Does an amazon firestick need to be plugged into power to work?

Posted 4th Feb 2016
As above, or does it charge and then you can use it without the power and take out and about?
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Mark's avatar
Mark
Are you considering buying a Fire TV device, and unsure if its right for you? Or maybe you've already got one, and want to get the most out of your device?

Well this guide should help answer any questions you may have, and put you on your way to enjoying even more content at your fingertips.



So, Firstly, what is Amazon Fire TV?

Back in 2014, Amazon unveiled the first generation Fire TV. A plug in box that could be connected to an HDMI enabled TV, giving you access to smart apps and features on your TV.

Due to increasing success of the device, later that same year, Amazon unveiled the Fire TV Stick. The stick gives you similar functionality to the box, but with a much smaller form factor, and more importantly, a smaller price tag.

Amazon have continued to revise and improve Fire TV devices, with their latest generation devices supporting 4K, Alexa Voice Control and Search and much more.

With now Over 7,000 apps, games and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Netflix, and more. Plus, access millions of websites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Reddit with browsers like Silk and Firefox.

So, what can a Fire TV device do?

The simplest way to view it's features, is to say that it gives you access to hundreds of apps, similar to a mobile phone, with some being free, and some paid; such as video and audio subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify to name just a few.

The main uses are;

  • Watching Netflix or another internet video streaming service
  • Voice search content using Alexa (more about this later on)
  • Connecting to games or watching YouTube videos on your TV
  • Sharing Photos to the connected TV


-Frequently Asked Questions-


Okay, what do I need to make it work?

Firstly, you are going to need an HDMI enabled TV. The device will need power too! So you will need a nearby plug, and lastly, you will need a wireless internet connection as this is an internet based device.


Can I stream 4K with a Fire TV?

Yes, on the latest Fire TV device, the box supports 4K video, provided you have a 4K TV, you can start right away and enjoy 4K content direct from Netflix, Amazon Prime TV and others.


Is Alexa Supported?

On the latest generation of devices, yes. You can use Alexa to not only search for content on your Fire TV device, but you can also use it to control your Fire TV, not only from the mic enabled remote, but other Alexa devices such as the Echo, Echo Dot, Echo spot etc.

Can I watch Sky programs on my Fire TV?

Not officially, no. Some users discovered that the app could be sideloaded (sideloading is a way of installing an app onto the device that is not officially on the Amazon Fire Store for download) but results were mixed, and Sky have since stopped users from gaining access via this method.

Can I Use NowTV on my Fire TV?

No, as it is a competing product, they do not allow their service on the Fire TV at this time.

Can I Jailbreak my Fire TV device?

To Jailbreak a device, is to modify it to remove restrictions imposed by the manufacturer. In this case, it would be to install, or sideload, unsupported apps such as Kodi. This can be achieved using various methods documented across the internet.

Can I install Kodi on my device?

Most, if not all of the generations of the Fire TV devices can have Kodi installed via various methods, but doing so may invalidate the warranty on your device, or cause unexpected behaviour such as crashing, or even worse the device failing to work. We suggest you research heavily on how to do this safely before attempting it.

What do i get as an existing Prime member?

Amazon Prime members get unlimited access to Prime Video, featuring thousands of movies and TV episodes, including The Grand Tour, at no additional cost. Plus, Prime members can add over 40 premium channels such as Discovery and Eurosport Player. Channels are available as individual subscriptions so you only pay for the TV channels you want.


-Quick Links-

Amazon Fire TV Stick Deals
Amazon Fire TV Deals
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20 Comments

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's avatar
  1. richje100's avatar
    richje100
    Plugged in bud
  2. deleted181270's avatar
    Anonymous User
    Mine works perfectly in the TVs usb port
  3. rugbymike's avatar
    rugbymike
    It can plug into a usb port on some tv's to power it but it can't be charged and taken elsewhere
  4. miikeyblue's avatar
    miikeyblue
    When i first got mine i tried it with usb power from the tv, but it wasn't strong enough, had to plug it into the wall to run anything.
  5. thecoolguy's avatar
    thecoolguy
    think most tv's above 32" with a usb 2 port should power it fine.
  6. deleted1400528's avatar
    Anonymous User
    Just about works without power on SOME TVs but runs a lot quicker if you can power it
  7. smithyp1's avatar
    smithyp1 Author
    Thanks all
  8. deleted1659844's avatar
    Anonymous User
    Hi
    How do you know when you need to charge and how do you know when it's fully charged? Thanks
  9. wayners's avatar
    wayners
    susiebgray01

