How to Block Updates on FireStick [New Method, 2025]

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Amazon has improved FireStick devices through constant updates, introducing features like matter casting, offloading, photo slideshow, and so on.

However, not all updates come without their drawbacks. For example, in 2020, the Firestick update blocked custom launchers that helped to customize the FireStick homescreen and avoid ads.

The recent June 2025 update has started blocking popular third-party APKs, such as Flex Vision (v3.1.1 & v3.1.2), Live NetTV (v1.7.4 & v1.7.5), and Blink Streamz (v1.8 & v1.6).

However, there’s a hack that will block future FireStick updates, ensuring your current setup remains the way it is.

How to Block FireStick Updates

If you’re looking to maintain your FireStick setup without interruptions from automatic updates, follow these simple steps to block updates:

Step 1: Turn ON your FireStick device and Go to FireStick Home

Step 2: Click on the Settings icon 

Step 3: Select the My Fire TV option

Step 4: To enable the Developer Option, click About.

Note: If you have already enabled the Developer Option, then proceed to Step 10

Step 5: Click on the Fire TV Stick option quickly at least 7 times

Step 6: Now you will see this message at the bottom saying "No need, you are already a developer". So stop clicking then

Step 7: Now the Developer Option will appear in the menu so click on it

Step 8: Choose Apps from Unknown Sources to turn it ON

Step 9: Simply click Turn On

Step 10: Now return to the FireStick Home menu by pressing the "Home" icon on the remote and click on Find

Step 11: Now select the Search icon

Step 12: Type Downloader and press search

Step 13: Select the Downloader App icon from the list available in the Amazon Store

Step 14: Tap Get/Download

Step 15: Wait for a while until the installation process is completed

Step 16: Now click Open

Step 17: Select Allow to give access to the downloader app

Step 18: Click OK here

Step 19: This is the Downloader App interface, Choose the Home tab and click Search Bar

Step 20: Now enter the NetGuard Downloader Code 730116 in the search box OR enter this URL bit.ly/fsh-downloads and click Go.

Note: The referenced link is the official URL of this app/website. FIRESTICKHACKS does not own, operate, or re-sell any app, streaming site, or service and has no affiliation with its developers.

Step 21: Scroll down and tap “NetGuard” from the “Utility Apps” category. 

Step 22: The installation will start. Please wait until it is done.

Step 23: Click “Install”.

Step 24: Once the installation completes, click “Done”.

Step 25: Select “Delete”.

Note: Deleting the NetGuard APK will free up space on the FireStick.

Step 26: Select “Delete” again for confirmation.

Step 27: Go to the FireStick home screen and select the “Apps Library” icon next to the settings.

Step 28: Choose the “NetGuard” app.

Step 29: Click “Agree”.

Step 30: Click the “three dots” icon in the top right corner.

Step 31: Choose “Settings”.

Step 32: Click “Advanced Options”.

Step 33: Turn on “Manage System Apps”.

Step 34: Now, come back to the NetGuard home screen. Scroll down and disable the “Wi-Fi” and “Data” icons of “DeviceSoftwareOTA“.

Step 35: Scroll down further and disable the “Wi-Fi” and “Data” icons of “System Updates“.

P.S. If these icons are already disabled, leave them as is. 

Step 36: Click the “Toggle” button in the top left corner.

Step 37: Click “OK”.

Step 38: As you can see, the toggle button is turned on. Now go to FireStick home screen.

Step 39: Click “Settings”.

Step 40: Choose “My Fire TV”.

Step 41: Tap “About”.

Step 42: Choose “Check for Updates”.

Step 43: If the update is available, click “Install Update”.

Step 44: Now you will see “Update Error”. This indicates that the update is not installed.

FAQs – Block FireStick Updates

What happens if I don’t block FireStick updates?

The recent June 2025 Amazon updates will block certain third-party APKs such as Flex Vision (v3.1.1 & v3.1.2) & Live NetTV (v1.7.4 & v1.7.5).

Is it safe to block Amazon updates?

Yes, it’s safe, but you’ll miss out on new features and security fixes.

How can I unblock updates?

Simply reverse the settings in NetGuard to allow updates again.

Can I block updates on all Fire TV devices?

Yes, this method works for all Fire TV and FireStick devices.

Wrapping Up

Blocking FireStick updates could be a handy way to maintain control over your device and prevent unwanted disruptions, especially if you’re relying on third-party apps.

However, it’s important to remember that blocking updates comes with a trade-off. You’ll miss out on new features and the latest security fixes that come with each update.

If security and the latest features are important to you, it might be worth reconsidering or selectively allowing certain updates.