Fire Stick updates happen automatically, but you can check for and install them manually if you want the latest version right away

Your Fire Stick downloads and installs software updates on its own, usually overnight when you are not using it. If you want to update now instead of waiting, you can go into Settings, select Device or My Fire TV, find About, and choose Check for Updates. If an update is available, select Install Update and let the device restart — this takes a few minutes and your Fire Stick will be unavailable during that time.

Updates are free and happen automatically because Amazon pushes them to all Fire Sticks. You do not need to do anything to receive them. But if you want to speed up the process or make sure you have the newest version before a specific date, the manual check takes less than five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Fire Stick updates install automatically overnight, so most users never need to do anything manually.
  • To check for updates yourself, go to Settings > Device (or My Fire TV) > About > Check for Updates.
  • Manual updates take a few minutes and require your Fire Stick to restart; do not unplug it during this time.
  • You cannot turn off automatic updates, but you can choose when to install a pending update by checking manually.

Where to find the update settings on your Fire Stick

The path to updates is the same on Fire Stick 4K, Fire Stick HD, and Fire Stick Lite. Press the Home button on your remote, then go to Settings. From there, look for Device or My Fire TV — the name depends on which generation you own, but both lead to the same place.

Once you are in Device or My Fire TV, select About. At the bottom of that screen you will see Check for Updates. Tap it and wait a few seconds while your Fire Stick connects to Amazon's servers to see whether a newer version is waiting for you.

What happens when you install an update

When you select Install Update, your Fire Stick will restart. The screen will go black or show a progress bar. This usually takes between two and five minutes. During this time, you cannot watch anything or use apps — the device is completely unavailable until the restart finishes.

Do not unplug your Fire Stick while an update is installing. If the power cuts out during an update, your device may not restart properly. If you have a backup power source like a battery backup or uninterruptible power supply (UPS), now is a good time to use it. Once the update finishes, your Fire Stick will return to the home screen on its own.

Why your Fire Stick might say no update is available

If you check for updates and see a message that says your device is up to date, it means you already have the latest version. This does not mean updates will never come — Amazon releases new versions throughout the year, and your Fire Stick will find them the next time it checks.

Fire Stick checks for updates automatically once a day, usually in the early morning. If you checked manually yesterday and saw no update, checking again today might show one. There is no way to force your Fire Stick to check more often than once per day, but the manual check button will always tell you the current status.

How to know what software version you have

Go to Settings > Device (or My Fire TV) > About and look at the top of the screen. You will see a line that says Software Version or System Software Version followed by a number like 5.4.2.1 or 6.2.8.5. This number tells you which version is installed right now.

You do not need to memorize this number or compare it to anything online. The Check for Updates button will tell you if a newer one exists. But if you want to know whether your device is current, this is where to find that information.

Automatic updates and when they install

Amazon sends updates to all Fire Sticks at the same time, but your device does not install them when ready. Instead, your Fire Stick waits until you have not used it for a while — usually late at night or early morning — and then installs the update automatically. This way, you will not be interrupted while watching.

If an update is waiting and you want to install it right away instead of waiting for the automatic installation, use the manual check method described above. You can also restart your Fire Stick manually by going to Settings > Device (or My Fire TV) > Restart, which may trigger the pending update to install sooner, though this is not may provide.

Troubleshooting if an update fails or gets stuck

If your Fire Stick restarts but the update does not complete, or if the screen stays black for more than ten minutes, unplug the device for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This forces a hard restart. Your Fire Stick will try the update again when it powers back on.

If the same update fails twice, check your internet connection. Go to Settings > Network and make sure your Fire Stick is connected to your Wi-Fi. Updates require a stable connection throughout the installation. If your connection is weak or drops during an update, the installation can fail. Move your Fire Stick closer to your router or restart your router and try the update again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop my Fire Stick from updating automatically?

No. Amazon does not offer a setting to turn off automatic updates. Updates are mandatory for security and performance. You can choose when to install a pending update by checking manually, but you cannot prevent updates from being sent to your device.

Will an update erase my apps or watch history?

No. Updates only change the software that runs your Fire Stick. Your apps, passwords, watch history, and all other personal data stay exactly as they are. After an update finishes, everything will be in the same place.

How long do updates usually take?

Most updates take between two and five minutes from the moment you select Install Update until your Fire Stick returns to the home screen. Larger updates may take up to ten minutes. The exact time depends on the size of the update and how fast your internet connection is.

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

Your Fire Stick must be connected to Wi-Fi to check for or install updates. If you are not connected, go to Settings > Network, select your Wi-Fi network, and enter your password. Once connected, you can check for updates.

Do I need to do anything before an automatic update installs?

No. Automatic updates happen when you are not using your Fire Stick, so you do not need to prepare anything. Just make sure your device stays plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. If you want to be extra cautious, avoid unplugging your Fire Stick late at night when automatic updates are most likely to occur.