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How to Block Updates on FireStick [New Method, 2026]

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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, 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).

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

P.S. We’re using NetGuard to stop updates, and you can’t use a VPN with this app. If you activate the VPN, NetGuard will be disabled automatically. 

How to Block FireStick Updates

If you’re looking to maintain your FireStick setup without interruptions from automatic updates, you will have to use the free utility app NetGuard.

Follow these simple steps to block FireStick 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: You will see a popup about Downloader app latest update. Click "OK".

Step 18: Click OK again

Step 19: This is the Downloader App interface, Click the Search Bar on top

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. 

Note: If FireStick blocks the app or shows a “harmful” warning, then install “NetGuard Backup.”

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.

Black Joseph: Black Joseph is a tech enthusiast and creative mind behind firestickhacks.com. With a passion for optimizing streaming experiences, he's dedicated to sharing innovative hacks and solutions for Firestick users. Joseph's expertise and insights help users unlock the full potential of their devices, making entertainment more accessible and enjoyable

View Comments (45)

  • But will it not just auto update at a later point of time? Do we not need to block some update servers?

    • Hey Tom! Don't worry, it won't auto-update itself sometime later if you have turned the Auto-update OFF.

    • Hey. I just followed your video to the letter. When I got to end and went to My Fire TV / About I did not get Check Updates I got Install Update and in the side panel it says it will Auto begin update next time. I don’t know what I did wrong. Please help.

      • Hey, so if you are seeing “Install Update”, this means your FireStick has downloaded the update but hasn’t installed it yet. When you click on "Install Update", it will show "Update Error".
        To keep your device from auto updating on boot, just disconnet wi-fi before unplugging/restarting the device. Now open NetGuard and check that “DeviceSoftwareOTA” and “System Updates” both have Wi-Fi & Data disabled. Reconnect Wi-Fi to avoid auto updating FireStick.

        • Hi how long after you click “install update” should the update error come up? I went through the steps but when I clicked install update, it started the update process and I had to shut off the power to my firestick and TV to be safe.

          • Hello, after you click "install update", the update process might start, but it won't finish. You will see "update error" pop-up in the end.

  • does this app have it's own built in vpn, or something? if i turn on my nordvpn, it disables netguard, but when i test my dns servers or test my ip location, it does not show my local ip address or dns servers.

  • Ok, I see that netguard does use a local VPN now that I've installed it on a second device but that part is not working on that device. When I test for what my local ip address is or test what dns servers I'm using, they show real ip address and my IP's dns servers.

    • Hello Fred, while NetGuard routes traffic through a local VPN to block specific apps (like DeviceSoftwareOTA), it does not encrypt your traffic or mask your public IP/DNS like NordVPN does. It’s meant for firewall-level control, not anonymity.

    • Hi Mark, it could be perhaps because updates have been automatically installed on your FireStick. try it next time when there's a new update from Amazon.

  • I followed your instructions and the option for DeviceSoftwareOTA and System Updates were not in the NetGuard list of installed applications installed on the Stick. Do you have any suggestions of why they did not show up? At the time there was a Firestick update pending. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

    • Hi Thomas, you are perhaps not properly following the instructions. You won't find "DeviceSoftwareOTA" and "System Updates" under installed applications. To see these two, you will have to first turn ON "Manage System Apps" as mentioned in the article.

      • I too don't have these two apps listed (after toggling on 'Manage system apps') on my Fire TV 4K stick.

        Software Version: Fire OS 8.1.4.9 (RS8149/3133).

        • Hi Peter, I'm also using Fire OS 8.1.4.9. I can see these two apps after enabling ‘Manage system apps’. Pls launch the app again and check! Or maybe restart FireStick. If you still can't see the apps, let me know!

    • Hi Jim, did you block any updates yet using NetGuard? If so, sometimes blocking updates could lead to buffering issues cause outdated FireStick firmware may not handle newer streaming app versions efficiently.

  • Thanks for that straightforward explanation...My "check for updates"...only said "Your Fire TV is up to date"....hopefully this is before any harmful updates have already been downloaded,,,Will I now just have to wait until it tells me an update is available, and then when I attempt to update, it just says "Update Error"...Hopefully I have set it up correctly, and the next button press on the update button will NOT update my stick....

    • Yeah Bob, if you have followed all the steps in the guide, you will see "Update Error" when you install a new update next time.

  • I have version OS6.7.1.1 , How do I use or get a old version for this firestick. They are blocking Live NetTV (v1.7.4 & v1.7.5) app.

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