Yes, you can use a Roku Stick with a Fire TV television, as long as the TV has an available HDMI port. A Roku Stick and Fire TV are separate streaming platforms, so you connect the Roku directly to the television rather than to the Fire TV software. You can then switch between Roku and the built-in Fire TV interface whenever you want.
If by “Fire TV” you mean an Amazon Fire TV Stick, however, you cannot plug a Roku Stick into it. Both devices are streaming players designed to connect to a TV’s HDMI port.
Can You Use a Roku Stick on a Fire TV Television?
You can use a Roku Stick on a television with Fire TV built in. Fire TV is the operating system installed on the television, while Roku is an external streaming device. The two systems can work independently on the same screen.
To use both, connect the Roku Stick to a free HDMI input on the TV. The television may have ports labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or HDMI 3. After connecting the Roku, select that HDMI input with the Fire TV remote or the TV’s input button.
Your TV will still include its normal Fire TV home screen, apps, and settings. Selecting the Roku’s HDMI input displays the Roku interface instead. Returning to the Fire TV home screen simply requires switching back to the original TV input or pressing the Home button on the Fire TV remote.
Can You Use a Roku Stick With a Fire TV Stick?
You cannot connect a Roku Stick directly to a Fire TV Stick. A Fire TV Stick is not a display or HDMI input; it is another streaming player. Its HDMI connector is designed to plug into a television, not to accept another streaming device.
Both devices normally require their own HDMI connection:
- Plug the Roku Stick into one HDMI port on the TV.
- Plug the Fire TV Stick into another HDMI port.
- Use the TV’s input menu to switch between them.
If your television has only one available HDMI port, you can use an HDMI switch. An HDMI switch lets multiple devices share one TV input, although you must press a button or use the switch’s remote to change sources. Choose a powered, HDCP-compatible switch if you plan to use 4K or HDR content.
How to Set Up a Roku Stick on a Fire TV
Setting up a Roku Stick on a Fire TV television is similar to installing it on any other TV.
- Insert the Roku Stick into an available HDMI port.
- Connect the Roku’s USB power cable to the included power adapter.
- Plug the power adapter into a wall outlet when possible.
- Turn on the television and select the HDMI input used by the Roku.
- Follow the Roku setup instructions on screen.
- Connect the Roku to Wi-Fi and sign in or create a Roku account.
- Add the streaming channels and apps you want to use.
Some televisions provide USB ports that can power a Roku Stick. However, a wall outlet is generally more reliable. TV USB ports may not supply enough power, which can cause warning messages, random restarts, or a blank screen.
During setup, the Roku may attempt to detect the television and configure power and volume controls. This can work with some Fire TV models, but it is not guaranteed. If the Roku remote cannot control the TV’s volume or power, continue using the Fire TV remote or the original television remote for those functions.
What Features Work and What Does Not?
The Roku Stick’s streaming features work normally when connected to a Fire TV television. You can install Roku apps, stream compatible services, search for content, and use Roku’s interface without relying on Amazon’s Fire TV software.
The Fire TV system does not control the Roku’s apps. For example, apps installed on Fire TV are separate from apps installed on Roku. You may need to sign in to the same service on both platforms, and some subscriptions may show different app availability or features.
You also should not expect the Roku remote to control every Fire TV function. HDMI-CEC may allow limited power or input control, but compatibility varies by television and device. If switching inputs becomes inconvenient, label each HDMI port in the TV settings and keep both remotes nearby.
Picture quality depends on the Roku model, TV, streaming service, internet connection, and HDMI port. A 4K Roku requires a compatible 4K HDMI input and a plan or content source that supports 4K. The Fire TV brand itself does not prevent the Roku from displaying high-resolution video.
Should You Use Roku Instead of Fire TV?
Whether Roku is better depends on your preferences. Roku is often valued for its simple interface, broad app selection, and platform-neutral design. Fire TV may be preferable if you use Alexa, Amazon Prime Video, Echo speakers, or other Amazon services.
Using both can be useful when one platform has an app, feature, or interface you prefer. It can also provide a backup if one streaming device develops a problem. The main disadvantages are extra cables, two remotes, and potentially duplicated subscriptions or app logins.
If you rarely use the built-in Fire TV system, you can set the TV to start on the Roku’s HDMI input, if your model supports a preferred startup input setting. Otherwise, you will need to select the Roku input after turning on the TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Roku Stick on any Fire TV?
You can use it on most Fire TV televisions with an available HDMI port. Check the Roku’s resolution requirements and the TV’s HDMI specifications if you want 4K, HDR, or Dolby Vision.
Do I need to remove the Fire TV apps first?
No. Fire TV apps remain installed and usable. The Roku operates separately through its HDMI input, so there is no need to uninstall or disable anything.
Can one remote control both Roku and Fire TV?
Usually not completely. HDMI-CEC may provide limited power or input control, but Roku and Fire TV use different operating systems and remotes. You will generally need the Roku remote for Roku menus and the Fire TV remote for Fire TV menus.
Conclusion
You can use a Roku Stick on a Fire TV television by connecting it to an available HDMI port and switching inputs. You cannot plug a Roku Stick into a Fire TV Stick, but both streaming devices can share a television through separate HDMI ports or an HDMI switch.