    HiHow do you know when you need to charge and how do you know when it's … HiHow do you know when you need to charge and how do you know when it's fully charged? Thanks



    ​Firestick can't be charged? Has no battery. It needs power to work
  10. ibblackberry1's avatar
    ibblackberry1
    susiebgray01

    HiHow do you know when you need to charge and how do you know when it's … HiHow do you know when you need to charge and how do you know when it's fully charged? Thanks



    If you read any of the posts above you'll see that it cannot be charged.
  11. deleted1687872's avatar
    Anonymous User
    Why does it say 100% charged but when I plug it in, nothing happens. The settings for the fire stick says "battery: 100%" so it does have a battery, is there a way to use it without it being connected to a power source?
  12. deleted400232's avatar
    Anonymous User
    workhardliveeasy007

    Why does it say 100% charged but when I plug it in, nothing happens. The … Why does it say 100% charged but when I plug it in, nothing happens. The settings for the fire stick says "battery: 100%" so it does have a battery, is there a way to use it without it being connected to a power source?


    No.
  13. deleted1690356's avatar
    Anonymous User
    I WAS WATCH A COUPLE MOVIES ON MY FIRESTICK.BUT SOMEHOW IT START GET REAL HOT AND UNPLUG IT.MY QUESTION IS HOW LONG CAN I HAVE MY FIRESTICK RUNNING AND WOULD DAMAGE IF I TRY KEEP IT PLUG UP AND WATCH MORE MOVIES
  14. ibblackberry1's avatar
    ibblackberry1
    TONEBONE

    I WAS WATCH A COUPLE MOVIES ON MY FIRESTICK.BUT SOMEHOW IT START GET REAL … I WAS WATCH A COUPLE MOVIES ON MY FIRESTICK.BUT SOMEHOW IT START GET REAL HOT AND UNPLUG IT.MY QUESTION IS HOW LONG CAN I HAVE MY FIRESTICK RUNNING AND WOULD DAMAGE IF I TRY KEEP IT PLUG UP AND WATCH MORE MOVIES



    Indefinitely & no.
  15. mrwhitelabel's avatar
    mrwhitelabel
    TONEBONE

    I WAS WATCH A COUPLE MOVIES ON MY FIRESTICK.BUT SOMEHOW IT START GET REAL … I WAS WATCH A COUPLE MOVIES ON MY FIRESTICK.BUT SOMEHOW IT START GET REAL HOT AND UNPLUG IT.MY QUESTION IS HOW LONG CAN I HAVE MY FIRESTICK RUNNING AND WOULD DAMAGE IF I TRY KEEP IT PLUG UP AND WATCH MORE MOVIES


    Yes

    Mine over heated and stopped working

    I contacted Amazon who said they had received similar issues . I had to return it and they sent a replacement (stick only no remote)

    New one runs fine no heat issues

    Check Google to see many similar issues
    (edited)
  16. deleted1716330's avatar
    Anonymous User
    TONEBONE

    I WAS WATCH A COUPLE MOVIES ON MY FIRESTICK.BUT SOMEHOW IT START GET REAL … I WAS WATCH A COUPLE MOVIES ON MY FIRESTICK.BUT SOMEHOW IT START GET REAL HOT AND UNPLUG IT.MY QUESTION IS HOW LONG CAN I HAVE MY FIRESTICK RUNNING AND WOULD DAMAGE IF I TRY KEEP IT PLUG UP AND WATCH MORE MOVIES


    I have the same question. Plus I notice when it gets hot sometimes I loose functions like sound.
  17. deleted2159758's avatar
    Anonymous User
    If I have lost the amazon plug for the fire stick can I use another iPhone charger or does it have to be the amazon plug ???
  18. deleted2159758's avatar
    Anonymous User
    I done it any charger can also work fixed
  19. jefster's avatar
    jefster
    My tv far away from plug.... Like a lot of people's..... Pretty useless then
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