Keep your Kindle Fire up to date by installing operating system updates from Amazon when they are released. Regular updates ensure your Kindle Fire has the latest security patches and feature updates.
Check your version of Kindle File OS
The first thing to do is check the version of software you have installed on your Kindle Fire. You may already have the latest update installed. To check:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Settings .
- Go to Device Options > System Update .
- Look for a message like Your device is running Fire OS[version] . If you already have the latest version installed, you don’t need to do anything at all.
Wi-Fi fast update
Fast Wi-Fi update is the method preferred by most users because it is quick and easy. Before you begin, connect the Kindle Fire to a Wi-Fi connection and plug it into a power outlet or start the process when the device is fully charged. Then:
- Tap the Quick Settings icon at the top right of the screen.
- Tap Sync .
At this point, any applicable software updates are automatically downloaded in the background. The update is applied after the download is complete and your Kindle Fire is asleep.
Manual Update: Download and copy the software to your Kindle
If you prefer to update your Kindle Fire using your computer, you can. This process is not as fast as the Wi-Fi method.
- Visit Amazon’s Kindle Software Updates page.
- Select the device you want to update.
- On the download page, click the link that says Download Software Update.
- Connect your Kindle Fire to your computer. A device icon should appear for your tablet.
- Click on the device icon and open the kindleupdates folder .
- Find the software you just downloaded and drag the file to the kindleupdates folder or copy and paste it into the folder.
- After copying the software update, tap the Disconnect button on the Kindle Fire screen to safely disconnect it.
- Disconnect the USB cable from your computer and continue updating your Kindle by following the steps below.
Update Kindle Software
- Make sure the Kindle Fire battery is fully charged, then tap the Quick Settings icon followed by More > Device.
- Tap the option that says Update Your Kindle to start the update process. If this option is grayed out, either you already have the latest update installed or the initial file transfer from your computer was unsuccessful.
- Your Kindle tablet restarts twice to finish the update.
Help updating your Kindle
Amazon offers specific update instructions for each Kindle on the Kindle Software Update page. If this doesn’t seem to apply to your version of Kindle, use the update page to find your specific Kindle, then follow the instructions there.