Develop Bugs

USB host cable for $5 on Amazon with Prime (works)

So, this works:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FUNYSA/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details
However, it doesn't work for everything. A mouse works, but a USB Flash Drive doesn't seem to work, nor does another USB device that does work on the Acer A500 Android tablet I have.
So... Yeah. Just thought you guys would wanna know. I'll look into more devices. I know Honeycomb supported all kinds of USB devices (hub, flash drive, mouse, keyboard) so I'm a little surprised the flash drive didn't work. I'll let you know if I find anything else out. Might just be a driver issue we can work out with custom ROMS. Obviously the communications is working since the mouse works. It could be a power draw issue. I have a USB power meter and the mouse draws 20ma. The flash drive that doesn't work draws 60ma.
-Taylor
UPDATE: Works great with a device we are developing at work (basically a USB hub and FTDI chip combo board if that means anything to ya). It draws about 62ma, so the flash drive issue must not be due to power draw.
UPDATE 2: Rooted users can easily mount flash drives using the app StickMount in the market - its very clean and works well! Thanks to user [esoomenona] for the suggestion.

For who lives outside the USA, buy this with international free shipping: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/usb-fe...a-cable-for-samsung-i9100-galaxy-s2-5cm-67186
The only cons is that can take a while to arrive.

Would something like This work?

TweakMyDevice said:
Would something like This work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/micro-usb-on-the-go-host-otg-adapter-pair-50774

Do you get a cursor if you plug in a mouse?

Thank you I was looking for something like this. Finding the right cable on Amazon is like a needle in a hay stack.

For $5 i'll give it a try. Thanks!

TweakMyDevice said:
Would something like This work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it looks like no. One of the reviews points out its not a USB OTG (On the go) adapter. USB On the go is a USB port that can act either as a device (plug it into your computer) or as a host (plug in a mouse, etc). In order to tell the phone which mode to be in, USB OTG connectors need to have one of the pins hooked up to ground. Unfortunately not all of these adapters do (I have no idea what they're good for if they don't) and it looks like that one doesn't. But someone linked to the one on DealExtreme that might work.
wonshikee said:
Do you get a cursor if you plug in a mouse?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure do! Its pretty nifty.
Pacifik said:
Thank you I was looking for something like this. Finding the right cable on Amazon is like a needle in a hay stack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh I just found a cheap one that looked ok and said it worked with some Samsung devices. I'm also happy its right angle, as its more pocketable. But glad to help!
-Taylor

http://www.amazon.com/Micro-USB-OTG-2-0-Adapter/dp/B005QX7KYU/ref=pd_cp_cps_1
Here's a cheaper one.
I would prefer this over a one piece, as I am worried about bending the micro usb port.

wonshikee said:
http://www.amazon.com/Micro-USB-OTG-2-0-Adapter/dp/B005QX7KYU/ref=pd_cp_cps_1
Here's a cheaper one.
I would prefer this over a one piece, as I am worried about bending the micro usb port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. Not Amazon Prime though. Its got free shipping but it would probably take a while. I ordered mine friday and got it yesterday (monday).

wonshikee said:
http://www.amazon.com/Micro-USB-OTG-2-0-Adapter/dp/B005QX7KYU/ref=pd_cp_cps_1
Here's a cheaper one.
I would prefer this over a one piece, as I am worried about bending the micro usb port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shoot, I paid a little over four bucks for that same one from the same company, on Newegg. I should've looked at Amazon as well. Oh well...

Okay, so I received the cable I stated above, and tried to plug in a microSD card via USB adapter, and it didn't work. After a bit of googling, I've come to think of two options for why it doesn't:
1. The cable doesn't work
2. The OS doesn't seem to mount them automatically. I found an app called StickMount on the Market, but it requires root, and I haven't rooted yet.
Anyone know anything about this?

esoomenona said:
Okay, so I received the cable I stated above, and tried to plug in a microSD card via USB adapter, and it didn't work. After a bit of googling, I've come to think of two options for why it doesn't:
1. The cable doesn't work
2. The OS doesn't seem to mount them automatically. I found an app called StickMount on the Market, but it requires root, and I haven't rooted yet.
Anyone know anything about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I mentioned in the first post that USB flash drives don't work. A card reader is going to have the same issue, as they're basically the same. I think its related to the phone not having its own microSD card, and so it lacks the drivers to mount storage properly. Which still seems silly to me if the device has USB host support, they should include those things!
Plug in a mouse. If a mouse works, the cable is fine.

