To get automatic updates, turn on "Settings > Applications > Appstore > Automatic Updates". To update one app yourself, highlight it, press the Menu button, and choose "Update." Apps you installed outside the Appstore need you to download the newest version again.
What You Need Before You Start
- A Fire TV Stick that is plugged in and turned on.
- The Fire TV remote with working batteries.
- A steady Wi-Fi connection.
- Your Amazon account signed in on the device.
- Some empty storage space, because updates need room to download.
How to Turn On Automatic App Updates
Automatic updates are the easiest choice. Your Firestick checks for new versions on its own. It usually installs them while you are not watching anything.
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Move right and open "Settings" (the gear icon).
- Go to "Settings > Applications".
- Select "Appstore".
- Highlight "Automatic Updates" and press Select until it says "On".
- Press Home to leave the menu.
This only covers apps from the Amazon Appstore. Popular Appstore apps, such as Plex, will now stay up to date without any extra work.
Automatic updates do not cover sideloaded apps. "Sideloaded" means the app came from outside the Appstore, often through the Downloader app. Those apps are covered further down.
How to Update Apps on Firestick Manually
Updating by hand is useful when you need a fix right now. It also helps if you turned automatic updates off to control what changes.
Update One App From Your App List
- Press and hold Home, then choose "Apps".
- Highlight the app you want to update. Do not open it.
- Press the Menu button (the one with three lines).
- Choose "More Info".
- If you see "Update", select it and wait for it to finish.
- If you only see "Open", the app is already on the newest version.
Update an App Through Search
- Press Home and go to "Find > Search".
- Type the app name with the on-screen keyboard.
- Open the app page from the results.
- Select "Update" if the button is there.
How to Update Sideloaded Apps
Many streaming players are sideloaded. This depends on the app and on your region. Because the Appstore does not track these apps, you have to update them yourself.
First, make sure your Firestick allows installs from outside the Appstore. Check "Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options > Install Unknown Apps" and turn it on for Downloader.
- Open the app and look in its own "Settings" or "About" screen for an update prompt.
- If the app offers an update, select it and follow the prompts on screen.
- If there is no prompt, open Downloader.
- Enter the official download address given by the app's developer.
- When the install screen shows up, select "Install".
- The new version installs over the old one and usually keeps your settings.
- Select "Delete" when Downloader asks about the file. This saves storage space.
Only download apps from the developer's official page. Files from unknown sites can hold harmful code.
How to Update the Firestick System Itself
Fire OS is the software that runs your Firestick. Some app updates need a newer Fire OS before they will install, so check it every now and then.
- Press Home and open "Settings".
- Go to "Settings > My Fire TV > About".
- Select "Check for Updates".
- If an update shows up, select "Install Update".
- Wait while the device restarts. Do not unplug it during this step.
Manual vs Automatic vs Sideloaded Updates Compared
| Method | Menu Path | Works For | Effort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic | "Settings > Applications > Appstore > Automatic Updates" | Appstore apps | Set once | Most users |
| Manual (app list) | "Apps > Menu > More Info > Update" | Appstore apps | A few clicks per app | Fixing one app quickly |
| Sideloaded | In-app prompt or Downloader | Apps from outside the Appstore | Highest | Streaming players not in the Appstore |
| Fire OS | "Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates" | The device system | Low | Making sure apps can install |
If a Step Fails
Most update problems have a simple fix. Try these in order.
The "Update" Button Is Missing
The app is either already up to date or it was sideloaded. If it was sideloaded, follow the Downloader steps above.
The Download Gets Stuck
- Restart the device with "Settings > My Fire TV > Restart".
- Check your connection in "Settings > Network".
- Move your router closer, or use a stronger Wi-Fi band if you have one.
There Is Not Enough Storage
- Go to "Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications".
- Pick a large app and select "Clear Cache". Cache is temporary files the app saves.
- Uninstall apps you no longer use.
Downloads Are Very Slow
Your internet provider may be slowing some traffic. This is called throttling. Try Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1). DNS is the service that turns web names into addresses.
To set it, go to "Settings > Network", forget your Wi-Fi, then reconnect and choose "Advanced". Enter 1.1.1.1 as your DNS.
The App Crashes After Updating
Clear its cache first. If it still crashes, choose "Clear Data" and sign in again. Clear Data erases your logins and settings for that app. Community boards like AVForums are a good place to check whether others have the same issue.
Keep Your Streaming Player Ready for Smooth Playback
An updated player app works best with a reliable service behind it. SubTV IP is a premium streaming subscription built for the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and other popular devices.
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Tip: in your player's settings, set the buffer (or cache) to 5,000 ms. This gives the stream more time to load ahead, which cuts down on pauses. 👉 Get Instant Access Now