The Amazon Firestick is an effective way to convert your digital TV to a smart version, allowing you to stream videos, play music, and install apps. However, if you are not familiar with the device, you may have some concerns that need to be addressed.
So, can a Firestick break your TV? Your TV is safe while using a Firestick as long as you connect the two properly. If you insert the device straight to your TV USB port, it may only be at risk of bricking. TV ports usually have a low power supply that is insufficient for the Firestick, especially in demanding instances like when making updates. The right way to connect the Stick is by using the adapter and cable that are part of the purchase.
Perhaps you have a digital TV and want to turn it into a smart version using Amazon Firestick. Just before unwrapping your Firestick, you see a warning on the device’s wrapper stating that you should use the provided USB cable and power adapter. Why is this case?
It is safe to use a Firestick on your TV as long as you plug it correctly and use high-quality equipment. On the contrary, inserting a Firestick straight into your TV’s USB port can increase the chances of damaging or bricking your TV.
Luckily, many users worldwide state that they have been plugging the Firestick this way, and nothing has happened to their device. Therefore, it is a case of chance, depending on several factors, but it is advisable to use the Stick’s adapter and cable when making your connection.
If you are keen on labels and warnings, you will notice that the Firestick indicates that you only use the adapter and cable that are both parts of the purchase. It is an elaborate way to dissuade you from using your TV’s USB port to operate the gadget.
It increases the chances of breaking or bricking your TV, although it may not happen for every user due to factors like the device’s efficiency. You may be lucky to have a streaming device powerful enough to handle the Stick, but it is best not to take the chance.
Firesticks usually have an adapter that can handle 1 amp, although the device doesn’t need that high power to operate as long as it has the adapter. TV ports, in contrast, only supply about 0.5 amps according to the minimum requirements.
Since the Stick primarily reaches the 0.5 amp threshold, many users find it more convenient to use their TV ports. The only challenge is that the Firestick power requirements sometimes fluctuate and surpass the 0.5 amp limit.
The most demanding time for the Firestick is when making a system update. It needs all the power available because it involves data reading and writing. If it doesn’t get sufficient levels here, it will restart, and the surge can easily break your TV. Therefore, you may have to set up the Stick the right way, especially when you want to make a system update, the device’s most vulnerable point.
Another instance to watch out for is when the TV turns off during the system update. Sometimes it may be updating silently without your knowledge, and you innocently switch off your TV, putting it in danger of damage.
Note that this process is critical in improving the device’s performance, explaining why TVs have a unique design to conduct maintenance processes when idle or in sleep mode. Otherwise, if your Stick is usually off whenever the TV port is not operating, the last resort may be to make updates even when the TV is on. Therefore, your devices will always be safe as long as you use the Firestick correctly.
How To Connect Amazon Firestick To the TV
It is essential to make a proper connection to get the best output from the streaming device. Amazon TV Firestick is a straightforward gadget with elementary instructions, although new users may find it a bit confusing initially and end up compromising the system. The following tips may help if you want to be sure about your Firestick connection.
You can connect the Fire TV Stick to an HDMI then use an electric outlet to power the streaming device. Older televisions that lack the HDMI ports can use an adapter to either VGA or AV, but most televisions at least ten years old are likely to run the Fire TV Stick.
Generally, it is best to ensure that the Firestick kit has the remote, the TV Stick, a USB, and a charging adapter while the TV should have a USB port and an HDMI link. After successfully connecting the accessories, you can maneuver your remote to begin streaming content.
The most convenient way to connect Firestick devices to your TV involves identifying the HDMI port and inserting the Fire TV Stick. Next, find the USB cable, plug it into the device’s adapter and tether the micro-USB end onto the Firestick before connecting the adapter to the wall outlet to power the streaming device. You can now use the remote to control the TV and adjust the HDMI to read and connect.
Once the link is successful, you can now press the home button on the remote and follow the screen prompts to get started. On the other hand, you may have issues interfering with your connection.
For instance, you may not have a charging adapter or have an outdated TV that is over ten years old and doesn’t have an HDMI port. You can still work around this and make the device function, although it may not be the ideal option.
For starters, if you lack the means to power the Fire TV Stick, the USB port on the TV can offer about 1amp, which is strong enough to run Amazon’s streaming device. In this case, you will connect a compatible USB cable to the corresponding port on the TV and link the other end to the Fire TV Stick’s charging port. This way, you can power the Fire Stick without necessarily having the actual charging adapter.