esoomenona said:
Okay, so I received the cable I stated above, and tried to plug in a microSD card via USB adapter, and it didn't work. After a bit of googling, I've come to think of two options for why it doesn't:
1. The cable doesn't work
2. The OS doesn't seem to mount them automatically. I found an app called StickMount on the Market, but it requires root, and I haven't rooted yet.
Anyone know anything about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly think this is going to be it...because of internal storage it doesn't come with the native ability to detect external storage. I'd imagine that app would allow it or that it'll get pushed out as an update down the road...maybe a MOD will get made too if it takes too long.
Either way, when mine comes *crosses fingers for tomorrow* I'll be rooting and post back the results.

Oh damn, StickMount works! Plug in a USB drive and stickmount will pop up asking to run. Then it mounts the drive and my file browser sees it. Then you unmount the drive before unplugging. Wish it was native but this is pretty damn simple. Thanks for finding it!
I was a bit skeptical since the USB drive doesn't even light up when you first plug it in, but once you run stickmount its all good!
Go ahead and root that thing! Just note rooting will erase the phone, so back up first!

I had a Micro USB to USB female for my Nook Color for UBS host. Tried it. Worked like a charm. It even drew enough to power a hub, the keyboard, and the mouse. I was shocked. Im going to but a splitter and use a MHL out to HDMI for 1080 goodness.
Got mine on Amazon for $1.46. Works well (I just wish it was a cable and not a plug though(.

I'll have to see how this works out, ordered the cable.
I have an externally powered USB hub that I can plug into the USB OTG cable.

This is great, I've been looking for these cables. Thanks!
Edit: Does anyone have any idea if you can use an MHL adapter for HDMI at the same time as one of these? I see that some MHL adapters have charging ports, but I don't know if they support data.

nosit1 said:
Im going to buy a splitter and use a MHL out to HDMI for 1080 goodness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using MHL through a splitter won't work based on how MHL works. You either get USB or MHL. MHL does not use USB-compatible signaling.

Alright, I typed this with a mouse and it's slow, but cool. Guess it's time to root. See you on the other side.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Samsung galaxy S3 OTG for USB 3. hard drives

Hi there,
I have a samsung galaxy S3 (rooted) and have recently purchased OTG cable. The problem is that when I connect s3 with Hitachi Touro (mobile USB 3.0) through OTG cable hard drive does appear in files. I have installed paragon NTFS and stickmount apps but it doesn't seem to connect even though a message keeps appearing "usb connector is connected". Hard drive gives a clicking sound when it is connected with S3 but works perfectly with the computer.
Does anyone know solution to this?
Thanks and regards

I've heard of some people having problems when connected to a usb 3.0 port on their computer and have to connect to a 2.0 port instead. Maybe related?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

DocHoliday77 said:
I've heard of some people having problems when connected to a usb 3.0 port on their computer and have to connect to a 2.0 port instead. Maybe related?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB 3.0 I don't think is supported. What I've seen people do is use a 2.0 cable extension with their 3.0 device. As this downgrades it to 2.0 because they should be compatible with 2.0 just won't have the insane speeds as 3.0. Or you can get a USB hub and plug it in that way.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Sounds like the Hard Drive is not getting enough power (The clicking), do you have it plugged into an external power supply?
*.*

splatdotsplat said:
Sounds like the Hard Drive is not getting enough power (The clicking), do you have it plugged into an external power supply?
*.*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the replies. Hard drive is not connected to power supply as it is portable.

