Learning how to update an app on Firestick helps keep streaming services reliable, secure, and compatible with your TV. Updates can fix buffering, crashes, login problems, missing features, and playback errors. Most Fire TV devices update apps automatically, but you can also check for updates manually or troubleshoot an app that refuses to update.
How Firestick App Updates Work
Apps installed from the Amazon Appstore are normally updated through your Fire TV device. Depending on your device model and Fire OS version, the menu names may vary slightly, but the process is generally the same.
Firestick app updates can happen in three ways:
- Automatic updates: Fire TV downloads and installs new versions when they become available.
- Manual updates: You select an individual app and check for an available update.
- Reinstallation: For sideloaded apps or apps with damaged files, you may need to install the newest version again.
Your Firestick must be connected to the internet for updates to download. It also needs enough free storage space. If the device is turned off but still connected to power, it may install updates in the background. Keeping your Firestick plugged in rather than unplugging it after every use makes automatic updating more reliable.
How to Turn On Automatic App Updates on Firestick
Automatic updates are the easiest way to keep Appstore apps current. To check whether this feature is enabled:
- From the Firestick home screen, select Settings.
- Choose Applications.
- Select Appstore.
- Find Automatic Updates and make sure it is set to On.
On some Fire TV interfaces, you can reach the same setting by opening Settings > Applications > Appstore. If your menu looks different, use the search function in Settings for “automatic updates” or “Appstore.”
Automatic updates may not install immediately after a new version is released. Amazon may distribute updates gradually, and your Firestick may wait until it is idle. A weak internet connection, low storage, or an app developer delaying the update can also prevent an immediate installation.
To encourage an update, leave the Firestick connected to power and internet for a while. Restarting the device can also prompt it to check for pending updates.
How to Update an App on Firestick Manually
If an app is not updating automatically, you can check it yourself. The exact steps depend on your Fire OS version, but this method works on most current Fire TV devices:
- Press the Home button on your Firestick remote.
- Select the Apps icon, or open Your Apps & Channels.
- Find the app you want to update.
- Highlight the app without opening it.
- Press the Menu button on the remote. This button has three horizontal lines.
- Choose More Info or Update, if that option appears.
- Select Update and wait for the installation to finish.
If you do not see an update option, the app is probably already current, or Amazon has not yet made a newer version available for your device.
You can also search for an app in the Amazon Appstore. Open the app’s listing and look for an Update button. If the button says Open instead, no update is currently available through the official store.
Do not turn off your Firestick while an update is installing. The process may take longer for larger apps or slower connections. Once finished, open the app and confirm that it works normally.
What to Do When a Firestick App Will Not Update
When an app will not update, start with the simplest fixes:
Restart the Firestick. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Restart, then try the update again. You can also unplug the device for about 60 seconds and reconnect it.
Check your internet connection. Open another streaming app to see whether it loads normally. If several apps have trouble, restart your router or move the Firestick closer to your Wi-Fi router.
Free up storage. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Storage to check available space. Remove apps you no longer use by selecting Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, choosing an app, and selecting Uninstall.
Clear the app cache. Open Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select the problem app, and choose Clear Cache. Avoid selecting Clear Data unless necessary because it may remove sign-in information and saved settings.
Update Fire OS. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates. An outdated operating system can cause compatibility problems with newer app versions.
Apps installed outside the Amazon Appstore, often called sideloaded apps, usually do not update automatically. You must download a newer version from the app developer’s legitimate website or reinstall it using the same trusted source. Avoid unofficial APK websites because modified files can contain malware or steal account information.
FAQ: Updating Firestick Apps
Does a Firestick update apps automatically?
Yes, Firestick can automatically update apps downloaded from the Amazon Appstore when Automatic Updates is enabled. The device must have an internet connection, sufficient storage, and power. Updates may not install as soon as they are released because Amazon often distributes them in stages.
Why can’t I find the Update button for an app?
If the app listing shows Open instead of Update, it is likely already up to date or a newer version has not reached your device. Restart the Firestick, check for Fire OS updates, and try again later. Also confirm that the app came from the Amazon Appstore.
Do I need to update apps that still work?
Updating is recommended even when an app appears to work correctly. Updates can include security improvements, performance fixes, compatibility changes, and support for newer streaming services. However, it is wise to wait briefly after a major release if you rely on an app every day and want to avoid unexpected bugs.
Conclusion
Knowing how to update an app on Firestick makes it easier to prevent crashes, playback issues, and compatibility problems. Turn on automatic updates for convenience, use the manual method when an app needs attention, and troubleshoot storage, internet, and cache issues if an update fails. For sideloaded apps, only use trusted sources and install the newest official version.
