How to update your Fire TV

Keeping your Fire TV Streaming stick or Smart TV is critically important. The latest software updates usually come with performance improvements, bug fixes, better user interface and security updates. The Fire TV Stick and Smart TVs run on the Fire OS operating system. Fire OS is based on the Android Open source project which explains why most Apps available on Android/Google TV are also most likely found on the Fire TV.

Amazon is constantly making updates to its Fire OS platform. Major updates take time, usually a year or so, but minor updates are frequently being pushed in weeks or monthly intervals. Now the Fire TV devices and paired accessories automatically download software updates when connected to the Internet. So you don’t have to manually keep checking for updates. However, you’ll have to install the update by choice.

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Before you update your Fire TV

Here are a few housekeeping things to note before or during an update for your Fire TV device;

Be sure to have a stable fast internet connection. Unlimited internet package is preferable, but if you are using mobile internet bundles, then make sure you have enough MBs and GBs left. You don’t want your data bundles to run out during an update. Also make sure your internet is fast. I prefer doing my updates at night because my internet speeds are usually fast at this time.
Close all open apps including those that might be running in the background. Current app version might not be compatible with the new software update or vice versa.
Don’t unplug your Fire TV Stick from your TV or power off your Smart TV during an update. Make sure you don’t do the update when you suspend you might have an outage such as during a heavy downpour or when your utility provider has scheduled load shedding.
Power your Fire TV Stick from the wall socket through the included USB Amazon power adapter. If it’s powered through one of your TV’s USB ports, you’ll get a warning that USB Power might not be sufficient for a system update. I use USB Power for my Fire TV Stick Lite anyway without issues.
You might also want to take note of your current software version and device model. This will help you troubleshoot just in case the update doesn’t go well.