How to Update Your Kindle Fire Tablet

This article explains how to update your Kindle Fire and how to sync to your Amazon account. Instructions apply to all Amazon Fire HD tablets (formerly called Kindle Fire) with Fire OS 5 or later.

How to Update Kindle Fire Tablets

Fire tablets run a modified version of Android called Fire OS. Unless you have the newest model, your Fire tablet may not be capable of running the latest version of Fire OS.

Follow these instructions to see if your device has the latest update:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen and select the Settings gear.

   You can also select the Settings app on the home screen to access the device's settings.

2. Scroll down and select Device Options.

3. Scroll down and select System Updates.

4. Select Check Now to see if any updates are available. You'll see the version of Fire OS currently on the device along with the date it was installed.

   Your device must be connected to the internet to check for Kindle Fire updates.

If your Fire tablet doesn't find any updates, it has the most recent compatible version of the OS.

How to Sync Your Kindle Fire With Your Amazon Account

If you purchase music or movies from Amazon on your computer, that media may not be available on your tablet right away. To update the content on your Kindle Fire, you may have to sync the device with your Amazon account manually.

Follow these steps to sync your Kindle Fire:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen and select the Settings gear.

2. Scroll down and select Device Options.

3. Scroll down and select Sync Device.

   If you choose to sync your device while offline, it automatically syncs the next time it connects to the internet.

How to Manually Update a Kindle Fire

If you don't have access to a Wi-Fi network, you can download the latest OS updates and install the updates manually using your computer:

1. Visit the Amazon Device Software Updates page, choose your device, then select Download Software Update under the corresponding model.

   To determine your Fire tablet's model, go to Settings > Device Options > Device Model (or About Device).

2. Connect your Fire tablet to your computer. If this is the first time connecting the device to the PC, an empty folder appears. To gain access to the tablet's hard drive, swipe down and select Tap for other USB options.

3. Select Transfer files.

4. On your computer, a folder called Internal Storage appears on the Fire tablet's drive. Drag the Fire OS update software you just downloaded to the Internal Storage folder.

5. Once the transfer is complete, disconnect the tablet from the computer. Then swipe down from the top of the screen and select the Settings gear.

6. Scroll down and select Device Options.

7. Scroll down and select System Updates.

8. Select Check Now. The updates are applied automatically.