The apartment I rented came with an LG TV that, while mostly functional, has to be at least a decade old. It’s a non-smart TV and, naturally, does not connect to the internet or support built-in apps. So, when I finally invested in a Fire TV Stick, I was beyond excited to make my old dumb TV a little bit smarter.
However, when I plugged my Fire TV Stick into the TV’s HDMI port, there was no response. I tried connecting my laptop using the same method, but it only yielded the same response. After some more trial and error, it became clear my TV’s HDMI port was hopelessly broken.
So, can you connect your Fire TV Stick to your old & non-smart TV that doesn’t have an HDMI port or to your smart TV with broken HDMI ports?
Yes! Fire TV Sticks can absolutely be connected to TVs without a working HDMI port using a compatible converter.
Before you head to Amazon to buy the first HDMI converter you can find, it’s important to check which ports your TV has. Head to the side or back of your TV and see which audio/visual connections its supports (AV, S-Video, component, DVI, or RF). Once you’ve verified which port(s) your TV has, follow our guide below to connect your Fire TV Stick to it!
Quick Navigation
- Summary Table
- 1. Connect the Fire TV Stick to Your TV Using an HDMI to Composite/RCA Converter
- 2. Connect the Fire TV Stick to Your TV Using an HDMI to S-Video With RCA Converter
- 3. Connect the Fire TV Stick to Your TV Using an HDMI to Component Converter
- 4. Connect the Fire TV Stick to Your TV Using an HDMI to DVI Converter
- 5. Connect the Fire TV Stick to Your TV Using an HDMI to Radio Frequency (RF) Converter
Summary Table
Ports | Materials Needed |
Brief Guide |
AV (aka. RCA) | Fire TV Stick → Converter → RCA cables → TV | |
S-Video |
|
Fire TV Stick → Converter → S-Video & two RCA cables → TV |
Component | Fire TV Stick → Converter → component cables → TV | |
DVI |
|
Fire TV Stick → Converter → DVI → TV; Audio cable → External speaker/Soundbar |
Radio Frequency (RF) |
|
Fire TV Stick → Converter → coaxial cable → TV |
1. Connect the Fire TV Stick to Your TV Using an HDMI to Composite/RCA Converter
Materials Needed
In-Depth Instructions
Step 1: Provide your converter, Fire TV Stick, and TV with stable power sources.
Step 2: Connect both sides of the RCA cable’s three connectors to the TV and converter’s three RCA ports, ensuring the connector’s and port’s colors match.
Step 3: Plug the Fire TV Stick’s HDMI connector/cable into the converter’s HDMI port.
Step 4: Change your TV’s input to AV to see the Fire TV Stick’s display on-screen.
2. Connect the Fire TV Stick to Your TV Using an HDMI to S-Video With RCA Converter
Materials Needed
- HDMI to S-Video Converter with RCA (for audio)
- RCA Cable (Included)
- S-Video Cable (Included)
In-Depth Instructions
Note: Since S-Video cables do not transmit audio, you must use RCA cables to hear your Fire TV Stick’s audio through your TV speakers.
Step 1: Connect your converter, Fire TV Stick and TV to stable power.
Step 2: Connect the two white and red RCA cables to their respectively colored RCA ports on your TV and converter.
Note: You don’t need to connect the yellow RCA cable since it transmits video signals which are already being transmitted by the S-Video cable.
Step 3: Connect one end of the S-Video to the converter and the other to your TV.
Step 4: Plug your Fire TV Stick’s HDMI cable/connector into the converter.
Step 5: Finally, adjust your TV’s input to display your Fire TV Stick.
3. Connect the Fire TV Stick to Your TV Using an HDMI to Component Converter
Materials Needed
In-Depth Instructions
Step 1: Connect your converter, Fire TV Stick, and TV to a stable power source with their respective power cables.
Step 2: Plug each component cable into your TV and converter according to their color and order. They will not work correctly if plugged into the wrong ports.
Step 3: Then, plug your Fire TV Stick into the converter’s HDMI port.
Step 4: Change your TV’s input to your Fire TV Stick.
4. Connect the Fire TV Stick to Your TV Using an HDMI to DVI Converter
Materials Needed
- HDMI to DVI Converter with Audio Output
- DVI Cable
- 3.5mm Audio Cable (Included)
- An external speaker or soundbar
In-Depth Instructions
Step 1: Connect the converter, Fire TV Stick, and TV to a wall outlet or other power source.
Step 2: Plug one side of a DVI cable into your TV and the other into your converter, making sure to tightly screw it in place.
Step 3: Now, you must connect the audio. Plug one end of a 3.5mm audio cable into your external speaker and the other end into the converter. If needed, power and turn on your speaker.
Step 4: Connect your Fire TV Stick to the converter’s HDMI port.
Step 5: Switch your TV’s input to display your Fire TV Stick.
5. Connect the Fire TV Stick to Your TV Using an HDMI to Radio Frequency (RF) Converter
Materials Needed
- HDMI to RF Converter
- Coaxial Cable (Included)
In-Depth Instructions
Step 1: Connect the converter, Fire TV Stick, and TV to a stable power source.
Step 2: Connect the coaxial cable to the coaxial ports (sometimes labeled ANT IN) on your TV and converter, screwing it in place.
Step 3: Securely connect your Fire TV Stick to the converter.
Step 4: Change your TV’s input to your Fire TV Stick.

Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.