Fire Stick updates happen automatically, but you can check for and install them manually

Your Fire Stick downloads and installs software updates on its own when you are not using it, usually overnight. You do not have to do anything — the device handles it in the background. However, if you want to check whether an update is available right now, or force an installation instead of waiting, you can do that through the Settings menu in about two minutes.

Updates are free and do not require a subscription or account beyond the Amazon account linked to your device. They improve performance, fix security issues, and sometimes add new features to the home screen or apps. Older Fire Stick models (2nd generation and earlier) stop receiving updates after a certain point, but current models typically get updates for several years.

Key Takeaways

  • Fire Stick updates install automatically in the background, so most users never need to manually check for them.
  • You can force a manual update check by going to Settings > Device > About > Check for Updates.
  • The update process takes 5 to 15 minutes and your Fire Stick will restart during installation.
  • You do not need to unplug your device or do anything else while an update is running — just leave it plugged in.
  • If an update fails or gets stuck, unplugging the Fire Stick for 30 seconds and plugging it back in usually fixes the problem.

How to manually check for updates on your Fire Stick

Start at the home screen. Press the Menu button (three horizontal lines) on your remote. Scroll down and select Settings.

From Settings, go to Device (or Device and Accessories on some models), then select About. At the bottom of this screen, you will see Check for Updates. Select it. Your Fire Stick will connect to Amazon's servers and check whether a newer version is available. If one is, you will see a button to install it. If your device is already up to date, the screen will say so.

The entire process takes less than a minute. You do not need to restart your Fire Stick beforehand or close any apps.

What happens during the update installation

Once you select Install (or the update begins automatically), your Fire Stick will show a progress bar. The installation typically takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the file size and your internet speed. During this time, your device will be unusable — you cannot watch shows or use apps.

Your Fire Stick will restart one or more times as part of the process. This is normal. Leave the device plugged in and do not unplug it or press any buttons. Interrupting an update can corrupt the software and require a factory reset.

Once the update finishes, your Fire Stick will return to the home screen automatically. You can resume using it right away. No additional steps are needed.

Checking which software version your Fire Stick is running

If you want to know what version of Fire OS your device is currently running, go to Settings > Device > About. The screen will display the software version number at the top. You can compare this to Amazon's public list of current versions to see whether you are on the latest release, though this is mainly useful for troubleshooting.

The version number looks like "5.2.6.4" or similar. Amazon does not always release updates to all Fire Stick models on the same day, so it is normal for different devices in your home to be on slightly different versions for a week or two.

What to do if an update fails or gets stuck

If the progress bar stops moving for more than 20 minutes, or if you see an error message, unplug your Fire Stick from power. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This forces a restart and usually clears whatever caused the problem.

Once the device boots back up, go to Settings > Device > About > Check for Updates again and try the installation once more. If the same error appears a second time, check that your internet connection is stable by opening a streaming app and playing a video. If the app works, your connection is fine and the issue is with the update file itself — in that case, wait a few hours and try again, as Amazon may be rolling out the update in stages.

If you are unable to access Settings at all because the device is frozen, unplugging it for 30 seconds will restart it. You will not lose any settings or apps — a hard restart only clears temporary files.

Older Fire Stick models and update support

Fire Stick 2nd generation and earlier models stopped receiving updates around 2019 and 2020. If you own one of these devices, you will not see new updates available, and that is expected — Amazon has ended support for them.

Current models (Fire Stick 4K, Fire Stick HD, and Fire TV Cube) receive updates regularly. Amazon typically supports these devices for 3 to 5 years from release, though the exact timeline varies by model. You can check your device model in Settings > Device > About to see which one you own.

Why your Fire Stick might not be updating automatically

Automatic updates require your Fire Stick to be plugged in and connected to the internet. If your device is unplugged most of the time, or if it loses internet connection frequently, it may miss the automatic update window. Manually checking for updates ensures you get the latest version regardless of your usage pattern.

If automatic updates are turned off in your settings, you can turn them back on by going to Settings > Device > About and looking for an option labeled Automatic Updates or System Updates. Toggle it on. After that, your Fire Stick will resume downloading updates in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating my Fire Stick delete my apps or settings?

No. Updates only change the underlying software. Your apps, login information, watch history, and preferences remain exactly as they were. You will not lose anything.

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

No. The device is unavailable during the update process. You cannot watch shows, open apps, or use the remote for anything other than waiting. The update typically takes 5 to 15 minutes.

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

Unplugging during an update can corrupt the software and force you to do a factory reset, which erases all your settings and apps. If this happens, plug the device back in and it will attempt to recover automatically. If recovery fails, you will need to reset it through the Settings menu or contact Amazon support.

Do I need WiFi to update my Fire Stick?

Yes. Your Fire Stick must be connected to the internet to check for and read updates. If your WiFi is weak or drops frequently, the update may fail. Move your Fire Stick closer to your router or restart your router before trying again.

How often does Amazon release Fire Stick updates?

Amazon releases updates roughly every 4 to 8 weeks, though the schedule varies. Some updates are small security patches that install silently, while others add features and take longer to roll out. You do not need to check manually — automatic updates will catch them all.