Block Updates on Fire TV (Without Root)

Method 2: Block on Fire TV (Without Root)

This method requires Fire OS 5.0.0 thru 5.0.5.1 to be installed on your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick to work. The only way to block updates on version 5.2.1.0 and up is to either be rooted and use method 1, or use method 3 or 4 to block updates externally. If your device is rooted, you should follow method 1 instead of this method. This method ‘hides’ the update service on the device, which prevents updates, whereas method 1 disables it. It’s always a good idea to also use Method 3 or 4 to externaly block updates in case the update service gets re-enabled, which happens after a factory reset.

Pros

• Does not require router or DNS setting changes.
• Updates remain blocked when using Fire TV outside of your home network.
• Disables updates on the device itself.

Cons

• Updates will be re-enabled after a factory reset.

Method 2 Guide

1. Connect to your Fire TV via ADB
2. Run the command: adb shell pm hide com.amazon.device.software.ota
   (If the message “unknown command hide” appears, it’s because this only works on software version 5.0 and up, as I stated above. You need to use method 3 or 4 instead.)
3. Run the command: exit

To re-enable updates, simply follow this guide again but replace hide with unhide in step 2. Alternatively, performing a factory reset will also re-enable updates.

Block Updates on Fire TV (Requires Root)

Method 1: Block on Fire TV (Requires Root)

This method disables the service running on the Fire TV which checks for updates. Your Fire TV must be rooted to use this method. If your Fire TV is rooted, this is the recommended method, but it’s always a good idea to also use Method 3 to block updates via your router in case the update service gets re-enabled, which happens after a factory reset.

Pros

• Does not require router or DNS setting changes.
• Updates remain blocked when using Fire TV outside of your home network.
• Disables updates on the device itself.

Cons

• Requires Root.
• Updates will be re-enabled after a factory reset.

Method 1 Guide

1. Your Fire TV must be rooted. Otherwise, use one of the other methods to block software updates.
2. Connect to your Fire TV via ADB
3. Run the command: adb shell
4. Run the command: su
   (Be sure to select “Grant” if your Fire TV prompts you for superuser access.)
5. For Fire OS 3, run the command: pm disable com.amazon.dcp
   For Fire OS 5 (version 5.0.0 and up), run the command: pm disable com.amazon.device.software.ota
6. Run the command: exit
7. Run the command: exit
   (Yes, you do this twice.)

To re-enable updates, simply follow this guide again but replace disable with enable in step 5. Alternatively, performing a factory reset will also re-enable updates.
Updates will not be re-enabled when installing custom ROMs.