effort on your part.

Checking your current Fire Stick version number

If you just want to know what version of Fire Stick software you're running—without installing anything—you can see it in the same place. Go to Settings > My Fire Stick > About, and look for a line that says Software Version or Build Number. The version number looks something like 5.2.6.4 or similar. This is useful if you're troubleshooting a problem with an app or if you're trying to figure out whether a specific feature is available on your device.

You can also find this information in the Alexa app on your phone. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select Devices, choose your Fire Stick, and scroll down to find the software version. This method is handy if your Fire Stick remote isn't working or if you're away from home and want to check the version quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to restart my Fire Stick after an update?

The Fire Stick restarts automatically as part of the update process, so you don't have to do anything. Once the update finishes installing, the device will restart on its own and return to the home screen. You don't need to unplug it or press any buttons.

Will an update delete my apps or settings?

No. Updates only change the underlying software that runs the Fire Stick. Your apps, passwords, and preferences stay exactly as they are. After the update finishes, everything will be in the same place it was before.

Can I use my Fire Stick while an update is installing?

No. During an update, the Fire Stick is not usable—the screen will show a progress bar and the remote won't respond. The update usually takes five to fifteen minutes. Once it's done and the device restarts, you can use it normally again.

What if I unplug my Fire Stick during an update by accident?

If the power cuts out during an update, the Fire Stick may not boot up properly. Plug it back in and let it sit for a minute. It should restart and try to finish the update. If it gets stuck on a loading screen, unplug it for thirty seconds, plug it back in, and try checking for updates again from the Settings menu.

How often does Amazon release Fire Stick updates?

Amazon releases updates on an irregular schedule—sometimes monthly, sometimes every few months. There's no set date or pattern. Your Fire Stick will check for updates automatically every few days, so you don't have to worry about missing one. If you want to know whether a new update is available right now, you can check manually using the steps above.