How to Update FireStick to the Latest Version (2024)

This post will show you how to update FireStick to the latest version. The method works for all Amazon Fire TV devices, including Fire TV Cube, FireStick Lite, New FireStick 4K, New FireStick 4K Max, and FireStick 4K. I’ll also cover why you should update your device, some FAQs, and more.

Amazon rolls out updates for FireStick from time to time. The updates are important to:

• Fix bugs with OS and apps
• Enhance performance
• Improve the layout
• Add major and minor features

Amazon provides regular, if not daily, updates—minor updates. Moreover, once a year or two, Amazon revamps the whole software to provide a fresh UI and several minor additions and fixes.

Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick

When and Why You Should Update Your FireStick

Keeping your Fire TV devices updated is the best way to ensure smooth and optimal performance. Generally, FireStick developers release an update every few days or weeks.

When Should You Update Your FireStick?

It’s better to update your FireStick ASAP instead of waiting. I manually check for updates at least once a week. However, Amazon Fire TV automatically downloads & installs updates in the background if you aren’t using the device.

So, the rule of thumb is to check for updates occasionally and let your FireStick handle the automatic updates side-by-side.

Why You Should Update Your FireStick

Here are some reasons to update your device regularly:

• New OS updates usually help improve performance. Therefore, you’re likely to experience fewer lags and app freezes.
• May fix app crashing issues.
• It may fix known bugs and glitches.
• It may minimize security and privacy risks. Developers regularly release updates to fix security loopholes within the system.
• Increases features and functionalities of the devices.

In other words, every new FireOS version is better than the old. It will ensure optimal performance and minimize issues with your streaming device. Therefore, you must install a new Fire TV update as early as possible.

Things to Know Before Updating Your FireStick

Updating your FireStick is easy. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Stable Internet Connection

Your internet must be stable and fast to download the required files from the Amazon database.

Never Unplug FireStick During The Update

Never unplug or press any FireStick remote button when your device updates.

Also, if the Fire TV gets frozen or becomes unresponsive while updating, follow these steps to restart it:

1. Press the Select and Play/Pause buttons on the Fire TV remote.

2. Within 5 to 7 seconds, your streaming device will restart.

Close Apps Before Installing Updates

Even though not mandatory, I recommend closing all the apps that are running in the background before installing OS updates on your Amazon Fire TV Stick,

To do that, you can restart your Fire TV by going to Settings, selecting My Fire TV, and then clicking 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 FireStick apps simultaneously.

That’s everything you need to know before updating your Amazon Fire TV OS. 

How to Update Amazon FireStick to the Latest Version

Here is how you can update your FireStick:

1. Click the Settings Cog on the far right of your FireStick home.

2. Select My Fire TV.

3. Click About.

4. Select Check for Updates.

Note: If you don’t see the Check for Updates option, jump to the next step.

5. Scroll down and click on Install Update.

Note: If you don’t see the Install Update option, your device is up to date.

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.

How to Check FireStick OS Version

To find out the latest released FireOS version for your device, please visit the official Amazon software update web page.

You can check your device’s FireStick OS version to ensure you have the latest update. Here are the steps:

1. Go to the Settings option from the FireStick home screen.

2. Open My Fire TV.

3. On the next screen, click About.

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 can see its Name, Storage Capacity, the associated Amazon Account, Serial Number, Current Date and Time, and more.

FAQ’s

Here are some FAQs regarding Fire TVs and their updates

Will jailbreaking my FireStick affect new updates?

No, jailbreaking your FireStick won’t affect new updates. That’s because jailbreaking FireStick refers to sideloading an APK file using the official Downloader app. So technically, it’s not jailbreaking as you aren’t playing around with the FireOS code.

What should I do if my FireStick update fails or gets stuck?

It’s not uncommon for smart devices to lag, glitch, or get stuck. It usually happens due to bugs, storage issues, network problems, or other general causes. Luckily, Amazon provides complete troubleshooting steps for devices. Follow these steps to revive a problematic FireStick.

• Reset your network connection once and check whether your Fire TV is connected to the appropriate Wi-Fi.
• Remove the plug from the power source and wait for a few seconds. Then, plug the socket back in.
• Lastly, access the About section and check the Storage Capacity. For a new update, you need at least 500 MB of free space.

Do Firesticks need to be updated?

To experience the optimal FireOS experience, you must update your FireStick to the latest available version.

Final Words

It is best to update FireStick to the latest version. The updates come with bug fixes and performance enhancements. Some updates are instantly noticeable, while most change the OS only in the background. Usually, the updates get installed automatically. Those that require manual intervention take only 2-3 minutes.

Related:

• How to Update Kodi on FireStick
• Why is my Internet & Download Speed so Slow?
• How to Fix FireStick Connected with Problems
• How to Jailbreak FireStick

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