What you need before you start

A Fire Stick plugs into the HDMI port on the back or side of your TV—the same port you'd use for a cable box or gaming console. You'll need three things: the Fire Stick itself, the included power adapter and cable, and a TV with at least one open HDMI port. Most TVs made in the last ten years have HDMI ports; if your TV is older, you may need an adapter (available at any electronics store for $10 to $20), but we'll cover that below.

Before you plug anything in, locate your TV's HDMI ports. Turn your TV around or to the side and look for rectangular slots labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and so on. Write down which port you plan to use—you'll need to switch your TV to that input after you plug in the Fire Stick. If you can't find the manual, a quick search for your TV model and "HDMI ports" will show you where they are.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fire Stick plugs directly into an HDMI port on your TV; no separate cables or adapters are needed if your TV has HDMI.
  • Plug the power adapter into the Fire Stick first, then connect the HDMI end to your TV, then plug the power adapter into a wall outlet or USB port.
  • After the Fire Stick boots up (about 30 seconds), use your TV remote to switch to the HDMI input where you plugged it in.
  • The Fire Stick remote will pair automatically when you first turn it on; if it doesn't, hold the Home button for 10 seconds.
  • If your TV has no HDMI port, you can use an HDMI-to-composite adapter, but the picture quality will be noticeably lower.

Step 1: Plug the power adapter into the Fire Stick

Take the Fire Stick out of the box. One end is flat and rectangular (the HDMI connector); the other end has a small circular port. Insert the power cable into that circular port. The cable should click or seat firmly—don't force it, but make sure it's fully inserted.

The power adapter itself is a small black brick. Plug the other end of the power cable into the adapter. You don't need to plug the adapter into power yet; that comes last. This order prevents any electrical surge from hitting your TV.

Step 2: Insert the Fire Stick into your TV's HDMI port

Hold the Fire Stick so the flat HDMI end points toward your TV. Locate the HDMI port you identified earlier. Gently push the Fire Stick straight into the port until it stops—it should go in about an inch. You'll feel a slight resistance, but it should not require force. If it's hard to push in, double-check that you're aiming at the right port and that the connector is straight.

If your TV is wall-mounted or the HDMI port is in an awkward spot, the Fire Stick may stick out at an angle. That's normal and won't damage anything. If the angle is severe and the Fire Stick feels like it's putting pressure on the port, you can buy a short HDMI extension cable (about $10) to give yourself more room.

Step 3: Plug the power adapter into an outlet

Now plug the power adapter into a wall outlet. The Fire Stick will power on when ready—you'll see a light on the device itself. The screen will be black for about 30 seconds while the Fire Stick boots up. This is normal. Do not unplug it during this time.

If you don't have an outlet near your TV, you can plug the power adapter into a USB port on your TV instead (if your TV has one). Check your TV manual to see if USB power is available. USB power is slower to charge than a wall outlet, but it works fine for normal use.

Step 4: Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input

Once the Fire Stick has booted, your TV screen will still be black or showing your normal input (cable, antenna, or whatever was on before). Pick up your TV remote and look for a button labeled Input, Source, or HDMI. Press it. A menu will appear showing all available inputs—HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, and so on.

Select the HDMI port where you plugged in the Fire Stick. The Fire Stick home screen should appear within a few seconds. If you see the Fire Stick logo and menu, you're connected correctly. If the screen stays black, go back to the Input menu and try a different HDMI port—you may have plugged into the wrong one.

Step 5: Pair the Fire Stick remote

The Fire Stick remote should pair automatically when you first see the home screen. Pick up the remote and press any button. If the remote works (the menu responds to your button presses), pairing is complete. If the remote doesn't respond, hold down the Home button (the one with a house icon) for 10 seconds. A pairing screen will appear on your TV, and the remote will connect within a few seconds.

If the remote still doesn't work, check that the batteries are installed correctly. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote and make sure the two AA batteries are facing the right direction (the + side should face the spring). Replace them if they're old or corroded.

What to do if your TV has no HDMI port

Older TVs (usually made before 2010) don't have HDMI ports. Instead, they have three colored ports—red, white, and yellow—called composite or RCA ports. You can still use a Fire Stick with these TVs, but you'll need an HDMI-to-composite adapter. These cost $15 to $30 and are sold at electronics stores or online.

The adapter has an HDMI port on one end and three colored plugs on the other. Plug the Fire Stick into the HDMI end, then plug the three colored cables into the matching ports on your TV (red to red, white to white, yellow to yellow). The picture quality will be noticeably softer and less sharp than on an HDMI TV, but it will work. You'll still need to plug the Fire Stick's power adapter into a wall outlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate HDMI cable?

No. The Fire Stick has a built-in HDMI connector on one end, so it plugs directly into your TV. You don't need to buy any cables unless your TV is older than 2010 and lacks HDMI ports, in which case you'll need an HDMI-to-composite adapter.

Can I use the Fire Stick on a TV that's already plugged into a cable box?

Yes. If your TV has multiple HDMI ports, plug the Fire Stick into one and leave your cable box in another. Use your TV remote to switch between inputs depending on what you want to watch. If your TV has only one HDMI port, you'll have to unplug one device to use the other.

What if the Fire Stick remote doesn't pair after holding Home for 10 seconds?

Replace the batteries with fresh AA batteries and try again. If it still doesn't work, unplug the Fire Stick's power adapter for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the device to boot. Then try pairing the remote again. If the remote is damaged, you can buy a replacement Fire Stick remote for $20 to $30.

Is it safe to leave the Fire Stick plugged in all the time?

Yes. The Fire Stick uses very little power and is designed to stay plugged in. It will go into a low-power sleep mode when you're not using it. You can unplug it if you want to save a small amount of electricity, but it's not necessary.

Can I move the Fire Stick to a different TV?

Yes. straightforward unplug it from the current TV, plug it into the HDMI port on another TV, and switch that TV to the correct input. The Fire Stick will recognize the new TV and work the same way. Your account and settings will stay the same.