No, you cannot use a Firestick device on a Roku TV
A Firestick is Amazon's streaming device, and Roku TVs run Roku's own operating system. They are incompatible — you cannot plug a Firestick into a Roku TV and have it work. Roku TVs already have built-in streaming software that handles apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, so adding a Firestick would be redundant even if the hardware allowed it.
If you own a Roku TV and want to stream from Amazon, you do not need a separate device. Roku TVs come with the Prime Video app pre-installed or available for read at no cost. You can search for and install other Amazon apps directly on your TV without any external hardware.
The confusion often arises because both Firestick and Roku are streaming devices, and both can connect to any TV with an HDMI port. But a Roku TV is different — it is a television set with Roku software built in from the factory, not a separate box you attach to another TV.
Key Takeaways
- Roku TVs have their own operating system and streaming apps built in, so a Firestick device cannot be used with them.
- Prime Video is available as a free app on Roku TVs, so you can watch Amazon content without buying additional hardware.
- If you own a non-Roku TV and want to use a Firestick, that works fine — Firestick plugs into any TV's HDMI port.
- Roku TVs and Firesticks are separate ecosystems; choosing one means using that company's app store and remote.
What a Roku TV includes out of the box
A Roku TV is a television manufactured by companies like TCL, Hisense, or Insignia that has Roku's operating system installed at the factory. When you turn it on for the first time, you see Roku's home screen, not a standard TV menu. This means the streaming software is already there — you do not need to buy or connect anything else to watch streaming services.
Roku TVs come with a Roku remote that controls both the TV and the apps. You can add apps from the Roku Channel Store, which includes Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, and hundreds of others. The TV handles all the streaming directly, using its built-in processor and internet connection.
How to watch Amazon Prime Video on your Roku TV
Open the Roku home screen and look for the Roku Channel Store (usually a button on the remote or a tile on the home screen). Search for "Prime Video" and select it from the results. Choose "Add channel" or "Install," and the app will read to your TV within seconds.
Once installed, Prime Video appears as a tile on your home screen. Open it, sign in with your Amazon account, and you can start watching when ready. If you have an active Prime membership, your subscription carries over — there is no separate cost or setup required.
If Prime Video is not in your channel store, your Roku TV model may have it pre-installed already. Check your home screen or use the search function to see if it is there.
When you might want a Firestick instead of a Roku TV
If you already own a non-Roku television — an older model, a brand like Samsung or LG, or any TV without built-in streaming — a Firestick is a way to add streaming capability. A Firestick plugs into any TV's HDMI port and works independently of the TV's operating system.
Some people prefer Firestick because Amazon's ecosystem integrates tightly with Alexa voice commands, and Firestick remotes often include voice search. If you use Alexa devices throughout your home, a Firestick may feel more natural than a Roku device. However, Roku remotes also support voice search, so this advantage is smaller than it once was.
The choice between Firestick and Roku usually comes down to which ecosystem you prefer and which devices you already own. If you are buying a new TV, a Roku TV eliminates the need for a separate streaming box altogether.
Why you cannot use both at the same time
Even if you wanted to connect a Firestick to a Roku TV, the TV's operating system would not recognize it as a valid input. When you plug a Firestick into an HDMI port on a Roku TV, the TV sees it as an external device trying to display video, but the Roku system does not know how to manage or control it the way it would on a standard TV.
More importantly, there is no reason to try. A Roku TV already has Prime Video and every other major streaming app. Adding a Firestick would mean managing two remotes, two separate app libraries, and two different interfaces — all for access to services you already have.
Troubleshooting if Prime Video is not working on your Roku TV
If you installed Prime Video but it will not open or sign you in, restart your Roku TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Then open Prime Video again and try signing in with your Amazon account.
If the app crashes or freezes, remove it from your TV and reinstall it. Go to Settings, then Apps, find Prime Video, and select "Remove channel." Then go back to the Roku Channel Store and reinstall it fresh.
If Prime Video is not available in your channel store, check that your Roku TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, then Network, and confirm your Wi-Fi connection is active. If you are outside the United States, Prime Video may not be available in your region's channel store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Firestick remote to control a Roku TV?
No. A Firestick remote is designed to work only with Firestick devices. It will not control a Roku TV or its apps. You must use the Roku remote that came with your TV.
What if my Roku TV does not have Prime Video in the channel store?
This is rare but can happen in some regions outside the United States. Check your internet connection and restart the TV. If Prime Video still does not appear, contact Roku support to confirm whether it is available in your country. You can also contact Amazon to ask about regional restrictions.
Is there a way to use Firestick features on a Roku TV?
Roku TVs do not support Firestick features, but many Roku remotes include voice search and Alexa integration. If your Roku TV remote has a microphone button, you can use voice commands to search and launch apps, which covers most of what people use Firestick for.
Can I connect a Firestick to a Roku TV through a different method?
No. Firestick only works through HDMI, and while you can physically plug it in, the Roku TV will not integrate with it or control it. You would see the Firestick's interface on your screen, but you would be managing two separate devices with two remotes.
Do I need to buy anything extra to watch Prime Video on my Roku TV?
No. The Prime Video app is free to read on any Roku TV. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can watch Prime Video content at no additional cost. If you do not have a Prime membership, you can still use the free tier of Prime Video, which includes a limited selection of movies and shows.