Prime Video updates automatically on most Firesticks, but you can force an update manually in under two minutes
Prime Video usually updates itself overnight when your Firestick is idle and connected to power. If you want to update right now instead of waiting, go to Settings > Apps > Manage Installed Applications, select Prime Video, and tap Update if the button appears. If no update button shows, your version is already current.
The manual route works on all Firestick models — Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Cube, and older generations. The steps are identical across them. If you see Open instead of Update, Prime Video is up to date and you can stop there.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Video updates automatically overnight on Firesticks connected to power, so manual updates are optional unless you need a new feature when ready.
- To update manually, navigate to Settings > Apps > Manage Installed Applications, select Prime Video, and tap Update if available.
- If the Update button does not appear, your Prime Video is already on the latest version.
- Automatic updates happen in the background and do not interrupt your viewing or require any action from you.
Where to find the update button on your Firestick
Start at the home screen. Press the Menu button on your remote (the three horizontal lines). Scroll down and select Settings.
From Settings, go to Apps. Then select Manage Installed Applications. You will see a list of all apps on your device. Scroll down until you find Prime Video and select it.
Once you open Prime Video's app page, look at the buttons displayed. If an Update button is visible, tap it. The update will read and install automatically. If you only see Open, Uninstall, and Force Stop, your app is already current.
Why Prime Video updates matter
Updates fix bugs that cause crashes, add new features like improved search or playback controls, and patch security issues. A Prime Video update might improve how the app handles 4K playback on Fire TV Stick 4K, or speed up menu navigation on older models.
You do not lose any settings or watch history when Prime Video updates. Your saved shows, watchlist, and account stay exactly as they were. The update only replaces the app code running behind the scenes.
How to check your current Prime Video version
Go to Settings > Apps > Manage Installed Applications and select Prime Video. On the app details page, scroll down and look for Version. The number shown is your current version.
You do not need to memorize this number or compare it to anything. It is there only if you want to confirm the app has updated after you tap the Update button, or if Amazon customer service asks for it during troubleshooting.
Automatic updates: when they happen and how to control them
Firestick checks for app updates once per day, usually between midnight and 6 a.m., as long as your device is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. Prime Video will update during this window if a new version is available. You do not need to do anything — the update happens silently in the background.
If you want to disable automatic app updates entirely, go to Settings > Apps > Automatic App Updates and toggle it off. After that, all apps including Prime Video will only update when you manually tap Update. Most people leave this on and let updates happen automatically.
What to do if the update button does not appear or is grayed out
If you do not see an Update button, Prime Video is already on the latest version. This is the normal state most of the time — updates roll out gradually, so not every Firestick gets a new version on the same day.
If the Update button appears grayed out or disabled, your Firestick may not have enough free storage space. Go to Settings > Storage to check how much space is available. If you are below 1 GB free, delete unused apps or clear the cache of large apps like Prime Video itself to make room.
If storage is not the issue and the button still will not respond, restart your Firestick. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then try the update again.
Troubleshooting if Prime Video crashes after an update
Crashes after an update are rare, but if Prime Video stops working, start by force-stopping the app. Go to Settings > Apps > Manage Installed Applications, select Prime Video, and tap Force Stop. Wait 10 seconds, then open Prime Video again from your home screen.
If that does not work, uninstall and reinstall Prime Video. Go to the same menu, select Prime Video, and tap Uninstall. Then go to Apps > Search for Apps, type "Prime Video", and select it from the results to reinstall. This takes about two minutes and restores the app to a clean state without losing your account or watch history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update Prime Video, or can I keep using the old version?
You can keep using an older version indefinitely — Amazon does not force updates. However, older versions may have bugs or security issues, and new features will not be available. Most people benefit from updating within a week or two of a new release becoming available.
Will updating Prime Video delete my watchlist or watch history?
No. Your account data, watchlist, and watch history are stored on Amazon's servers, not on your Firestick. Updating the app only changes the software running locally on your device. Everything syncs back when you log in after the update.
How long does a Prime Video update take?
A manual update usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes, depending on your Wi-Fi speed and Firestick model. Automatic updates happen in the background overnight and do not interrupt anything you are doing.
Can I use Prime Video while it is updating?
During a manual update, Prime Video will close and you cannot use it until the update finishes. Automatic updates happen when your Firestick is idle, so you will not notice them. If you start watching Prime Video and an automatic update is pending, the update will wait until you close the app.
What if my Firestick is not connected to Wi-Fi when an update is scheduled?
Automatic updates only happen when your Firestick is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in. If your device is offline at the scheduled update time, the update will try again the next night. You can also manually update anytime by going to Settings > Apps > Manage Installed Applications and tapping Update.