Fire Stick updates happen automatically, but you can check for and install them manually
Your Fire Stick receives software updates automatically when connected to power and Wi-Fi, usually overnight. However, you can check right now whether an update is waiting and install it when ready without waiting for the automatic schedule. The process takes about five to ten minutes and requires only your remote.
Updates improve performance, fix security issues, and add new features. You do not need a computer or any special equipment — everything happens on the device itself through your TV screen.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings from the home screen, select My Fire TV, then About, then Check for Updates to see whether a new version is available.
- If an update is waiting, select Install Update and let the device restart — this usually takes three to five minutes and your Fire Stick will reboot automatically when finished.
- Keep your Fire Stick plugged in during the entire update process; unplugging it mid-update can damage the device.
- After the update completes, your apps, settings, and saved content remain unchanged.
How to check for updates on your Fire Stick
Start from the home screen — the main menu you see when you first turn on your Fire Stick. Using your remote, navigate to the top of the screen where you will see a row of menu options. Look for Settings, which usually appears as a gear icon on the far right. Press the center button on your remote to open it.
Once Settings opens, scroll down and select My Fire TV. This section contains information about your device and its software. Select About from the menu that appears. At the bottom of the About screen, you will see an option labeled Check for Updates. Press it now.
Your Fire Stick will connect to Amazon's servers and check whether a newer version of the software exists. This check takes about thirty seconds to one minute. The screen will tell you either that your software is up to date, or that an update is waiting to install.
Installing an update when one is available
If the check found an update, a button labeled Install Update will appear on your screen. Before you press it, make sure your Fire Stick is plugged into power and will remain plugged in for the next five to ten minutes. Do not unplug it during the update, as this can corrupt the software and make the device unusable.
Press Install Update. Your Fire Stick will begin downloading the new software — you will see a progress bar on the screen. Once the read finishes, the installation begins automatically. The device will restart itself, and your TV screen may go black or show the Amazon logo for a minute or two. This is normal. Do not turn off the Fire Stick or unplug it.
When the update finishes, your Fire Stick will restart completely and return to the home screen. The entire process usually takes three to five minutes. Your apps, passwords, watch history, and all saved settings will remain exactly as they were before the update.
What to do if an update fails or gets stuck
If the update appears to be stuck on the same screen for more than ten minutes, or if you see an error message, try unplugging the Fire Stick from power, waiting thirty seconds, and plugging it back in. This restart often clears temporary problems. Once it restarts, go back to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates and try installing again.
If the same error appears a second time, check that your Wi-Fi connection is stable by opening any streaming app and playing a video for a minute. If the video plays smoothly, your internet is fine. If the video buffers or fails, restart your router by unplugging it for thirty seconds, then plugging it back in and waiting two minutes for it to reconnect.
After your router restarts, try the update one more time. If it fails a third time, contact Amazon customer service through the Alexa app on your phone or through Amazon.com — they can troubleshoot the specific error code your device is showing.
Automatic updates and when they happen
By default, your Fire Stick is set to install updates automatically during off-peak hours, usually between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., as long as the device is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. You do not need to do anything — the update will install on its own schedule. This is why manually checking for updates is useful: it lets you install right away instead of waiting for the automatic window.
You can turn off automatic updates if you prefer to control when updates happen, though this is not recommended because it leaves your device without the latest security fixes. To change this setting, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About and look for an option called Automatic Updates. Toggle it off if you want to install updates only when you manually request them.
Troubleshooting common update problems
If your Fire Stick shows "Update Failed" or "Installation Error," the most common cause is a weak Wi-Fi signal or a brief internet interruption during the read. Move your Fire Stick closer to your router if possible, or move your router closer to the Fire Stick. Walls, metal objects, and distance all weaken Wi-Fi signals. Once you have a stronger signal, restart the Fire Stick and try the update again.
Another common issue is insufficient storage space. Fire Sticks have limited built-in storage, and a very large update might not fit if you have many apps installed. If you see a storage error, uninstall apps you no longer use by going to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, selecting an app, and choosing Uninstall. Then try the update again. You can reinstall those apps after the update completes.
If your Fire Stick becomes unresponsive or completely frozen during an update, unplug it from power, wait one full minute, and plug it back in. Let it restart completely — this may take several minutes. Once it finishes restarting, check for updates again. A forced restart like this usually recovers the device.
What changes after you update
After a successful update, your Fire Stick may look slightly different or have new menu options, depending on what the update included. Your home screen layout, apps, passwords, watch history, and all personal settings stay the same. You will not lose anything.
Some updates add new features you can use when ready, like new voice commands or changes to how the home screen is organized. Other updates are invisible to you — they improve performance behind the scenes or patch security issues. Either way, your Fire Stick will work the same way you are used to, just with the latest software running underneath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update my Fire Stick?
Updates are not required, but they are strongly recommended. Updates include security fixes that protect your device and your account from hackers. Without updates, your Fire Stick becomes more vulnerable over time. If you delay updates for months, you may eventually find that certain apps no longer work or that features stop functioning.
Can I use my Fire Stick while an update is installing?
No. During an update, your Fire Stick restarts and is not usable. The process usually takes three to five minutes. Plan to update when you are not planning to watch anything for at least ten minutes, just to be safe.
What if my Fire Stick is not connected to Wi-Fi?
Your Fire Stick cannot read or install updates without an internet connection. Connect it to your Wi-Fi network first by going to Settings > Network, selecting your Wi-Fi network, and entering your password. Once connected, you can check for updates.
Will updating erase my apps and settings?
No. Updates preserve everything on your device — your apps, passwords, watch history, preferences, and all personal settings remain unchanged. The update only replaces the underlying software that runs the Fire Stick.
How often do Fire Stick updates come out?
Amazon releases updates roughly once a month, though the schedule varies. Some months have multiple updates, and some months have none. You do not need to check manually every month — automatic updates will install them for you, or you can check whenever you want using the method described above.