Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Audio / Video
  3. Guides

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

How to update the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube

Michael Bizzaco
By

Amazon's many versions of the Fire TV Stick, along with the bigger and better Amazon Fire TV Cube, offer one of the most immersive and Alexa-friendly interfaces for connecting with all of your favorite streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, while also acting as a command center for your smart home devices (with the Voice Remote Pro. But like any do-it-all device that is web-connected, you'll want to make sure your Fire TV hardware is running the latest software.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • Fire TV device

  • Your Fire TV device's remote

  • HDTV or better

  • Stable Wi-Fi connection

This ensures your Fire TV device performs smoothly, from navigation to Alexa commands, and is as hack-proof as possible when connected to your home Wi-Fi.

Fortunately, most Fire TV devices will perform automatic updates, but if you want to manually download the latest software or check to see which version your Fire TV gear is running, we've put together this step-by-step guide to teach you how.

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED with Fire TV OS on the screen.
Digital Trends

How to update your Fire TV Stick or Cube

While your Fire TV device should be configured to download and install software updates automatically, you can also do so manually. Here's how to check for and install an update using the latest version of the Fire TV operating system.

Step 1: On the Home screen, select the Settings icon (a gear) on the far-righthand side of the screen.

Step 2: From the list of available settings, choose My Fire TV, then select About.

Related

Step 3: Choose either Install update (if there's an update to be installed) or Check for updates to see if there are any available for download.

Step 4: Once the update begins, do not unplug your Fire TV device. When the update is finished, your Fire TV device will automatically restart.

Amazon Fire TV New 2020 experience find screen
Amazon

Updating a Fire TV device running a legacy OS

Depending on how old your Fire TV device is, the hardware may be running an older version of Fire OS that looks and performs a bit differently, although you'll still be able to download and install software updates.

Step 1: On the home screen, choose Settings, located on the far-righthand side of the screen.

Step 2: From the list of options, select My Fire TV, then choose About.

Step 3: Like the newest version of Fire OS, you'll see an option to either Install update or Check for updates. Select which option is available, and be sure to keep your Fire TV plugged in if it's downloading and installing new software.

How to check what software your Fire TV device is running

Checking what software version your Fire TV hardware is running is just as easy as downloading and installing the updates. Here's how.

Step 1: Go to Settings, then choose My Fire TV.

Step 2: Select About.

Step 3: You'll then see a sub-menu on the right side of the page that displays what Fire OS software version your Fire TV device is running (under Software version), as well as how much storage space is available, and a few other fields.

Not sure what Amazon Fire TV device to purchase? We compared the Fire TV Stick with the Fire TV Cube to help you decide.

Looking for advice on how to update your Roku streaming device? We've got a guide for that too.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Michael Bizzaco
Michael Bizzaco
Michael Bizzaco has been writing about and working with consumer tech for well over a decade, writing about everything from…
This is your chance to get this 65-inch Samsung TV for under $400
The Samsung 75-inch LED 4K Smart TV on a media cabinet.

You normally won't be able to buy a 65-inch TV for less than $400, but that's exactly what happens with Walmart's $80 discount for the 65-inch Samsung CU7000B 4K TV. From its original price of $478, it's down to just $378, but we think that this will only be available for a limited time. Stocks may run out sooner than we expect, or the offer may get taken down at any moment, so if you're interested in one of the most attractive TV deals in the market today, the only way to make sure that you pocket the savings is to buy it right now.

Why you should buy the 65-inch Samsung CU7000B 4K TV
First and foremost, if your purchase of the 65-inch Samsung CU7000B 4K TV will be the first time that you get a screen this big, it's highly recommended that you check out our guide on what size TV to buy to make sure that you have enough space for it. If you do, then you're going to enjoy lifelike details and colors from the TV's 4K Ultra HD resolution, and its Crystal Processor will upscale all content that you watch to 4K quality. Meanwhile, Motion Xcelerator technology will reduce blur during action sequences for smooth motion and better clarity.

Read more
This 75-inch 4K TV is discounted from $650 to $490 right now
Toshiba 55-inch-class C350 series 4K smart Fire TV on a gray shelf and light gray background.

If you want a big TV for less, Best Buy is the place to go. Home of many of the best TV deals throughout the year, it’s excelling itself with the Toshiba 75-inch C350 4K TV right now. Usually priced at $650, it’s down to just $490 which is exceptional value for such a large TV. If that sounds perfect to you, keep reading while we take you through how good the Toshiba 75-inch C350 4K TV is for the price.

Why you should buy the Toshiba 75-inch C350 4K TV
The Toshiba 75-inch C350 4K TV is powered by Toshiba’s Regza Engine 4K. It’s able to upscale non-4K imagery while also offering great picture quality. That’s enhanced by its Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 support so you can enjoy a more cinematic image than with lesser TVs. For sound, there’s Dolby Atmos which helps provide a more immersive experience so you can enjoy feeling suitably wrapped up in whatever you’re watching.

Read more
This 50-inch 4K TV is so cheap we thought it was a mistake
People watching sports on the 50-inch Vizio V-Series 4K TV.

Walmart has one of the best TV deals we’ve seen in a little while. Right now, you can buy the Vizio 50-inch V-Series 4K TV for just $223 meaning you save $25 off the regular price of $248. Under $225 for a 50-inch 4K TV from a reputable brand is pretty great to see for anyone who needs a cheap new TV. That goes for whether you need a TV for your home office, your child’s bedroom, or you simply need an inexpensive solution for your living room. Here’s what you need to know about it before you buy.

Why you should buy the Vizio 50-inch V-Series 4K TV
Vizio is one of the best TV brands around right now thanks to it offering great features and value for money. With the Vizio 50-inch V-Series 4K TV, you get plenty of great features on top of the already good-looking 4K screen. It has a Dolby Vision Bright Mode so you get more lifelike accuracy, color saturation, black detail, and brightness. There’s also support for HDR10/+ and HLG formats.

Read more