Does the Firestick Update Automatically?

Yes — by default. Amazon Firesticks automatically download and install Fire OS updates in the background whenever they are connected to WiFi. Most users never need to manually trigger a system update.

However manual updates are useful when:

  • You want to check you have the latest version immediately rather than waiting for automatic delivery.
  • Amazon is rolling out an update gradually and your device has not received it yet.
  • An app or feature is not working and you suspect an outdated OS is the cause.
  • Your Firestick has been offline for an extended period.

Part 1 — Update Fire OS (System Software)

This is the main system update. It refreshes the Firestick operating system, security patches, and Amazon's built-in apps.

  1. Go to SettingsFrom the Firestick home screen, scroll up to the top menu and open Settings.
    Home → Settings
  2. Select My Fire TVOlder models may show this as Device instead.
    Settings → My Fire TV
  3. Select About
    My Fire TV → About
  4. Select Check for UpdatesThe Firestick will look for the latest Fire OS release.
    About → Check for Updates
  5. Install Update if available
    ✓ Up to date
    "Your Fire TV is up to date" = you are already on the latest version.
    ⓘ Option missing?
    If Check for Updates is not visible, your device may already be downloading the update automatically in the background.
  6. Wait 5 to 15 minutesThe Firestick will download, install, and restart automatically when finished.
    ⚠ Never unplug during an update
    Cutting power mid-update can corrupt firmware permanently and brick the device.

Part 2 — Update Individual Apps

App updates are separate from the Fire OS system update. You can update one app at a time manually, or enable automatic app updates so everything stays current in the background.

Manual

Update a single app

  1. Navigate to Your Apps and Channels.
  2. Highlight the app — do not open it.
  3. Press the Menu button (three horizontal lines) on the remote.
  4. Select More Info.
  5. Select Update if one is available.
Highlight app → Menu → More Info → Update
Recommended

Enable automatic updates

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Applications.
  3. Select Appstore.
  4. Toggle Automatic Updates to ON.
Settings → Applications → Appstore → Automatic Updates → ON
✓ Tip
With this on, all official apps update silently in the background. No manual updates needed.

Part 3 — Update Your Firestick Remote Firmware

Yes — your remote has firmware too. Updates are infrequent but fix pairing bugs, voice control issues, and Bluetooth dropouts.

  1. Go to Settings
    Home → Settings
  2. Select Controllers and Bluetooth Devices
    Settings → Controllers and Bluetooth Devices
  3. Select Amazon Fire TV Remotes
  4. Select your remoteInstall the update if prompted. Keep the remote close to the Firestick during the process.
    ✓ Already up to date
    If no update prompt appears, the remote firmware is already current.

How to Check Your Current Fire OS Version

To see exactly which Fire OS version your device is running:

Settings → My Fire TV → About → Software Version

The version number appears on the right side of the About screen.

ⓘ Fire OS vs Vega OS
Fire OS 7 or 8 = sideloading is supported. Vega OS = a newer device with sideloading blocked.

Update Tips

01

Never unplug during update

Corrupts firmware permanently. Wait for the device to restart on its own.

02

Use stable WiFi

Updates are 100MB to 500MB+. An Ethernet adapter is the most reliable option.

03

Have 500MB to 1GB free storage

Check at Settings → My Fire TV → About → Storage before starting.

04

Check settings after major updates

UI changes are possible. Review parental controls and privacy settings.

05

Updates roll out gradually

Use Check for Updates manually if you want it faster than the staged rollout.

06

Let updates run overnight

Leave the Firestick plugged in and on WiFi — automatic updates will handle it.

Does Updating Delete My Apps or Settings?

No. Fire OS updates preserve all installed apps, login credentials, WiFi passwords, and settings. Only the operating system software changes. The one exception: a major UI overhaul may change the menu layout — your apps remain installed but navigation may look different after a major version update.

Firestick Frozen During Update — What to Do

If your Firestick screen freezes during an update do not unplug it. Press and hold Select and Play/Pause on your remote simultaneously for 5 seconds. This restarts the Firestick safely without pulling power.

Select + Play/Pause → hold 5 seconds → Firestick restarts safely

Quick Reference — All Update Paths

What to updatePathTime
Fire OS system Settings → My Fire TV → About → Check for Updates 5–15 min
Check current OS version Settings → My Fire TV → About → Software Version Instant
Single app manually Highlight app → Menu → More Info → Update 1–3 min
Enable automatic app updates Settings → Applications → Appstore → Automatic Updates ON Instant
Remote firmware Settings → Controllers and Bluetooth Devices → select remote 2–5 min

After the Update — Get More From Your Firestick

After updating, your IPTV player app and subscription settings are preserved exactly as you left them. For the IPTV services we have independently tested and ranked for 2026 see our best IPTV services guide, and for the full setup walkthrough on Firestick our IPTV Firestick guide covers everything end to end.

Firestick updated — ready for IPTV

See the IPTV services we have independently tested and ranked for 2026.

View best IPTV services →