- Roku streaming sticks do not come with an HDMI cable in their box
- … but you can still get one for free if you ask
- The request process is simple and should only take a few minutes
If you’ve tried a few different streaming stick brands, you’ve noticed that Roku sticks lack a bonus HDMI cable that you get for free with an Amazon Fire Stick. Well, it turns out you can get this cable for free with Roku sticks, too — if you know where to ask.
Whether you’re upgrading an older TV, want access to your favorite streaming content when you travel, or have another need for one, streaming sticks from Amazon and Roku can be super handy.
But based on the design and port layout of your TV and the other devices you’ve connected, it can be difficult to connect a streaming stick directly to your screen — which is why Amazon Fire Sticks and others may come with an HDMI extender, a short extra cable that creates more space between your stick and screen.
You won’t find an extender in your Roku stick box, but you can request one for free from an official Roku HDMI page. Simply fill in the form with your name, address, phone number and your streaming stick’s serial number.
The serial number will be printed on the stick itself with a label ‘SN:#####’ – with your device’s serial number replacing #####. Alternatively, your stick’s serial number should appear in the Roku app; go to your Devices page, tap the menu icon with three dots next to the streaming stick, then tap to view system information.
With all your information filled in, the HDMI extender will be delivered to your home free of charge – you wouldn’t even have to pay postage.
Cord Cutters News recently flagged this hidden feature, and while the request form has been around for some time, requesting an extension has reportedly become a much simpler process.
While not as streamlined as including the HDMI cable in the box to begin with, this approach saves Roku some costs and reduces technical waste. Of course, this means for us consumers that setting up a Roku streaming stick can take a bit longer as we have to wait for another package to arrive at our home.
Not including this tool in the box can also reduce the effectiveness of Roku’s streaming sticks, as an extender can improve airflow to the stick, helping performance.
Even if you’ve been having issues with the Roku stick, this could be the solution you needed.
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