Looking to update your Amazon Firestick or Fire TV to the latest software? This guide provides step-by-step instructions for updating your device in 1 minute or less.
Updating your Firestick to the latest Fire TV operating system (OS) will keep your device running at peak performance. Oftentimes, several Fire TV applications will not work unless your device is running the latest operating system.
Typically, Firesticks auto-update so you don’t have to do it manually, but this is not always the case and that is why we recommend using our instructions below regularly to check for the latest version.
Table of Contents
Latest Firestick/Fire TV Update
The latest software version currently available is Fire OS 8. Fire OS is the operating system that powers Amazon streaming devices and is based on Android.
There are rumors that Amazon may be removing the Fire Operating System and replacing it with “Vega” based on Linux OS sometime in the near future. But for the time being, Fire OS is still what you will find in these devices.
Amazon regularly pushes out system updates to add new features, fix bugs, and improve device security. However, sometimes these updates are not ideal and can lead to Amazon pushing more advertisements and even blocking custom launchers.
The latest update to roll out to these devices includes a new “Clear Cache” option for all applications installed on your device. This is a fabulous new feature that will free up space and enhance navigation and playback.
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You can find this option by opening Settings > Applications > Clear All Application Caches. A message will display confirming this action and how much storage space will be freed up.
You can easily update your Firestick, Fire TV Cube, or Fire TV Television within the system settings of your device whenever a new version of Fire OS is available.
How To Update Your Firestick or Fire TV
Below you find both a video and a screenshot guide for updating your Amazon Firestick. This process will also work on Fire TV Cubes, Fire TV Televisions, and any Fire TV device.
Video Guide
Screenshot Guide
1. Hover over the Settings gear icon and then click My Fire TV.
2. Choose About.
3. Click Check for Updates.
4. Wait for Firestick update to download.
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5. Click Install Update.
6. Wait for updates to apply.
7. Check for Updates again to ensure the system is up to date.
8. You will see, “Your Fire TV is up to date”, when there are no more updates to apply.
For more details on updating your device, refer to Amazon’s support documentation.
Why You Should Update Your Firestick/Fire TV
As with other platforms and devices, updating your Amazon Firestick is the best way to ensure it is running at its best performance. Oftentimes, new features and tools are added that can elevate your overall experience. Some of these include:
- Faster device speed
- Responsiveness
- Improved navigation
- New user-interface
- Enhanced security
- Updated settings
How to Check Your Software Version
If you find that your device is lagging or running slower than normal, an update may be overdue. Amazon pushes out updates quite often and usually, these are automatically installed. However, this is not always the case and therefore we must do it manually within the settings.
Amazon has an updated list of Fire TV software updates that display each model and the current OS version that should be installed on your device.
You can then check to see what version you are running to determine if an update is required. Here is how to find what software you currently have:
1. Open Settings and select My Fire TV.
2. Choose About.
3. Hover over the variation of Firestick/Fire TV you are using and the software version is displayed.
If your device is not running the OS it should be, make sure to follow our guide above to update your Fire TV.
How to Update Apps on Firestick
Oftentimes, users are just looking to update a particular application that is already installed. If you find an App or APK is not functioning at full capacity, a quick update may be in order.
1. From the home screen, scroll over to open your Apps List.
2. Scroll down to find the app you wish to update and click the Menu button on your Firestick remote.
3. Choose More Info.
4. This will open the app in the Amazon App Store and if an update is available it will be displayed.
Final Thoughts
If you own an Amazon Firestick, Fire TV Cube, or Fire TV Television, we suggest installing the latest Fire OS software as soon as possible! Updating your device can enable new features, fix bugs, and improve the overall performance of your device.
For more Fire TV troubleshooting guides, we suggest visiting our articles below:
Final Notes & Thoughts
Updating software is a vital part of keeping your device running smoothly and at full potential. Oftentimes, there are new features that users can take full advantage of and this is the main reason we recommend updating.
Similar to mobile phones that are constantly receiving updates, Firestick & Fire TV devices are also continually updating to improve your streaming experience.
Make sure you follow our guide above to ensure you have the latest update on your device.
Do you always update your Amazon Firestick to the latest software? Let us know your thoughts about updating in the comment section below!
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