In this post, I’m going to show you how to update FireStick. The same method works for all Amazon Fire TV devices, including Fire TV Cube, FireStick Lite, and FireStick 4K. Apart from showing you how to update your FireStick, I’ll also cover why you should update, some FAQs, and everything in between.
Fire TV devices are everywhere and for good reasons. You can turn any display with HDMI support into a full-fledged smart TV simply by plugging an Amazon Fire TV into it.
Consumers love Fire TV Stick because it’s affordable, user-friendly, and provides everything that a smart TV does.
From downloading apps like Netflix to playing games and setting up DVR via the Kodi app, you can do everything on a Fire TV Stick.
Importantly, Amazon frequently rolls out software updates. This enables every Fire TV or Stick to provide maximum performance every day in and day out.
Although Amazon regularly updates its devices, the last major interface update came a long time ago, at the end of 2020. This update overhauled the FireStick home screen and other visual elements. And since then, Amazon has been pushing updates to make your FireStick function better than it did yesterday.
In that spirit, let’s learn how you can update FireStick, but first, let’s see when and why you should update your FireStick.
Attention, FireStick Users!
Governments and ISPs constantly monitor your online activity, and accessing copyrighted content on your Fire TV Stick could lead to serious trouble. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone. I strongly recommend getting the best FireStick VPN to mask your IP address and securely stream your favorites.
I personally use ExpressVPN, the fastest and most secure VPN available. Not only is it easy to install on any device, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, if you're not 100% satisfied, you can always get a refund. ExpressVPN is currently also offering a whopping 3 extra months free on their annual plan!
Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick
When and Why You Should Update Your FireStick
About every 10 to 15 days, Amazon rolls out an update for its Fire TV lineup. However, old Fire TVs may not receive updates as frequently as new devices.
So you may be wondering, when and why should you update your FireStick’s operating system? Let’s figure that out.
When You Should Update Your FireStick
I recommend updating your FireStick as soon as an update is available, especially if you are an avid cord-cutter. This is because Amazon rolls out major bug fixes and updates to keep your device functional and stable.
Having said that, you don’t need to check for updates on a daily basis. But it’s wise to check for and install any updates once a week.
You don’t have to worry about checking and manually downloading new OS updates. All Fire TVs check for and download available updates automatically when connected to the internet. You just have to install them using the method I’m going to show you.
Why You Should Update Your FireStick
Why do you update the apps on your phone or the OS of your laptop? There are hundreds of reasons, and you should update your FireStick for those same reasons.
More precisely, you should update your FireStick to eliminate bugs, speed up the user interface, prevent apps from crashing, avoid device unresponsiveness, and more. Importantly, failing to install official Amazon Fire TV updates invites security and privacy risks, in addition to the performance issues I just mentioned.
Long story short, it’s simply a good idea to update your Amazon Fire TV because it will improve the quality of your streaming experience.
Now you know the when and why of updating your Amazon Fire TV OS. Here’s what you need to know before you update.
Things to Know Before Updating Your FireStick
There are a couple of essential things you need to know before you update your FireStick. Please pay close attention to these points. Updating improperly could brick your FireStick.
Have a Stable Internet Connection
Without a stable internet connection, FireStick won’t be able to check for, download, and install updates. You must connect your device to a stable and fast internet for a smooth update. Never disable the source of your internet connection when Fire TV Stick is in the middle of installing updates.
Never Unplug FireStick During The Update
Never unplug your Fire TV Stick when it’s installing updates. Unplugging during the installation process could brick the device.
If the installation screen gets stuck, simultaneously press and hold the select button (in the middle of the directional buttons) and the play/pause button for five seconds. Pressing and holding these two buttons will restart the device.
Close Apps Before Installing Updates
Before installing OS updates on your Amazon Fire TV Stick, I recommend closing all the apps that are running in the background.
To do that, you can simply restart your Fire TV by going to Settings, selecting My Fire TV, and then clicking on the Restart button. You can also do a quick reboot by unplugging the device from its power source, waiting several seconds, and plugging it back in. Or you can use a Task Killer to close all the apps at once.
That’s everything you need to know before updating your Amazon Fire TV OS.
How to Update Amazon FireStick to the Latest Version
Updating your FireStick is quite easy. Just follow the steps below.
For the convenience of our readers, I have illustrated how to update a FireStick in both old and new interfaces.
If you haven’t installed the late 2020 update that changed the interface of Amazon Fire TV devices, follow the first section. And if your device is already on the new interface, follow the second section.
Make sure to follow the steps as is to successfully update your Amazon FireStick.
Update FireStick in Old Interface
1. Navigate to Settings, the tab on the far right at the top of the screen.
2. Scroll to the right and select My Fire TV.
3. On the next page, select About.
4. Scroll down and click on Install Update.
After clicking on the Install Update button, the OS will start updating. Your Fire Stick will ask you not to turn off power to it during the installation process. Once the installation is complete, the device will reboot automatically.
