How to Disable Automatic System Updates on Your Amazon Fire Tablet

Automatic system updates can be extremely infuriating. Yes, we all understand that our device’s hardware must be compatible with its software. Yes, bugs must be removed. Yes, we deserve the latest in terms of software technology updates. But as exciting as all of this is, automatic software updates can be a nuisance too

Not that all automatic software updates are unnecessary. In fact, they’re essential if you want to keep your devices up to date and working seamlessly. But there’s an argument to be made that it’s always better to manually update your device’s operating software. Firstly, because you can do so in your own time. Secondly, unless the current firmware version is giving you trouble, there’s little incentive to update the OS.

In this article, we’ll show you how to disable automatic updates on your Kindle Fire.

It’s Not a Walk in the Park

Disabling automatic system updates on your Kindle Fire isn’t easy. It’s not simply a case of toggling off a tab. There are quite a few ways to block automatic system updates. The second option outlined below, for example, will require you to root your Kindle OS. We must, however, keep in mind that Amazon constantly finds out ways of blocking these methods, allowing automatic system updates to take place uninterruptedly.

Method 1

This might sound silly but the simplest way of switching off the automatic updates on your Kindle Fire is to simply switch off the Wi-Fi. You should only switch the Wi-Fi back on when you need to make a purchase or download an app. Other than that, it’s better to keep the connectivity shut.

But this isn’t a full-proof method. If you need to switch off your Wi-Fi to stop your Kindle from updating automatically, you should probably reconsider owning one of these devices in the first place. Having said that, keeping your Fire tablet away from the internet is a good way to ward off the updates themselves. It can also be done by putting your Kindle Fire into Airplane mode, but the argument against that remains the same.

Method 2

Now this is a bit tricky, but with a little application, it’s quite easy to accomplish.

Step 1

First, you’ll need to root your Kindle Fire OS. This can be done by connecting your Kindle Fire with a PC or a Mac and then rooting the Amazon OS. You can find tons of resources on the internet to find out how to root your device. Check out this thoroughly detailed post by GroovyPost which explains how to root your Kindle Fire OS the easy way!

Step 2

Now that you’ve rooted your Kindle Fire OS, you’ll need to download the ES File Explorer File Manager from the Amazon app store. It’s free and won’t cost you a penny.

Step 3

Open the ES File Explorer and tap the Menu button. Under the tab, open up Settings and then navigate through the main settings to find Root Settings.

Step 4

Now that the root settings tab has opened up, check every box on this page. At this point of time, the device will ask you if want to give the ES File Explorer elevated permissions. You’ll have to accept this for the process to continue.

Step 5

Once you’ve followed the above-mentioned steps, your ES File Explorer will begin to function like a full-fledged root directory. You should use the Up button to navigate to /system/etc/security/ directory/. In the security folder, you’ll either need to delete otacerts.zip or move it to the downloads folder. We’ll advise against the delete option as it’s always better to move the otacerts.zip to the downloads folder for safekeeping. You can also move it to another folder as long as you remove it from the security folder.

You’ll No Longer Receive Automatic Updates

After making certain that the otacerts.zip file is moved, your Kindle Fire will stop automatically updating itself. You’ll need to set up manual software updates every now and then. Give your device permission to update the software when you so desire.

Since you can’t receive automatic updates anymore, your root folder will remain intact and won’t break. Therefore, unless you want to intentionally make manual changes to your system later, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Enjoy Not Being Hampered by Automatic Updates!

We hope this guide has been helpful. If you’re receiving automatic updates even after following the above steps, or if you’re having any additional troubles, please let us know in the comments section below. We’ll do our best to ensure that your Kindle Fire isn’t constantly updating itself and giving you unwanted headaches.