Note that the age of your television may affect how you connect to some devices. For instance, some versions lack the HDMI port, for which you can buy an adapter that is either VGA to HDMI or AV to HDMI.
Use the converting adapter to plug one end to the Fire TV Stick and the other to the VGA or AV port. The procedures above will allow you to tether Fire TV Stick and enjoy your best channels and shows on your streaming device.
However, the procedures above differ in performance, and individuals will always lean towards the most convenient one. Ultimately, the conventional method to use should include the charging adapter.
It ensures a consistent power supply to the Stick, translating into quality videos with excellent resolution and enhanced FPS. Also, the Fire TV Stick connects to the internet, and as it searches the web, the device’s power uptake increases, meaning that it needs a stable power source.
Can You Use Roku Remote for Firestick?
Streaming devices have infiltrated the market with excellent content proving to be better than the regular TVs with in-built services. Some of the best entertainment comes from Roku and Firestick, and since they serve the same purpose, it is logical for a new user to question whether one can use the Roku remote with the Firestick.
A Roku remote can only work with Firestick when your television is a different brand from Roku TV. In contrast, the remote will control the television apps and not the attached streaming device if you use the Firestick on a TV with an in-built Roku.
However, the chances are high that the Roku remote will function if your TV is a different brand and you plug the Fire TV Stick. If you have a Roku TV and a Firestick, you can still get the best of both worlds by sticking to each device’s remotes.
The Roku TV remote connects to the television, and the signals only bounce off whenever you try to tweak your HDMI-CEC settings in the TV to read Firestick. However, if you have another TV brand other than Roku, you can comfortably connect the remote to function with Amazon’s Firestick. It is possible since the controller doesn’t have a default setting to the display, and the HDMI-CEC signals are free to link with the available device.
Also, you can conveniently run two standalone streaming devices on your TV if you have two HDMI ports. A Roku remote may be your last resort for your Firestick if there are no other options; say, you lost the actual remote.
You can consider installing the Fire TV Stick remote on your smartphone when this happens. The downloadable fire TV app will let you connect on the same internet as your Firestick. This way, you easily navigate the streaming device and watch your favorite shows and movies hassle-free.
You can also opt for a universal remote, which is more affordable if you realize that your Roku remote cannot connect to the Firestick. Remember to be very careful to select controllers compatible with the streaming device and gather essential information beforehand to help in your selection. Some remotes may require adapters, while others need hardware makeover. These options are a great way to ensure you don’t miss out on content.
Can’t Find Apple TV on Firestick
Apple TV was available for users since the 24 of October 2019, and it gave access to unlimited content. You can use Firestick to stream the application, but new users often complain that they cannot find it when searching in the browser. The following are tips to get the app running on your TV if you are one of the affected users.
If you have issues getting Apple TV to run, you can solve it by updating your Firestick and restarting it. Using an outdated device may be the main reason behind the failure to sign in or verify.
Another logical explanation is that your Fire TV may be incompatible with your Apple TV. In this case, you will receive an error text whenever you try to search or set up the app. To be sure, you can confirm whether your TV is eligible for Apple TV through the app’s compatibility list.
Also, you may miss Apple TV on your Firestick if your Stick is outdated or your device is incompatible with the application. The first case is easy to solve since you can update, refresh the Stick, and resume normal operations. However, there is no way to resolve the second instance where your Fire TV has incompatibility issues, giving you an error report.
Luckily, you can always restart and find the app provided that your device supports it, and you will be glad to know that Apple TV is free. You only have to subscribe to it and buy content before streaming.
Alternatively, you can also go for Apple TV+ and register, although it isn’t free as Apple TV. If you have already signed up for Apple TV+, you can always download it through Firestick or Amazon and install it automatically when the Stick links to the internet.
Note that you can also access Apple Store on Firestick from the official website through the Stick’s browser. The only caveat is that the store is exclusively available for Apple users. Some new signees also have issues installing Apple TV and streaming Apple TV+ content. The simplest way is to go to Amazon’s apps store, where Fire TVs find their apps. Additionally, you can sideload Android apps since Firestick is primarily for Android devices.
Summary
Amazon Firestick may be one of the best tech gadgets from the company thanks to its role in allowing the use of otherwise inaccessible apps. You can stream content like music and movies even when you have the old digital TV.
The best part is that it provides various apps at your disposal. Also, firestick fans know the dangers of powering it using your TV and other related aspects. Therefore, it is advisable to exclusively use an adapter to help regulate the power issues and avoid overexerting the TV and bricking it in the process.