Maazyazdani said:
Thanks for all the replies. Hard drive is not connected to power supply as it is portable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Splatdotsplat is correct. That clicking sound are the heads resetting to the park position. This usually happens when drives are not getting enough power. When the drive spins up it peaks its power consumption and cuts out because there is not enough so the heads reset. Portable or not that is the issue. I have seen this happen with some portable drives on computers (especially larger capacity). A lot of times the solution can be as simple as using a shorter cable. Sometimes it doesn't work.

as stated above, the only way to run external hdd's of any kind is to be sure they're powered, even some thumbdrives will draw more power than the phone can provide and you'll notice your batt life take a steep dive (as did my Galaxy Nexus w/otg on an HP 16gb thumbdrive)
power the drive through a powered hub and you're good to go!

splatdotsplat said:
Sounds like the Hard Drive is not getting enough power (The clicking), do you have it plugged into an external power supply?
*.*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why i recommended using a USB powered HUB as the HUB will give enough power to the external hard drive.

elesbb said:
This is why i recommended using a USB powered HUB as the HUB will give enough power to the external hard drive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having the same issue myself, otg cable with Samsung portable 500GB external HDD and stickmount pro works fine with my Nexus 7,but won't work with my Galaxy even though it recognises the HDD, so do you think a USB hub would be the solution, and can anyone recommend one
Thanks

Anyone?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

i wish there are people who are willing to investigate/try this thing out, it would be awesome to make a portable hard drive works on our S3..

kemaro30 said:
i wish there are people who are willing to investigate/try this thing out, it would be awesome to make a portable hard drive works on our S3..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to throw in some info. I do agree about the hdd not getting enough power as the cause for the clicking. I have a 500gb hitachi drive that does that if a long usb cable is used. The drive didn't come with a power adapter but instead came with a short usb cable that had two heads. allowing it to draw power from two ports. It also had a port for an adaptor though.
When testing with my Samsung Galaxy sIII It doesn't work unless I have the hd running via external power or have the second usb connector on the cable connected to a charging usb cable. Both options charge the phone while the hd is connected to the phone.
The usb cable with the double ports actually works well for me. I have the first port connected to the otg cable that I made and the second connection connected to a usb extender that is connected to my 2A tablet charger. That way I can charge at the same time.

esqueue said:
Just to throw in some info. I do agree about the hdd not getting enough power as the cause for the clicking. I have a 500gb hitachi drive that does that if a long usb cable is used. The drive didn't come with a power adapter but instead came with a short usb cable that had two heads. allowing it to draw power from two ports. It also had a port for an adaptor though.
When testing with my Samsung Galaxy sIII It doesn't work unless I have the hd running via external power or have the second usb connector on the cable connected to a charging usb cable. Both options charge the phone while the hd is connected to the phone.
The usb cable with the double ports actually works well for me. I have the first port connected to the otg cable that I made and the second connection connected to a usb extender that is connected to my 2A tablet charger. That way I can charge at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi the problem i basically power as in the amount of current your device requires, i know that the standard specifications of the original 2.0 interface is about max 500mA and 5Vdc per port, in some cases the maximum output current is even smaller due to hardware restrictions, this can lead to difficulties when trying to power something like an external hard drive. Therefore a long cable will also give a problem due to the resistance of the material, because the required voltage level is not high enough.
I do not know if there is a spec sheet containing information about the output capabilities of the usb port, if there is one i recommend using that to match an external hard drives, if you do not want to use an external power supply.
Edit: you could also use an external power bank/battery pack but i seems a bit bulky

kemaro30 said:
i wish there are people who are willing to investigate/try this thing out, it would be awesome to make a portable hard drive works on our S3..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure go out and buy me one and i'll test all day..
USB OTG works out of the box for low power devices. I havent seen/read anything stating USB 3.0 works on the S3. I have a 1TB hard drive my brother gave me, its not the newer ones that are ssd so it has a power adapter with it and it works perfectly with my S3. Going to be using it in a few minutes to back up my internal SD.

So guys I have the GT-I9300 ( Galaxy S3 ) and I have 1 TB WD My Passport
I'm plannig to buy the OTG piece ! so as of now is possible to connect the hardrive to the phone or not yet !?

Is there even a driver and an app to do such a thing? As I see it the USB port is configured as an external storage device to connect to a computer not the other way around. What you are doing is connecting two storage devices together. There's no way I would ever connect anything to my phones USB port that requires power. If I were to, it would be through a powered hub.

Hi Eles
elesbb said:
USB 3.0 I don't think is supported. What I've seen people do is use a 2.0 cable extension with their 3.0 device. As this downgrades it to 2.0 because they should be compatible with 2.0 just won't have the insane speeds as 3.0. Or you can get a USB hub and plug it in that way.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read that you connected your S3 with external powered HDD. I bought yesterday the genuine samsung OTG cable and it is working only with memory stick and joystick controller. Don't know why it is not working with my external powered HDD - 500 GB WD. Any ideea ? My S3 is not rooted.
Thanks,
M.

