Enable VDA Over TCP/IP

VDA allows you to interact with and debug Amazon devices, such as Fire TV. VDA uses a USB connection, but can also function over a network (TCP/IP).

The kepler exec vda tcpip command enables the network functionality by restarting the VDA daemon on your Fire TV device to listen for commands over TCP/IP instead of a USB connection. This enables wireless debugging of your Fire TV device.

This page provides instructions for enabling VDA over TCP/IP on your Fire TV device.

Syntax and parameter

kepler exec vda tcpip <port>

where:

kepler exec vda - The main command for interacting with your Fire TV device.

tcpip - The subcommand that enables TCP/IP connectivity.

<port> - The port number for the VDA daemon to listen on (typically, port 5555).

TCP/IP configuration

1. Connect your Fire TV device through a USB and run:

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   kepler exec vda devices
   

Your terminal displays a list of USB-connected devices.

1. Verify that your Fire TV device has completed the initial setup (Out-of-Box Experience or OOBE).

   • If you can access the Fire TV home screen and use apps, your device has completed OOBE.
   • If you're seeing setup screens requesting for language preferences, Wi-Fi setup, or Amazon account login, the OOBE isn't yet complete. Complete the on-screen setup.

2. Ensure your Fire TV device is connected to the same network as your host machine.

3. Find your Fire TV device's IP address using one of the following methods:

   a. On your Fire TV device, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Network

   b. Using a VDA command (if USB debugging is already enabled):

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      kepler exec vda shell /sbin/ifconfig wlan0
   

4. Record the IP address for later use.

   Note: You can ping your Fire TV device's IP address from your host machine. If you can't ping the device, check your network settings.

5. Restart VDA in TCP/IP mode.

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   kepler exec vda tcpip 5555
   

   The system displays this message: "restarting in TCP mode port: 5555".

6. Disconnect the USB cable from your Fire TV device.

7. Connect to the Fire TV device using its IP address.

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   kepler exec vda connect <device_ip_address>:5555
   

8. Check the connection.

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   kepler exec vda devices
   

   The terminal shows the Fire TV device with its IP address.

9. (Optional) Switch back to USB mode.

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   kepler exec vda usb
   

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using VDA over TCP/IP, see Fix VDA Connection and Power Issues.

Related topics

• VDA Reference

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Last updated: Sep 30, 2025