The Streaming Stick 4K hides behind your TV and delivers 4K, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Setup is mostly automatic, but a few choices during activation decide how smooth the next few years go. Here is the whole process, start to finish.

What you'll need

  • A TV with a free HDMI port
  • Your Wi-Fi network name and password
  • A Roku account (free to create)
  • The USB power cable and power adapter in the box

The steps

  1. Plug the stick into an HDMI port

    Connect the stick directly to a free HDMI port on your TV. If it doesn't physically fit, use the HDMI extender cable in the box. Note the input label (HDMI 1, HDMI 2) because you'll need it in the next step.

    Avoid plugging into a port hidden behind a wall mount without the extender — metal brackets can weaken the Wi-Fi signal.

  2. Connect power

    Plug the long-range USB power cable into the stick, then into the wall adapter and an outlet. You can use a TV USB port in a pinch, but the wall adapter gives steadier power and the cable's built-in wireless receiver works best this way.

  3. Switch the TV to the right input

    Use the Input or Source button on your TV remote and pick the HDMI port you used. You should see the Roku welcome animation within a few seconds.

  4. Pair the remote

    Insert the included batteries. The voice remote usually pairs on its own. If nothing happens, press and hold the pairing button inside the battery compartment for five seconds while standing near the stick.

  5. Choose language and connect to Wi-Fi

    Pick your language, select your Wi-Fi network, and enter the password carefully — passwords are case-sensitive. The stick downloads the latest Roku OS update and may restart once.

  6. Let the TV picture check run

    Roku tests your HDMI connection and chooses the best resolution automatically. Accept the suggested setting unless you know your TV supports something better; you can change it later under Settings > Display type.

  7. Activate with a Roku account

    The screen shows a code. On your phone or computer, go to roku.com/link, sign in or create a free account, and enter the code. Never enter this code on any site other than roku.com — lookalike sites exist that charge fake 'activation fees'. Roku activation is always free.

    Roku never charges to activate a device. Any page or phone number asking for payment to activate is a scam.

  8. Pick your apps and finish

    Choose the streaming channels you use; Roku installs them now so you skip the wait later. Sign in to each app with its own account the first time you open it.

Worth knowing

  • Rename the input on your TV to 'Roku' so family members stop guessing.
  • Turn on Settings > System > Power > Auto power savings to let the stick sleep.
  • If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, your Roku remote can control TV power and volume — set it under Settings > Remotes & devices.

Common mistakes

  • Paying a third party for 'activation'. Roku setup is free.
  • Using a random USB cable instead of the long-range wireless cable — Wi-Fi range suffers.
  • Skipping the display test, then wondering why HDR looks wrong later.

For account-specific or warranty issues, go straight to Roku's official support site. FoxStream publishes guides and is not an official support channel for Roku.

Research basis: Roku Streaming Stick 4K (model 3820), Roku OS 12.5 and later. Steps checked against current manufacturer documentation as of the last-updated date above.