No, nobody is going to have a recommendation for a powered USB hub.
It's a trivial, generic, piece of kit you buy nearly anywhere for under US$10 (unless you're a complete sucker.) Just make sure whatever you get *includes* a power supply.
Get one in the shape of a person, or a kitty cat, or a Tardis, whatever thrills you.

KurrentUser said:
Is there even a driver and an app to do such a thing? As I see it the USB port is configured as an external storage device to connect to a computer not the other way around. What you are doing is connecting two storage devices together. There's no way I would ever connect anything to my phones USB port that requires power. If I were to, it would be through a powered hub.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's not quite accurate. when you plug your phone into your PC, the drivers that you installed will see your phone as a usb device (or media device) and allow you to use your phone as such
an OTG (on-the-go) cable allows you to connect a storage device to your phone, such as a thumb drive or external hard drive (powered or not) and then your phone acts like your PC and uses that device as storage

elesbb said:
USB 3.0 I don't think is supported. What I've seen people do is use a 2.0 cable extension with their 3.0 device. As this downgrades it to 2.0 because they should be compatible with 2.0 just won't have the insane speeds as 3.0. Or you can get a USB hub and plug it in that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that in my case forcing my ADATA HV610 1 TB disk to USB 2.0 mode worked. The trick is to use a standard micro-USB cable (e.g. the one that comes with your charger) instead of the standard cable that comes with the HDD.
More detail:
The common USB 3 cable which comes with most new HDDs uses USB 3.0 Micro-B plug which, in practice, is a micro-USB with a "half-micro-USB" next to it. The part most people don't know is that you can use a common micro-USB cable (as the one from your charger) to connect your HDD to your PC (or other device) with the cost of loss of USB 3.0 compatibility. Which, in our case, is what we need, as this switch makes the HDD less power-hungry.
Post a comment if it works for other hard drives too (I think WD also use Micro-B connectors for their USB 3.0 Passports)

OTG cable for Nexus 7 2013

Does anybody know of a working OTG cable for the Nexus 7 2013? If so please reply with a link to Amazon. I am planning to hook up either a ps3 controller or xbox 360 controller.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095TEL8Y/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Bought it and am using it.

For 2013 version?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Using it right at this very moment on my very own N7 2013 built in July 2013

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0073EPXO4/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is what I'm using. Cheap & works great & is pretty thick, I feel like it'll last long.

I use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009YPYORM/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
purchased from seller: Atomic Market for around $10
It has the additional bonus of being able to accept power via its additional USB cable.
I find the Nexus 7 LTE 2013 does not need the additional power for typical USB thumb drives, but it might be needed for other devices like an external disk drive.
I find my Chromecast must have this cable powered in order to use a USB thumb drive to root and replace the android operating system.
You can save a few bucks for a cable that does not provide power if you want.
I also own this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FUNYSA/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(purchased from amazon seller: Digital Center(Ships From Hong Kong)
which only costs $1.49 with free shipping. It was $0.83 when I purchased it last year.
It works on the Nexus 7 LTE 2013 with USB thumb drives, but does NOT provide additional power for devices which may need it.

Can you confirm thath this otg power cable charges the nexus 7 2013 while still reading peripheral data from usb port?
HowardZ said:
I use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009YPYORM/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
purchased from seller: Atomic Market for around $10
It has the additional bonus of being able to accept power via its additional USB cable.
I find the Nexus 7 LTE 2013 does not need the additional power for typical USB thumb drives, but it might be needed for other devices like an external disk drive.
I find my Chromecast must have this cable powered in order to use a USB thumb drive to root and replace the android operating system.
You can save a few bucks for a cable that does not provide power if you want.
I also own this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FUNYSA/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(purchased from amazon seller: Digital Center(Ships From Hong Kong)
which only costs $1.49 with free shipping. It was $0.83 when I purchased it last year.
It works on the Nexus 7 LTE 2013 with USB thumb drives, but does NOT provide additional power for devices which may need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

bossman137 said:
Can you confirm thath this otg power cable charges the nexus 7 2013 while still reading peripheral data from usb port?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only confirm that both OTG cables I own work on the Nexus 7 2013.

i am using one that came with my minix x5 and it works on all my android devices, but the connection is loose. i would be surprised if there was one that did not work as the cable itself is such a simple thing.
i would also like to know of a working powered option. i thought the powered cables only supply power to the accessory, not to charge the device itself.

