The Fire TV Stick 4k is a remarkable technology that simplifies your home theater setup by avoiding bulky set-top boxes. However, it needs to be plugged into the included AC adapter, which can be frustrating for some users as it requires a cord to be draped from the TV to the wall. Instead, why not plug the USB to micro-USB cable into the TV?
By doing so, you can power the Fire TV Stick through your TV’s USB ports. But keep in mind, to avoid “insufficient power” warnings, you’ll require a special USB to micro-USB cable. Fortunately, this cable is not expensive and provides an excellent solution.
Although it may seem like one more thing to purchase, it is the nuclear option. Before investing in the new cable, there are a few more things you can try. We’ll address them below, and you’ll be able to troubleshoot the issue and determine if you need the new cable in a few minutes. First, let’s clarify that we’re referring to the Fire TV Stick 4k.
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Straightening Out the Hardware
To avoid confusion, it’s essential to clarify which variant of the Fire TV Stick we’re discussing. Amazon offers several options, including the Fire TV Stick and the Fire TV Stick 4k, both of which are HDMI streaming sticks that require power.
Despite the 4k variant pushing higher resolution content, it doesn’t require more power. This fact is excellent news because it means we don’t have to figure out which solution corresponds to which streaming stick. Both variants require the same power input: 5v at 900mA. Don’t worry if these technical values seem unfamiliar. This will be the last time you see such detailed electrical information in this article.
What’s interesting about these devices is that during unboxing, you’ll find an AC adapter that needs a wall plug, which needs to connect to your Fire TV Stick. While we assumed the HDMI streaming stick would be simple, requiring fewer wires, the reality is that you now have another device to plug in.
While connecting the AC adapter to your Fire TV Stick is not a problem for everyone, some may not have a spare reachable plug for it. This can be particularly challenging when you consider that your entertainment system likely has several devices that need to be plugged in, such as speakers, set-top boxes, and video game consoles, leaving you with limited plug space.
One solution is to connect the Fire TV Stick to your TV via USB to power it through the micro-USB port. However, this can sometimes result in an error message: “Insufficient USB power detected.”
It’s worth noting that the discussion around USB ports in this article also applies to projectors. If you’ve already read our article on connecting a Fire TV Stick to a projector, you should know that. You can also connect your Fire TV Stick to a soundbar (check out our guide) and manage the power through that device’s USB port too.
Is it possible for the Fire TV Stick to function with insufficient power?
It may seem strange that the Fire TV Stick is able to turn on despite the “Insufficient USB power detected” error message. However, the Amazon engineers anticipated this scenario and made sure the device has the ability to power on and check power levels, even if the power is not sufficient. This prevents customers from assuming they received a faulty unit.
While this is helpful for identifying the problem, it doesn’t solve it. The USB cable can be ruled out since it works with the USB AC adapter, leaving the power output from the TV as the only variable. The TV’s USB ports are typically designed to power devices like flash drives, with enough power to access files but not much else.
The Fire TV Stick, on the other hand, is essentially a small computer, and the TV’s USB ports may not be able to provide enough power without some assistance.
Is there any solution to overcome the problem of low power?
Alternatively, you can try a different USB port on your TV, as sometimes only one of the ports may be optimized for powering devices like the Fire TV Stick. If that doesn’t work, you can purchase a USB to micro-USB cable that is specifically designed to handle the power requirements of the Fire TV Stick.
This cable is not expensive, so it’s a great solution for those who want to avoid using the AC adapter and cords. Plus, it’s easy to troubleshoot the problem and figure out if you need the new cable in just a few minutes. Overall, the Fire TV Stick 4k is an impressive piece of technology that can simplify your home theater setup, and with a little know-how, you can power it up without any hassle.
Another option is to use a USB power bank to power the Fire TV Stick. This is a great option if you want to keep your entertainment system tidy and avoid cluttering your space with more wires and plugs. USB power banks are designed to provide portable power to USB devices, such as smartphones and tablets, and many of them have enough power output to also charge a Fire TV Stick.
To use a USB power bank, simply connect the Fire TV Stick to the power bank using the USB cable that came with the device. Make sure the power bank is fully charged before plugging in the Fire TV Stick, and check the power output of the power bank to ensure it can deliver enough power to the device. Some power banks have multiple USB ports, so you can even charge multiple devices at once.
What is an easy method to provide power to a Fire TV Stick when a nearby power outlet is not available?
It’s understandable that you may not want to spend more money on another component for your home theater system. However, the good news is that the Fire-Cable Plus is a cheap solution to a common problem. This dedicated piece of hardware claims to solve the issue of low power output from your TV’s USB ports.
Despite being just a micro-USB cable, the Fire-Cable Plus (on Amazon) has an inner core built with premium heavy copper, which supposedly provides maximum power supply. Although this may seem vague, customer reviews confirm that this product has resolved power warnings for many users.
The thicker copper core and shorter cable length of the Fire-Cable Plus may contribute to its ability to transmit more power. By reducing the cable length from 5ft to 6in, it is possible that more power is able to flow from the USB port to the device. For those who want to simplify their setup or reduce their reliance on AC outlets for their Fire TV Stick, this product is definitely worth considering.
With its affordable price point, the Fire-Cable Plus is a no-brainer if you want to enhance your home theater experience. Making small adjustments can go a long way, and this product is an excellent example of how even the simplest of tweaks can make a big difference.
Related Q&A
Can a Fire TV Stick be powered by a TV’s USB port?
A: Yes, it is possible to power a Fire TV Stick with a TV’s USB port.
What are the advantages of powering a Fire TV Stick with a TV’s USB port?
A: One advantage is that it eliminates the need for a separate power outlet, saving space and reducing clutter.
How do I know if my TV’s USB port can power a Fire TV Stick?
A: Check your TV’s manual or specifications to see if it provides enough power. You can also try plugging in the Fire TV Stick and see if it works.
Are there any disadvantages to powering a Fire TV Stick with a TV’s USB port?
A: One potential disadvantage is that the TV’s USB port may not provide enough power, causing the Fire TV Stick to malfunction or not work at all.
What should I do if my TV’s USB port doesn’t provide enough power?
A: You can use a separate power adapter or a USB hub with a separate power source to power the Fire TV Stick.
How do I connect the Fire TV Stick to the TV’s USB port?
A: Simply plug the Fire TV Stick into the TV’s USB port using the included cable.
Is it safe to power a Fire TV Stick with a TV’s USB port?
A: Yes, it is safe as long as the TV’s USB port provides enough power to the Fire TV Stick.
What happens if I accidentally unplug the Fire TV Stick from the TV’s USB port?
A: The Fire TV Stick will turn off, and you will need to plug it back in to resume use.
Can I use any USB cable to power the Fire TV Stick from a TV’s USB port?
A: No, it is recommended to use the cable that came with the Fire TV Stick to ensure proper power delivery.
What are some tips for troubleshooting if the Fire TV Stick doesn’t work when powered by a TV’s USB port?
A: Try plugging the Fire TV Stick into a different USB port on the TV, or try using a different cable. You can also try using a separate power adapter or USB hub with a separate power source.
