How to Update the Firestick
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This article contains the instructions that will help you how to update your Fire TV or Firestick device in 3 easy steps. Updating the Firestick is one of the best solutions to buffering on Kodi and Firestick alike.
If you are using any kind of version of the Fire TV or Firestick, then it has a software update that is available.
Generally, this updated software will be installed automatically, however, there are times when the updates are done manually by using the steps that will be mentioned below.
It will depend on the type of Fire TV device that you have will also depend on what software update is available. If you have the original Fire TV, Fire TV 1, Fire TV 2, Firestick 1, or Firestick 2, then your device will be updated to the 5.2.6.8 software version.
However, for those who have the Fire TV 3, the Fire TV Cube, or the latest Fire TV Stick 4K, the available software update is the 6.2.5.8 version.
Before updating, each of the Fire TV device’s software is varied. However, by installing the latest version of it, these devices are all being synced on the same software.
If your Firestick still has the older interface, read this article to learn how to update it: Update Firestick Interface.
How To Update The Firestick Guide
The guide being used below is using the Fire TV 3rd, Gen. that comes with the dongle. However, the following steps will function on any Fire TV device that you have. Carefully follow the step-by-step instructions below in order to update your Fire TV or Firestick device:
1. From the device’s main menu, go to the Settings and open the My Fire TV tab.
2. Click on “About”.
3. Scroll down the page and click on”Check for Updates”.
4. Patiently wait for the installation of the software to be completed.
When that is done, your Firestick or Fire TV device will begin to restart and then the new software is installed.
If the device won’t restart, this can be easily done by pressing on the Select or the middle button and play or pause button at the exact same time and wait for about 5 seconds.
You may also reset your Fire TV or Firestick device which will restore your device back to its factory default settings.
This tutorial will show you how to reset the Firestick:
YOUR INTERNET ACTIVITY IS BEING WATCHED
ReviewVPN cannot attest to the legality, security and privacy of the applications discussed on this site. It is highly recommended that you use a VPN service while streaming or using Kodi.
Currently, your IP 216.73.216.14 is visible to everyone and your Browser is being tracked by Advertisers & ISP Provider.
Here are the main reasons why you must use a VPN:
- Your activities are hidden from your ISP, the government, and from the apps you are using.
- You can access additional movies and TV streams.
- ISP attempts to throttle are thrwarted thus reducing buffering issues.
- Geographically restricted content like Netflix and Hulu can be unblocked.
A VPN works be replacing your ISP-assigned IP address and creating an encrypted tunnel. We recommend the no log service offered by IPVanish. It works well on a Firestick and offers the fastest possible speeds.
Why Use Surfshark With Your Firestick
There are tons of reasons why one has to have the Surfshark with their Fire TV or Firestick device. Here are some of the advantages of having one on your device:
STAY PROTECTED WITH ONLINE PRIVACY.
You can easily increase your internet anonymity, remove any of your digital fingerprints, and prevent online hackers from snooping around while using platforms such as Terrarium, ShowBox, and many more.
When you are using a virtual private network or a VPN, your IP location will be masked with an IP address that is being used and shared amongst other users. This will help you boost your online anonymity and make your online activities untraceable.
MAKE ANY INTERNET CONNECTION SECURE.
When using free WiFis, it will risk your personal information. If you want to maintain all your personal information to be protected then you should use Surfshark. It will give hackers or your internet service provider the difficulty of monitoring your every move when browsing through the web.
This VPN’s customer service, development team, and its service are being strictly handled from the inside. By clearing out the middlemen, Surfshark is now ready to keep your entire data protected and secured.
GET AROUND CENSORSHIP FILTERS.
Universities, employers, and governments from everywhere are now using online censorship. However, with Surfshark, you are free to surf the web without any worries.
Surfshark has over 3200+ servers in 65 countries to choose from, which means that you have the chance to hide your IP address and it will be able to encrypt all your data with its high speeds.
STREAM & DOWNLOAD ANONYMOUSLY.
If you want to be protected online, then you will need the services of Surfshark. There are platforms such as Popcorn Time and Kodi that get their content from sources like torrent sites. Which sometimes has geo-restricted rules.
When using Surfshark, it will protect your entire internet network by using its advanced encryption system. It won’t matter what type of platform or website you are on because you will always be secured when you access any platforms you want.
