How to Use an Amazon Fire TV Stick on a Non-Smart TV

Connecting modern devices to older products can often be a headache because of a lack of technological compatibility. If you have a standard TV at home, you can watch local, cable channels, and stream content with an Amazon Fire TV stick, in fact, you can even connect a 4k stick to a non-4K TV (our guide). Additionally, you can access all of Amazon Prime’s content on your non-smart TV, but you may be wondering how to set it up?

Connecting an Amazon Fire TV stick to a non-smart TV is simple, you just have to make sure your TV has an HDMI port and is 10-years-old or less. Then, plug the Amazon Fire TV stick adaptor into an electrical outlet. If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, there is something you can do.

Put simply, even if you have a non-smart TV, you can still use your Amazon Fire TV Stick. However, you may run into some issues if your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port or an open one. With that in mind, there are some things you can do if you’ve found yourself in this situation, including buying the right kind of conversion adaptor, as well as reading our other guides on Fire TV sticks for more information.

How to Connect a Fire TV Stick to a Non-Smart TV That Has HDMI Inputs

There are a few steps to follow when you have a standard TV and want to connect an Amazon Fire TV Stick. It’s not difficult to set up, but there are a few things you need including your Amazon Prime account information.

1. Plug the Fire TV Stick Into a Power Outlet Using the USB adapter

Your Fire Stick should’ve arrived with a small USB adapter. Plug it into an electrical outlet within reach of the TV. You can also plug the adapter into a power strip as long as it’s always turned on. The Fire Stick won’t work without power.

2. Connect the Fire TV Stick Into an Available HDMI input on the TV.

On your TV, usually on the side or back, you’ll find the HDMI input. Connect the Fire Stick and remember which input the stick is in.

3. On the TV, select the HDMI input the Fire Stick is connected to.

In your television’s HDMI input settings, select the one where the Fire Stick is connected. If you don’t remember, check your TV. It’s not uncommon for TVs to have more than one HDMI input, even older models. If the TV isn’t set to the correct one, you can’t use the Amazon stick.

4. Insert the 2 AAA Batteries Into the Remote Control.

You will have to supply the AAA batteries, but they’re inexpensive and easy to find. The remote is already paired with the Fire TV Stick so there aren’t any step-up steps.

5. Follow the Instructions to Connect the Fire Stick to the Wi-Fi network.

When you press the remote’s “On” button the Amazon Fire TV setup screen should appear. There will be a couple of steps to follow to connect the Fire Stick to the Wi-Fi signal.

6. Sign-in to Your Amazon Account.

You’ll need your user name and password for your Amazon account to finish syncing the Fire TV Stick. Once you’re verified, press the “home” icon on the remote and start browsing through the apps, movies, and shows.

How to Connect a Fire TV Stick to a TV Without HDMI Inputs

If your TV is older than ten years, chances are it doesn’t have an HDMI port, but you can still use your Fire TV Stick. You’ll need either an HDMI to component converter or an HDMI to composite converter.

1. Purchase an HDMI to Component or Composite Converter.

A composite/component converter is a small box that converts HDMI to component (red, blue, green, red, and white) or to composite (yellow, red, and white). It allows you to use an analog TV with devices that only connect via an HDMI port. There are links to each type of converter below:

HDMI to Component converter (on Amazon)

HDMI to Composite converter (on Amazon)

2. Plug the Fire TV Stick into a Power Outlet Using the USB Converter.

Regardless of how old your television is, the Fire Stick always requires a power source to turn on.

3. Connect the Fire TV Stick into the HDMI Input on the Converter.

The converter is a small box-shaped device that comes with a built-in HDMI port. Connect the Fire Stick to the input. It’s the same as connecting it to the HDMI input on your TV if your television had one.  

4. Connect the Component or Composite From the Converter to the TV.

The converter comes with composite or AV cables. Connect the cable into the video input on the TV. Now the TV is in sync with the Fire Stick.

5. On the TV, Select the Input the Converter is Connected o.

Turn the TV on, and go into the input settings menu. Select the input you connected the converter to.

6. Insert the 2 AAA Batteries into the Remote Control.

If you don’t have a couple of AAA batteries lying around, you can find them at most stores. Don’t worry about setting the remote up, it is already paired with the connected Fire TV Stick.

7. Follow the Instructions to Connect the Fire Stick to the Wi-Fi.

You’ll see on-screen instructions that will walk you through the simple setup steps. When you’re finished, the Fire Stick will be connected to your Wi-Fi network.

8. Sign in to your Amazon account.

Enter your username and password into the supplied fields and press “enter”. The Amazon Prime home page should appear. From here, you can start watching content and downloading apps with the Amazon Fire Stick. You can also use a converter if you ran out of HDMI inputs on your TV.

Conclusion

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a smart TV just to use an Amazon Fire Stick. There are other, more affordable options. If there’s an HDMI port on the TV, you can still connect and use the Fire Stick. If your TV doesn’t have any HDMI ports or they’re all being used by other devices you can purchase a component or composite converter and use it to connect the Fire TV Stick. It’s simple to install and less expensive than buying a smart TV.