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How to Set Up a Fire TV Stick and Google TV—and Switch Between Them

Set up each device on its own HDMI input, then switch between Fire TV and Google TV with the TV’s Input or Source control.
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You can use a Fire TV Stick and a Google TV device on the same television. Connect each to a separate HDMI port, set up each one on its own TV input, then switch between them with the TV’s Input or Source control. A compatible Google streaming remote may also be configured to change inputs, but support varies by model.

What you need before setup

  • A TV with an available HDMI port for each device you plan to connect.
  • The Fire TV Stick’s power adapter and cable, its remote and batteries, and your Amazon account and Wi-Fi details.
  • Your Google TV device, its remote, a Google Account, and Wi-Fi or Ethernet access.

These are separate streaming devices with separate setup flows. You do not combine them into one system: each remains connected to its own HDMI input.

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Set up the Fire TV Stick

  1. Insert the batteries into the Fire TV remote.
  2. Plug the Fire TV Stick into an available HDMI port on the television.
  3. Connect the USB cable to the Stick and its power adapter, then plug the adapter into a wall outlet. Amazon’s standard Fire TV Stick guide advises against powering the Stick from the TV’s USB port; power instructions can vary by model, so use the guide for your specific generation. See Amazon’s Fire TV Stick setup guide and general Fire TV setup information.
  4. Use the TV remote to select the HDMI input where the Stick is connected.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi and sign in to—or create—an Amazon account.

If the Stick is awkward to plug in because the TV’s ports are crowded, difficult to reach, or close to a wall, Amazon identifies the included HDMI extender as a possible remedy. It is optional; use it when the connection is physically difficult, not as a required purchase.

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Set up the Google TV device

Google TV setup varies by device. For a device that plugs into the TV, connect it to an HDMI port and select that input before following the on-screen setup. Google’s general guide describes phone-assisted setup and manual setup with the remote. You may be prompted to pair the remote, choose a language or region, connect to a network, and sign in with a Google Account. Some features and services vary by region or manufacturer. See Google’s general Google TV setup guide.

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For Google TV Streamer (4K)

Use the dedicated Google TV Streamer (4K) setup guide for device-specific instructions. Its TV-and-remote setup flow covers connecting the Streamer to an available HDMI port, selecting that input, powering it, pairing the remote, choosing language and region, connecting to a network, and signing in to a Google Account. The general Google TV guide covers a broader family of devices, so follow the dedicated instructions when setting up this model.

Switch between Fire TV and Google TV

  1. On the TV remote, press the button labeled Input or Source, or open the TV’s input-selection menu.
  2. Select the HDMI port connected to the device you want to watch.

Button names and menu layouts depend on the TV. If you are unsure which input belongs to which device, check the port label on the back or side of the TV, or select the inputs one at a time until the correct home screen appears.

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Configure input control on a Google streaming remote

On supported Google TV Streamer or Chromecast voice remotes, go to Settings → Remotes & Accessories → Set up remote buttons to configure power, volume, or input controls. For input control, follow the test to cycle through the TV’s inputs and return to the HDMI port used by the Google device. Google notes that input control is unavailable on some device models. If it is not offered or does not work, use the TV remote. See Google’s instructions for setting up remote buttons.

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Troubleshoot setup and switching

No picture after connecting a device

Use the TV remote to select the HDMI input that device is plugged into. Connecting a device does not necessarily make the TV switch to its input automatically.

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The Fire TV Stick is hard to connect

Try the HDMI extender supplied with the Stick if the TV’s ports are crowded or difficult to access. Check the setup guidance for your specific Fire TV model for its power and accessory details.

The Google remote will not switch TV inputs

Check whether your model supports input control and whether it has been configured in Settings → Remotes & Accessories → Set up remote buttons. Otherwise, select the input with the TV remote.

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Switching is slow or unreliable through a soundbar or receiver

An AVR or soundbar in the HDMI chain can affect startup or input switching. Google recommends testing the streaming device connected directly to the TV and checking HDMI-CEC settings on the TV and connected audio equipment. See Google’s troubleshooting guidance for slow startup and audio issues.

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If the TV does not have enough HDMI ports

Both devices need HDMI connections. If all the TV’s ports are occupied, you will need to free a port or consider an HDMI switch compatible with your setup. An HDMI extender can make a connection easier to reach, but it does not add another TV input.

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