HowardZ said:
I can only confirm that both OTG cables I own work on the Nexus 7 2013.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you have the USB OTG cable with the additional cable for charging, would you mind testing it by:
1). Connecting a working USB device (mouse, HDD, etc.)
2). Connecting the USB power to the 2nd cable in the OTG cable
I am trying to use a BT keyboard and non-BT wireless mouse and charge the N7, but unfortunately, it drains the battery down heavily.
PS: I CANNOT use both BT keyboard and mouse AND have Wifi ON, as it interferes with the BT radio, making the keyboard and mouse lag heavily. I have created a thread on this also.

What thread is that?
Sent from my Nexus 7

fackamato said:
What thread is that?
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...ess mouse (non-bluetooth) that works with N7?

lanwarrior said:
Since you have the USB OTG cable with the additional cable for charging, would you mind testing it by:
1). Connecting a working USB device (mouse, HDD, etc.)
2). Connecting the USB power to the 2nd cable in the OTG cable
I am trying to use a BT keyboard and non-BT wireless mouse and charge the N7, but unfortunately, it drains the battery down heavily.
PS: I CANNOT use both BT keyboard and mouse AND have Wifi ON, as it interferes with the BT radio, making the keyboard and mouse lag heavily. I have created a thread on this also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have connected a USB thumb drive. The thumb drive works with or without power attached, but it will not charge. I suppose it is built to provide the power to the attached USB device and not to the phone / tablet.
Regards
Howard

I just got a cable from monoprice and it works great.
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=108&cp_id=10833&cs_id=1083314&p_id=9724&seq=1&format=2

Has anyone found an OTG cable that can be used to power a thumb drive and apply power to the Nexus 7? I'm trying to find one for when I'm traveling. I'd like to be able to watch movies and keep the device charging.

lanwarrior said:
Since you have the USB OTG cable with the additional cable for charging, would you mind testing it by:
1). Connecting a working USB device (mouse, HDD, etc.)
2). Connecting the USB power to the 2nd cable in the OTG cable
I am trying to use a BT keyboard and non-BT wireless mouse and charge the N7, but unfortunately, it drains the battery down heavily.
PS: I CANNOT use both BT keyboard and mouse AND have Wifi ON, as it interferes with the BT radio, making the keyboard and mouse lag heavily. I have created a thread on this also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps a small powered USB hub will reduce the power drain on the N7?

Have a look at this.
Some ****ty spam prevention policies don't allow me posting an outside link.
(Seems I haven't posted "enough" to be considered "trustable"
So figure out the url below.
ptth:\\mehrvarz.github.io\usb-host-mode-power-management-nexus7\

xr_ghg said:
Some ****ty spam prevention policies don't allow me posting an outside link.
(Seems I haven't posted "enough" to be considered "trustable"
So figure out the url below.
ptth:\\mehrvarz.github.io\usb-host-mode-power-management-nexus7\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy enough to figure out...but I will post clickable link for ya http://mehrvarz.github.io/usb-host-mode-power-management-nexus7/

lanwarrior said:
Since you have the USB OTG cable with the additional cable for charging, would you mind testing it by:
1). Connecting a working USB device (mouse, HDD, etc.)
2). Connecting the USB power to the 2nd cable in the OTG cable
I am trying to use a BT keyboard and non-BT wireless mouse and charge the N7, but unfortunately, it drains the battery down heavily.
PS: I CANNOT use both BT keyboard and mouse AND have Wifi ON, as it interferes with the BT radio, making the keyboard and mouse lag heavily. I have created a thread on this also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My y-connector from my n4 doesn't charge while using USB otg. The ability to do so is not written in the software. I'll try to locate the source and report. OTOH, the USB otg connectors from my GNex and N4 all work on my N5 and both old and new N7's.
EDIT: I just ran across this. I'm sure it's for the original N7. I wasn't even aware of it so obviously have not tested it. I did use ziddey's kernel on the N4. Still searching.
2nd EDIT: Available for N7 FLO/DEB 4.4.2. I'm running franco but will revert to stock then try this (as soon as I make a nandroid of my device).
3rd EDIT: That kernel does work to charge while on usb otg. It is a setting you choose to activate during the set-up. I just chose stock everything until I got to the power choices. I will say that although the install was successful, I came as close as I've ever come to thinking my device was bricked. After the install, the screen went black and I couldn't do anything. After about a 30 sec power button mash, everything booted back up. This video shows installation on the N5. Some choices are different on the N7 FHD. As I said above, I was NOT returned to TWRP after installation.
There is a note about altering a sys file for OTG peripherals. I only attached a flash drive and the usb_charge_mode was set to Y (I assume for yes). You may have to perform the edit if using a peripheral device.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