Note that you may not see the Install Update button; you may see Check For Updates instead. Click on it to search for updates, and if updates are available, it will start downloading them automatically. Once the download is complete, you’ll see the Install Update button.
Update FireStick in New Interface
1. Click the settings gear at the far right side of your screen.
2. Scroll down and select the My Fire TV option.
3. Then, click on About.
4. Now scroll down and select the Check for Updates or Install Update button.
Note that in the screenshot above, I do not have the Install Update button because my device is already up to date. If you see Check for Updates, click it to see if updates are available for download. If an update is available for your FireStick and it has already downloaded the update, you’ll see the Install Update button.
After clicking Install Update, the updates will start installing. Make sure not to turn off the power while updates are being installed. After a few minutes, FireStick will complete the update and reboot automatically.
How to Check FireStick OS Version
Want to know the current OS version installed on your Fire Stick? Follow the step-by-step instructions below to check the OS version you’re currently using on your FireStick. You can also match the installed version with the latest software versions for Fire TV devices on the official Amazon website.
In these instructions, I show you how to accomplish this in both the old and new Fire TV interfaces. If you haven’t gotten the interface update on your Amazon Fire TV device, use the instructions for the old interface. If you’re currently using the new interface, move on to the section that applies to the new interface.
Check FireStick OS Version in Old Interface
1. Go to the Settings tab on the far right, at the top of the screen.
2. Scroll to the right and select My Fire TV.
3. On the next screen, click on the About button.
4. On the right side of your screen, you’ll see information about your device. The current Software Version is just below the Amazon Account heading.
Apart from the Software Version of your Amazon FireStick, you’ll be able to see its Name, its Storage Capacity, the associated Amazon Account, its Serial Number, the Current Date and Time, and more.
After identifying the Software Version currently installed, you can visit the official Amazon website to check the latest software version available. If both the versions match, you are good.
Check FireStick OS Version in New Interface
1. Select the settings gear on the right side of your screen.
2. Scroll down and select My Fire TV.
3. Select About.
4. You’ll see the current Software Version installed on your FireStick on the right side of your screen.
Apart from the Software Version, you’ll see the Device Name, its Serial Number, the Fire TV Home Version, and other information.
Once again, to check the latest software version available for your device, you can go to the official Amazon website and match with what’s listed.
FAQs
I welcome your questions and concerns in the comments. But first, see if you can find the answer to your question in this section.
Will I get the new interface update on my Fire TV device?
Slowly and steadily, the new interface update that was launched at the end of 2020 has made its way to Amazon Fire TV devices.
The new interface was first launched on FireStick 3rd Gen and FireStick Lite. After that, FireStick 4K, Fire TV Cube (1st and 2nd Gen), and Fire TV (3rd Gen Pendant Design) received the new interface update. According to Amazon, people who own FireStick 2nd Gen or an Amazon Fire Smart TV can expect to see the update later in the year.
Note that Amazon Fire TV (1st and 2nd Generations), FireStick with Alexa Voice Remote, FireStick with Voice Remote, FireStick 1st Generation, and FireStick Basic Edition probably won’t get the new update.
Lastly, if you haven’t got the new interface update on your Amazon Fire TV device, make sure to regularly check for new updates.
Will jailbreaking my FireStick affect new updates?
No! Jailbreaking your Amazon Fire TV Stick won’t affect the new updates that are being rolled out by Amazon. You can install the updates on a jailbroken device just like you would on a non-jailbroken FireStick. Your content, apps, settings, and everything else will remain the same.
As a matter of fact, having a jailbroken FireStick with the latest update is the perfect combo for your cord-cutting experience.
What should I do if my FireStick update fails or gets stuck?
FireStick update may fail if your connection is unstable, lacks storage space, or your device simply needs to restart and reset its processes. If your update fails, you’ll want to do a few things. Here are Amazon’s update troubleshooting instructions, or read them paraphrased below:
- First, verify that your device is connected to the appropriate internet network. Then, reset the network itself.
- Next, unplug your FireStick from its power source, wait a minute, and plug it back in.
- Finally, check your Storage Capacity on the About screen for your Fire TV, the same place we found our software version. You want at least 500 MB of space to install an update on your device.
Final Words
Fire TV Stick is perfect for turning your boring display into a full-fledged smart TV. From streaming YouTube to playing your favorite games and streaming sports, FireStick can handle it all.
But to keep everything running smooth and quick, you need to know how to check and install Fire TV updates. That way, you can update your FireStick as soon as an update rolls out.
Did you update your FireStick successfully? Let me know in the comments below!
Related:
- How to Update Kodi on FireStick
- Why is my Internet & Download Speed so Slow?
- How to Fix FireStick Connected with Problems
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