How to Install Surfshark VPN on Firestick
If your Firestick still has the older interface, read this article to learn how to update it: Update Firestick Interface.
Follow our screenshots below to install the SurfShark VPN app on your Fire TV stick.
1. Go to the Home screen of your Firestick.
2. Navigate towards the Find tab. Press the Search button from the resulting dropdown.
3. Type in the keyword of SurfShark and select from the suggestions that will appear.
4. Click the official SurfShark icon from your search results.
5. Press the Download (You own it) button.
6. The SurfShark VPN installer will download on your device.
7. SurfShark VPN’s app will automatically install itself on your Fire TV stick.
8. Press the Open button after completing SurfShark VPN’s installation process.
9. Please wait for the SurfShark VPN to load its user interface.
10. You can now log in with your SurfShark VPN account credentials.
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Install Surfshark on Firestick
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FAQ
Does the Amazon Fire Stick need the Internet?
Yes, it does require the usage of the internet, even if you want to stream contents that are from your local network by using the Plex app. The device’s home interface won’t load if it is not being connected to the internet, which won’t give you the ability to open the Plex app.
Do You Need WiFi for the Amazon Fire Stick?
Yes, having WiFi or a wireless network is needed if you want your Amazon Firestick device to function. The only way for you to use this device is by connecting to a WiFi network. If you want something that can use a wired connection, then you can use the regular Fire TV or the Roku Ultra.
What are the Amazon Fire Stick requirements?
The Firestick needs an HDMI port, a WiFi network that at least has 3 Mbps capacity, and a power outlet nearby that can give power to your Firestick device. You can use the device on a TV that has no HDMI port but you can use an HDMI converter instead. However, this will result in low-quality video contents and the playback will have issues because of HDCP compliance.
Where can I buy the Fire Stick?
To get your hands on the Firestick, you can get one from Amazon. However, there are other retailers such as Walmart or Best Buy.
What are the Amazon Fire TV Internet speed requirements?
There are no distinct speed requirements when using Amazon Firestick, however, there is some common recommendation that is based on the kind of content that you want to stream.
If you wish to stream in High Definition, then you will need at least an internet speed of 10 Mb per second. On the other hand, if you want to stream in Standard Definition, then you will need to have an internet speed of 5 Mb per second. For 4k content, you will need at least 20 Mb and above.
Do you need Amazon Prime for the Fire Stick?
No, you won’t need the Amazon Prime when using the Firestick. But, if you want to watch content from the Amazon Prime collection without paying, then you need to have a Prime subscription.
Moreover, even if you have the Prime subscription, there are contents that you can only view by paying. You may also view them on the Amazon website. Take note that there are contents that have the Prime banner are the ones that are part of the Amazon Prime streaming package. The others are required to be bought.
What does the Firestick do?
Firestick enables you to stream movies and TV shows using your internet on your TV. This would mean that you watch content from the following platforms: Hulu, Amazon Prime Videos, YouTube, Netflix, and a lot more. You can also have apps just like Plex that will make your personal computer into a media hub and lets you stream your local stored content through your TV.
This device is wireless, so obviously you need to have a wireless server at home. You can connect your Firestick device to your home network, then use it on any TV that is compatible with HDMI. But be sure that is it close to your WiFi.
The Amazon Firestick is very much like other devices, such as Chromecast, Apple TV, or Roku.
You can unlock the potential of your Firestick by jailbreaking it. In doing so, you can sideload apps that can be used for free streaming.
Follow this guide to jailbreak your Firestick:
Once you jailbreak your Firestick, you should also install the Downloader app which will allow you to install free third-party apps. Refer to this guide:
After successfully doing these procedures, you can go ahead and install the Best Firestick Apps on your device.
Conclusion
For a system update to function properly, the Amazon Fire TV or Firestick needs an internet connection.
If you have issues downloading the update, then check on your internet.
However, if the problem is with your WiFi connection, and you happen to own a 1st or 2nd generation Amazon Fire TV set, then simply connect an Ethernet cable to your device. You may also use this if you have the Amazon Fire TV Cube.
Additionally, if you still continue to have issues, such as error messages, Amazon suggests that you should restart your Amazon Fire TV by disconnecting the power source for around 3 seconds and then easily reconnect it.
We hope that this article helps you with how to update the Firestick. Thank you for reading!