Amazon fire stick no longer working

Have the family over wanted to watch some shows and with my luck the stick doesn't want to work it shows the amazon screen then shuts off.... Any help on getting this to work

Had the device since November worked perfect up in till today.

First thing comes to mind for me is power supply. Id contact amazon. By any chance are you plugging it into your TV instead of using the include wall adapter?

KLit75 said:
First thing comes to mind for me is power supply. Id contact amazon. By any chance are you plugging it into your TV instead of using the include wall adapter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had it plugged with the tv's usb hub and worked up in till today so I switched to the power supply outlet and still get the same thing... Even tried different tv and hdmi port. Was there a update for it or anything that bricked it?

ROADKING17 said:
I had it plugged with the tv's usb hub and worked up in till today so I switched to the power supply outlet and still get the same thing... Even tried different tv and hdmi port. Was there a update for it or anything that bricked it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This actually just came up the other day on another site. Its highly unlikely an update caused your issue but TV USB ports don't usually provide stable power and you can potentially damage the device over time. But of course I can't say for certain that's your issue. I'd contact amazon. Its not likely anyone here can help because I don't think your issue is software related.

Ok thank you

Amazon Firestick

Hi, ive registered with this forum to ask for some information on the Amazon Firestick. I am thinking of buying a fully loaded stick from Ebay in the UK. My main question is i have a UMC 40 inch TV with a usb and Hdmi port but its not a smart tv. Will the Firestick work or do i need a smart tv. Any help would be appreciated Thanks

No SmartTV needed, only HDMI is mandatory of course. USB power can (or better should) be done with the USB power supply of the stick, so also USB must not be used from the TV and can be left free for other devices which need to be connected directly to the TV.

Calibaan said:
USB power can (or better should) be done with the USB power supply of the stick, so also USB must not be used from the TV and can be left free for other devices which need to be connected directly to the TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
= Plug the FireTV Stick into the wall for power, don't plug it into a USB port on your TV for power.

I use my tv's USB port for power with no ill effects. We don't use the USB port for anything else, and it means we don't have to have yet another device plugged into the wall. It does mean that the Fire TV boots up every time the TV turns on, but it boots fast enough that this has not been a distraction.

stealthdave said:
I use my tv's USB port for power with no ill effects. We don't use the USB port for anything else, and it means we don't have to have yet another device plugged into the wall. It does mean that the Fire TV boots up every time the TV turns on, but it boots fast enough that this has not been a distraction.
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It might work fine for you and other people, but in general, TV USB ports are not reliable as a power source. That might vary from brand to brand, however, it should be noted that an inconsistent power supply or one that doesn't meet the manufacturer's specifications can be bad for the unit over time.
I tried it with other devices. Its a nice way to eliminate wires but I got random reboots and freezes. Never tried it with stick but some people report it works fine.

In general it might work with regular USB power from a TV USB port but I personally had problems with WIFI. It seemed that the stick did switch down WIFI speed (and probably slows down the CPU) when the power is restricted to a TV USB port but does run on full speed with the external power supply. Also those decoding problems during video streaming which is often reported here may come from insufficient power.
A USB port is specified to deliver 0.5A at 5V so thats only 2.5W power which is guaranteed and it´s only mandatory for devices like TV sets to deliver more power. So it makes sense that Amazon did deliver an external power supply knowing the power consumption of their stick My hint would be to check first with external power supply if the stick is running fine and how is streaming working with speed and quality than it is still possible to try only with the TV USB power and it can be compared if there are no negative perfomance issues. But I bet most people will attach the external power again.