Roku setup

[garden54]

I just added a ROKU Streaming Stick to a HDMI input of my TCL (Google Platform) TV.

Even though it is generally not needed, I cannot seem to get the ROKU remote to navigate, even though the ROKU home page does come up on the TV.

Suggestions??

[Tivoburkee]

Is the Roku remote paired to Roku? And are you using the original usb cable with bump in it? Because the remote doesn't communicate with the Stick itself, it speaks to the Long-Range wireless receiver which is the bump in the usb cable. 

[garden54]

"Is the Roku remote paired to Roku?"

The remote that is paired is the TCL TV remote. The Roku screen does come up after connecting the Roku stick to one of the 4 HDMI inputs.

"And are you using the original usb cable with bump in it?" 

The cable that is being used from the Roku sticks is connected to the HDMI input. I don't know what  a Bump" is"

"Because the remote doesn't communicate with the Stick itself, it speaks to the Long-Range wireless receiver which is the bump in the usb cable.

Not understanding that comment.

[makaiguy]

@garden54-

Okay, let's back up a bit.

There have been several Roku Streaming Stick models released over the years.  It will help to know which one you have. 

My oldest is a black Streaming Stick 3600.  There are some even older obsolete purple ones.  Roku inexplicably printed the model info in black on my black plastic stick, making it virtually impossible to read - if I get the light just right I can just make out there is printing there, but I can't read it.  This one has its WiFi circuitry inside the case and does not need the special USB power cord mentioned by @Tivoburkee.   I'm having trouble tracking down confirming info, but I think this also applies to the Streaming Stick 3800.

Newer Streaming Stick+ models 3810 and 3821 at least have the model number printed in white so it can be read on the black plastic.  Both of these are supplied with longer range WiFi capability built into a pod in the USB power cable instead of into the stick itself.  If you try to set them up with a normal USB cable instead of their special USB cable, these models will have no WiFi capability.  They cannot then connect to your WiFi to get their programming from the internet, nor will their remotes which communicate via WiFi be able to control them.  These special cables look something like this (slight difference between models):

And finally, your TCL TV remote cannot control the attached Roku.  To control the Roku you must use the Roku remote that came with it.  This remote must be paired to the Roku.  Instructions for this should have come with the Roku, but here is a "How to pair your remote"  page from Roku: https://support.roku.com/article/360011621473