Yes, you can put a Firestick on a Roku TV. A Roku TV is a television with Roku software built in, but it still works like a normal TV with HDMI inputs. By connecting an Amazon Fire TV Stick to one of those HDMI ports, you can use Fire TV apps and features alongside Roku’s built-in streaming platform.
The two systems remain separate. The Firestick does not replace Roku or install Fire OS inside the television; it simply acts as an external streaming device.
Can You Put a Firestick on a Roku TV? How It Works
A Fire TV Stick connects to your Roku TV through HDMI. HDMI carries the video and audio signal from the Firestick to the television, while the Firestick’s power adapter supplies electricity.
Most Roku TVs have two or more HDMI ports, commonly labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or HDMI 3. Some models include an HDMI port with enhanced features such as ARC or eARC. A Firestick usually works in any standard HDMI port, so you do not normally need to use the ARC/eARC port unless it is the only convenient option.
You will need:
- An Amazon Fire TV Stick
- The Firestick’s HDMI extension cable, if included
- The supplied USB power cable
- The Firestick power adapter
- A free HDMI port on the Roku TV
- A reliable Wi-Fi connection
- The Firestick remote
Although some televisions have USB ports that can power a Firestick, Amazon generally recommends using the included wall power adapter. A TV USB port may not provide enough power, which can cause restarting, freezing, or warning messages.
How to Connect a Firestick to a Roku TV
Follow these steps to connect the devices:
- Find an available HDMI port on the back or side of the Roku TV.
- Plug the Firestick into the HDMI port. If space is limited, use the short HDMI extender included with many Fire TV Stick packages.
- Connect the USB power cable to the Firestick.
- Plug the other end into the supplied power adapter, then connect the adapter to a wall outlet.
- Turn on the Roku TV and press the Home button on the Roku remote.
- Select the correct HDMI input from the Roku home screen or the TV’s input menu.
- Insert batteries into the Firestick remote and follow the on-screen setup instructions.
- Connect the Firestick to Wi-Fi and sign in with your Amazon account.
- Install or update apps such as Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Max, or other supported services.
The first setup may take several minutes while the Firestick checks for software updates. Keep the Firestick powered on during this process.
Selecting the Firestick Input on a Roku TV
After connecting the Firestick, you must select the HDMI input whenever you want to use it. Press the Home button on the Roku remote, then move across the Roku home screen until you find the HDMI tile assigned to the Firestick.
If the HDMI input does not appear, go to the Roku home screen and select the relevant input. Roku TVs often prompt you to set up a new device the first time it detects an HDMI connection. You can name the input “Firestick” to make it easier to identify later.
You can also configure the Roku TV to turn on or switch inputs when it detects activity from the Firestick. The exact options vary by model, but HDMI-CEC settings are commonly found under Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC). Enabling CEC may allow the Firestick remote to control basic TV functions, including power and volume.
However, HDMI-CEC is not guaranteed to work perfectly with every Roku TV and Firestick combination. Keep both remotes nearby during setup.
Using Roku and Fire TV Together
Installing a Firestick does not remove Roku from your television. You can continue using Roku’s home screen, Roku Channel, and built-in apps by selecting the Roku TV’s normal interface. Switch to the Firestick by choosing its HDMI input.
Each platform manages its own apps and accounts. For example, Netflix installed on Roku and Netflix installed on Fire TV may require separate app updates, though they use the same Netflix account. App availability, menus, watchlists, and recommendations can also differ between the two systems.
Using both platforms can be helpful when an app is available on one device but not the other, or when you prefer Fire TV’s voice search and app selection. It does mean switching inputs and using two operating systems, which may feel less convenient than using one platform.
The Firestick remote can often control the Roku TV’s volume and power after device-control settings are enabled. It generally cannot navigate Roku menus or launch Roku apps. Likewise, the Roku remote usually cannot fully control Fire TV menus.
Troubleshooting Firestick Problems on a Roku TV
If you see a “No signal” message, confirm that the Firestick is plugged firmly into the selected HDMI port and that the TV is displaying the matching input. Try another HDMI port if necessary.
If the Firestick repeatedly restarts or displays a low-power warning, connect it to a wall outlet with the original adapter instead of the Roku TV’s USB port. Avoid using a weak third-party adapter.
For a black screen, unplug the Firestick’s power cable for about 30 seconds and reconnect it. You can also restart the Roku TV by unplugging the television briefly. If the picture appears but has incorrect colors or resolution, check the Firestick’s display settings and install any available software updates.
Weak Wi-Fi can cause buffering even when the HDMI connection is working correctly. Move the router closer, use a 5 GHz network when supported, or consider a wired Ethernet adapter designed for Fire TV devices.
FAQ
Can a Firestick damage a Roku TV? No. A properly connected Firestick should not damage a Roku TV. Use the supplied power adapter, avoid forcing the HDMI connector, and disconnect devices carefully.
Do I need a Firestick if my TV already has Roku? Not necessarily. Roku already provides access to many streaming services. A Firestick is useful if you prefer Fire TV’s interface, Alexa features, or access to apps and services that work better for you on Amazon’s platform.
Can I control a Firestick with my Roku remote? Usually, no. The Roku remote is designed primarily for Roku menus and compatible TV functions. Use the Firestick remote for Fire TV navigation, though HDMI-CEC may allow basic power and volume control.
In conclusion, can you put a Firestick on a Roku TV? Yes. Connect it to an HDMI port, power it from a wall outlet, select the correct input, and complete the Fire TV setup. You can then switch between Roku and Fire TV whenever you want.
