How to Fix Firestick Remote Not Pairing

Firestick, or any streaming device, is the primary method to connect and control the device and TV. If the Firestick remote is not working on your TV, it becomes impossible to control the device, access settings, and even perform internal troubleshooting.

We have faced a similar issue with our new Firestick remote not pairing with the streaming device. There could be multiple reasons behind the problem, ranging from a simple battery fault to a more severe issue like hardware damage.

We’ll cover the probable reasons behind Firestick’s remote pairing issue and share methods to get it working again.

Reasons For Firestick Remote Pairing Troubles

Here are a few reasons why the remote is unable to connect with Firestick:

  • Dead or low-power batteries.
  • Poor line of sight.
  • Hardware issues with the remote.
  • Outdated Firestick software.

Methods to Fix Firestick Remote Not Pairing

There are numerous ways to resolve the firestick remote pairing issues. Follow the below listed methods to resolve the issue.

1. Physical Remote Inspection

Carefully inspect your remote for any dents or damage, especially near the IR blaster region. If you haven’t changed the batteries for quite a while, replace them with new ones (AA or AAA, depending on the remote model).

Using a remote cover can block the IR blaster’s signal capabilities, so remove the cover and retry pairing again. Remove any other objects that block the clear line of sight between the Firestick and the remote.

Note that the remote has a small range of 3 meters, approximately 10 feet. It appears small but is perfect for small to medium-sized rooms. So, get a little closer and repeat the pairing process.

2. Restart Firestick

Ideally, you could restart Firestick with the remote using the built-in settings or the physical button. But when the remote doesn’t work, disconnect it from the power socket and HDMI port and wait for 60 seconds.

Then, reconnect it to the power source and HDMI, and it’ll turn on. If it doesn’t, you can use the Amazon Fire TV app to connect your phone as a remote and then start it.

3. Reset Remote

Firestick has different generation remotes, but the reset method is common in most of them. Turn off the Firestick as described in the previous method and then attempt the remote reset. Here’s how to do it:

Alexa Voice Remote (1st Generation)

  1. Press and hold the Left button and Menu button simultaneously for 12 seconds.
  2. Release the buttons and wait 5 seconds.
  3. Take out the remote batteries.
  4. Plug in your Firestick and wait for the remote can’t be detected warning.
  5. Reinsert the batteries in your remote.
  6. Press the Home button on the remote.

Most Other Remotes

  1. Press and hold the Left, Back, and Menu buttons simultaneously for 12 seconds.
  2. Release the buttons and wait 5 seconds.
  3. Take out the remote batteries.
  4. Plug in your Firestick and wait for the remote can’t be detected warning.
  5. Reinsert the batteries in your remote.
  6. Press the Home button on the remote to begin the pairing.

4. Use Your Mobile Device Like a Fire TV Remote

If the remote reset still doesn’t work, you must use the Fire TV remote app to control Firestick from your phone. We have an elaborate guide on how to set up the app and then add the remote to the device.

While you are at it, update the Firestick using the phone controls. Head to Settings >My Fire TV or Device & Software > About > Check for System Update. Download all the available updates for it.

Note that if you already have paired seven remotes to the Firestick, you can’t pair another one until you remove one of them. Use the phone to go to Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices > Amazon Fire TV Remotes.

Select the remote that you don’t use anymore and remove it. Repeat the process to remove all the old and unused paired remotes.

5. Contact Support

The last resort is to contact the official support channels if you face the Firestick remote blinking orange but not pairing problem. Otherwise, you’ll have to get a new one. Until the replacement arrives, you can watch content using the phone remote control.

Wrapping Up

Firestick supports multiple remotes, and setting them up isn’t a challenge. But it could be a remote or software issue if you cannot pair the remote. Thankfully, the Fire TV remote app can help you navigate and tweak the Firestick settings, including removing the old remotes.

Related Articles:

Explore Stories

AUTHOR.

Photo of author

Abhishek Mishra

Abhishek fell in love with computers and consumer electronics a decade back. He has extensively covered popular operating systems, apps, and web services for the last five years at trusted publications including WindowsLatest, MakeUseOf, and Fossbytes. At YTECHB, he pens elaborate guides, emerging tech topics, and listicles.

Leave a Comment

Share to...