Fire stick does not fit in HDMI port

Whenever the Firestick won’t fit in HDMI port chances are that you are doing something wrong.

You should take into consideration the device compatibility and the types of HDMI connectors to understand why your Firestick won’t fit.

When Firesticks can’t fit into an HDMI port, the entry is probably older (1.4) whereas Firesticks plug only into (2.2) HDCP HDMI. In case that’s not the problem, you should check for bends or obstructions preventing the ports HDMI from making a connection.

How To Fix When Amazon Fire Stick Won’t Fit In My TV?

The solution includes several methods that will help you discover and solve the problem without giving it much thought.

Let’s begin with your Firestick to HDMI compatibility:

Method #1 Connect To A HDCP 2.2 Port

Since Firestick 4K and the regular Firestick are not compatible with every HDMI, they must be connected to an HDCP 2.2 HDMI port.

Most TVs nowadays have this entire and it’s easy to distinguish the port from the other connectors, due to its label.

Where Is The HDCP 2.2 HDMI Port?

To find the HDCP 2.2 HDMI port on your TV, you will need a flashlight. You can either use a flashlight or use the flashlight on your smartphone to take a look at the TV ports.

When the area is visible, take a closer look at the back ports of the TV. The HDCP HDMI port should have a label on top of it.

These connectors are regularly located on the side panel or the backside panel of the TV. 

Assuming that your TV has more than one HDMI connector, it will be quite difficult to tell the HDCP slot from the other ones.

The HDCP connectors can have 2 labels:

• A label that says “HDCP 2.2”
• A label that says “4K”

Once you’ve found the slot, attempt to plug in your Firestick there and check.

Alert: Make sure not to press too hard with your Firestick’s HDMI cable or this may damage it.

Method #2 Attempt All HDMI Connectors

Whenever the Firestick won’t fit in HDMI port even when identifying the right connectors, you should test out all of the available inputs.

In case you already have devices plugged into your TV, make sure to disconnect everything and test each of your HDMI ports.

Your TV should be equipped with at least 3 standalone HDMI ports. One of them should be located on the side for easy access and the other 2 HDMI ports should be on the back.

Don’t forget to update the source option of your TV to determine when the connection will work.

Note: Remember that if the HDMI slot is compatible with your Firestick, it wouldn’t require force.

Method #3 Use An HDMI Converter

Whenever Amazon Firestick won’t fit behind TV, we suggest getting a converter that will allow you to connect your Firestick to a 2.2 HDCP HDMI slot.

Assuming your device has the basic 1.4 HDMI connectors, you will need an HDMI 1.4 to 2.2 HDCP converter.

You can acquire these devices at an approachable price at technical stores. For instance, such a device on Amazon costs around $20 and you can order it today.

How To Setup 1.4 To 2.2 HDCP Converter?

Once you have the converter, you will have to connect it to power first.

There are three slots on the converter:

• HDMI 1.4
• HDMI 2.2 HDCP
• Power adapter input

Use a standard power adapter to connect the converter to power. Then, hook up the converter to your TV using HDMI 1.4.

Lastly, connect the Firestick to the converter, on the HDMI 2.2 HDCP’ side.

Note: The converter has to be laid somewhere. Make sure not to leave it hanging in the air, unless you purchase a lighter HDMI converter model.

Method #4 Clean Connector Obstructions

Another thing you can do to make your Firestick fit is to clean the HDMI connectors.

For this method to work, your TV must have an HDMI HDCP connector, but you’re not able to connect your Firestick due to obstructions in both instances.

Here’s how to clean the obstructions off of your HDMI ports on Firestick:

1. Grab a couple of cotton buds.
2. Slightly wet the cotton buds.
3. Start collecting the dust within all HDMI ports with the buds, carefully.
4. Take any obstructions within the HDMI ports on your Firestick as well.
5. Once you’ve collected everything, let the ports dry.
6. Test inserting your Firestick.

Alert: Be careful not to leave any cotton inside the slot. This may obstruct Firestick's entry.

Method #5 Get An HDMI Cable Extender

Since the Firestick may be too big to enter the HDMI compartment that has the slots on your TV, it’s best to use an extender for the purpose.

Once again, you must be certain that your TV has an HDMI HDCP 2.2, for this method to work.

You will have to acquire a 2.2 HDMI cable extender and plug it into one of the HDCP slots on the back/side of your TV.

Then, simply attach the Firestick into that slot and everything should work just like a charm.

Alert: Make sure that the extender isn’t twisting and the Firestick isn’t hanging, otherwise this can harm both the Firestick and the HDMI ports on your TV.

Method #6 Service The Firestick

The last possibility in which your Firestick won’t fit into a compatible HDMI port is when there is a bend on one of the entries.

Your Firestick HDMI could be impacted, therefore, it won’t fit in any compatible HDMI input.

When you’ve attempted to plug your Firestick into several compatible ports, it’s easy to assume that there is something wrong with the Firestick HDMI port.

By taking a look at the HDMI input on top, you would be able to determine whether the metal connector is bent.

The best way to proceed in such situations is to deliver the Firestick for a repair!

Alert: Attempting to straighten the HDMI port bends yourself, will drop the product warranty.

More Ways To Fix When Firestick Not Fitting In HDMI?

Let’s explore the main reasons why users can’t connect their Firestick to an HDMI port on their smart TVs and other devices.

You’re Using An ARC/eARC HDMI

Almost any TV released within the last 10 years should have an HDMI ARC port on the back where the many inputs are located.

In case you’re attempting to plug your Firestick into an HDMI ARC, it is not going to fit since it’s not meant to be inserted there.

HDMI ARC inputs are only used to connect sound systems and primarily audio devices that transfer sound to the TV.

Since Firestick is not an audio device, it won't fit an ARC slot.

The HDMI Board Is Too Thin

A problem often reported by the Firestick users is that their sideboard that contains all of the HDMIs is too thin to fit the Firestick.

If you were to attempt to connect the Firestick, it will either impact the slot or the Firestick itself, which is something you don’t want.

The universal solution in cases like this is to use an HDMI extender that has a thinner HDMI head, that can connect with an input of the board.

Your TV Doesn’t Have An HDCP Slots

Even though HDCP HDMI slots are essential with most TVs, yours may not have an HDCP-compatible HDMI input.

Practically, the HDCP slot stands for “High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection” and it’s the universal HDMI connector of all devices.

Note: The Firestick is only compatible with HDMI connectors of the HDCP family.

Quick Recap:

When Firestick won’t fit into an HDMI port you should make sure that you’re not using the HDMI ARC of your TV. The next step is to check the compatibility and whether your TV uses the supported 2.2 or the older 1.4 HDMI entries.

Read Next: ESPN App Not Working on Firestick?

Bottom Line:

Now that you know why Firestick won’t fit in HDMI port you should already know how to proceed.

Whether it’s going to be an extender or converted, you should find a compatible way to connect your Firestick to your TV.

In case you’re interested in more relevant posts, check out more content in our tech blog.

Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.

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