Amazon’s Firestick TV is a great way to access your favorite shows and movies right away, even on a non-smart TV. Firestick brings Fire TV OS to any TV, offering modern and responsive user interface, tons of apps, and also a solid remote control.
But we never know when a good experience turns into a bad one; it can happen in just a few seconds. These are electronic devices, which means they can stop functioning if something goes wrong. One of the most common issues reported by Fire TV and Firestick users is that the Firestick Remote stops working without any physical damage.
Since the remote is an essential tool for controlling the Fire TV, it must function properly. Otherwise you won’t be able to use the Firestick at all. If your Firestick remote also stopped working, you can follow these fixes to get your Firestick remote working again.
How to Fix Firestick Remote Not Working?
There could be various reasons why a Firestick remote might not be working properly. However, there are also a good number of troubleshooting methods you can follow to resolve this issue. With that being said, here are the various troubleshooting methods you can follow to fix your Firestick remote.
The method that worked for me was Fix #4.3
When my Firestick remote stopped working, I checked its status in Settings using the TV’s remote, it was showing ‘offline’ under the battery status. I tried all the basic checks mentioned in this fix guide, none of them worked individually. However, when I combined multiple methods, it worked on the first try. The third reset method in the 4th fix worked like charm, but it’s advisable to begin with the specific checks mentioned below.
Fix 1: Check for Physical Damages
One of the most common reasons for the Firestick remote to not work is simply because the remote could be damaged. Whether it’s internal or external damage, your remote will not work. If you shake the remote and hear the loose items moving around, then you’ll have to get yourself a replacement remote.
In the case of external damages, if you see the remote is cracked or for that matter even bent, a new remote is what you need, but only after performing all fixes. You will find replacement remotes for your Firestick on Amazon itself.
Fix 2: Replace the Batteries
Another reason that your Firestick remote might not be working is because of battery issues. As batteries age, they naturally degrade, and they will not work once depleted.
If this is the issue in your case, you can simply replace the AAA batteries and check if the remote works. If it doesn’t, you can assume that the issue isn’t related to the batteries. Also, ensure you’re using good batteries from a reputable brand.
Fix 3: Check for any Obstructions
Because these are Bluetooth remotes, the distance between your Fire TV and its remote needs to be within range. For extra measure, you can stand a bit closer to your Firestick TV while operating the remote. Also, make sure that your TV isn’t placed in a closed cabinet which might reduce the range between the TV and the remote.
Additionally, if there are other wireless devices nearby the remote or TV, they could interfere with the remote’s operation, sometimes even remote may not work. In this case, devices such as microwave ovens, wireless routers, wireless speakers, or even unshielded coaxial cables can cause your remote to no longer function. The best you can do is either turn these devices off or move them to another location in your house.
Fix 4: Reset Firestick Remote
Instead of unpairing and then pairing your Firestick remote again, it’s more convenient to perform a factory reset on your Firestick remote and then pair it to your Firestick TV. Here are the steps you need to follow for the type of Firestick TV remote that you have.
Firestick Basic Edition Remote
- Press and hold the Home button on the remote.
- Now press the Menu button three times.
- Release the Home button and press the Menu button 9 times.
- Remove the batteries from your remote and unplug the Firestick TV for 60 seconds.
- Insert the batteries back in and replug your Firestick TV.
- Switch the Firestick TV on and when the Home screen appears, keep the Home button pressed for about 40 seconds.
- Within a minute your remote will be paired to the Firestick TV.
Alexa Voice Remote – Gen 1
- Unplug your Fire TV from the power outlet for 60 seconds.
- Now, press the left button and the Menu button simultaneously for about 12 seconds.
- Release the buttons and after 5 seconds, remove the batteries from the remote.
- Plug the Fire TV back in and after 60 seconds, insert the batteries into the remote.
- All you need to do is press the Home button on your remote. and it will be paired to your Fire TV.
Alexa Voice Remote (With Power and Volume Button) / Alexa Voice Remote Lite / Fire TV Alexa Remote / Fire TV Smart TV Remote / Fire TV Soundbar Remote
- First ensure that you have followed other checks mentioned in this guide.
- Disconnect your Fire TV for 60 seconds and grab the remote.
- Now, press and hold the left, Menu, and Back buttons together on the remote for about 10 seconds to reset your remote. Release all three buttons and wait for 5 seconds.
- Now, remove the batteries from the Firestick remote and plug-in the Fire TV back into its power source.
- Wait for the Firestick to load home screen. After that insert the batteries back into the remote and wait for 60 seconds.
- Now you can check the remote functions. It should now work. If not, then press and hold the Home button for 10 seconds.
This method worked perfectly for me. I hope it works for you too.
Alternate Option: Use the Remote App
Now, if none of the above options have worked the best for you, it’s probably time to make use of your smartphone as a remote for your Amazon Fire TV.
This is one of the best ways to get things sorted out and not have to worry about where the remote is at all times. Plus the app is available for free on the Google Play Store as well as the Apple App Store. Here are the steps you need to follow to set up the app. In case of Firestick, you can use TV remote to navigate through the Fire TV OS.
- Download the Amazon Fire TV app and log in with the same account that’s on your Fire TV.
- Connect your mobile device and the Fire TV to the same wifi network.
- Once inside the app, select the available device on your screen.
- There will be a few prompts on your device’s screen. Follow them.
- Once all of it has been set up you can simply use the on-screen touch on your device to navigate and control your Fire TV.
But, if you plan on getting a replacement remote for your Fire TV Stick or Fire TV, you can follow this guide to know how you can pair up the new remote to the Fire TV as your old remote no longer functions.
These are the methods you can follow in case your Firestick remote is not working. However, the most common reason why the remotes no longer work is simply because of physical damage. Given that these are delicate remotes, it is advisable to always set up the Amazon Fire TV app on your mobile device or keep a replacement remote for your Fire TV handy at all times. If you have questions or queries, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
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