Amazon Fire TV is an incredibly popular way to watch content online, and it’s great when it works. One of the most common issues users report is with the Fire Stick remote. Amazon Fire TV remotes are notoriously volatile, and sometimes they can stop working for seemingly no reason at all. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you fix the problem and get back to your favorite content.
This article looks at all of the reasons why an Amazon Fire TV remote would stop working, and most importantly, how to fix it. Keep reading for everything you need to know.
Why Your Fire TV Remote Might Have Stopped Working
There are a few reasons why your Amazon Fire TV remote might have stopped working. The most common reason (and easiest to fix) is that the batteries are low, but there are also a few other potential causes.
Below, we have outlined each of the reasons for issues with an Amazon Fire Stick remote. We then explain how to resolve each individual problem.
1. Batteries Are Low
The most common reason for an Amazon Fire TV remote to stop working is that the batteries are low. If you’re having trouble with your remote, the first thing you should do is check the batteries.
To remove the remote batteries, first, remove the battery cover and carefully tip them out. If they are low, simply get some new batteries and try again – two aaa batteries should do it. We recommend considering rechargeable batteries so that you don’t have to keep purchasing new ones. To check that it’s not a hardware fault, try using any spare batteries you already have in the house to see if that fixes the problem. If it doesn’t, you may have a bigger issue beyond battery problems.
2. There Is Something Blocking The Infrared Sensor
Another potential issue could be that there is something blocking the infrared sensor on the Amazon Fire Stick remote. This sensor is what allows the remote to communicate with the Fire TV, and if it’s blocked, the remote won’t work correctly.
To fix this, simply take a look at the infrared sensor on the remote and see if there is anything blocking it. If there is, simply remove it and try again – a piece of dust or lint could be all that’s blocking it.
3. The Remote Is Not Paired With The Fire TV
If you’re still having trouble, the next thing you should check is whether or not the remote is paired with the Fire TV. If it’s not, you won’t be able to use it.
Here’s How to Pair a Firestick Remote to Your TV:
- 1. Go to the main menu on your Fire TV and select the settings menu.
- From there, scroll down to the Remote & Bluetooth Devices option and select it.
- Select Other Bluetooth Devices.
- Select Add Bluetooth Devices.
- Put your Amazon Fire TV remote into pairing mode by holding down the Home button and the Back button simultaneously for three seconds.
- A message should appear on your screen that says “Fire TV Remote Found.” Select it.
The Fire Stick remote should now be paired correctly with your Fire TV and you should be able to use it.
If you’re still having trouble, it could be that the remote you’re using isn’t compatible with your Fire TV device. The best way to test this is by using the remote on another Fire TV. If you don’t have any other Fire TV devices, and the above instructions haven’t worked, you might have to order a new remote.
4. You need to reset your Fire TV Stick remote
A simple reset can often fix issues with your Fire Stick remote not working. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the main menu on your Fire TV and select the settings menu.
- From there, scroll down to the Remote & Bluetooth Devices option and select it.
- Select Amazon Fire TV Remotes.
- Select Reset Remote
- Enter the code that appears on your screen into your remote.
- Once the reset is complete, your remote should be working again.
5. Your Fire Stick TV Remote is Out of Range
If you’re still having issues with your remote, it’s possible that it’s out of range. The Fire Stick remote has a limited range, and if you’re too far away from the Fire TV, it won’t work correctly.
To fix this, simply move closer to the Fire TV and try again. You should be within 20 feet or so for it to work correctly.
How to Get a Replacement Remote for Fire TV
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your remote still isn’t working, you might need to get a replacement. The best way to do this is through Amazon, as they will send you a new one for free if your remote is within warranty. The warranty covers failed components and internal faults. If the Fire Stick remote has stopped working because of external damage you will be responsible for your own replacement.
To order a replacement remote, go to the Amazon website and sign into your account. From there, go to the Help & Customer Service section and select Contact Us. We recommend using the chat option. When you’re chatting with customer service, let them know that you need a replacement remote for your Fire TV. They’ll ask you for some basic information and then send you a new one.
The other option are alternative Firestick remotes. We recommend avoiding the cheap replicas, but you can get a decent non-official Amazon Firestick remote online and you might save a few dollars doing so.
What To Do if You Don’t Have a Physical Remote
If you don’t have a physical remote, there are still a few things you can try. The first is to see if there is a compatible app for your phone or tablet that will allow you to control your Fire TV. The second is to use the voice controls built into the Fire TV.
Follow the instructions below on how use your phone as a remote for Fire TV, or how to use Alexa.
How to Use Your Phone as a Remote for Fire TV
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have a remote, there’s no need to worry – you can still use your Fire TV. There are a few different ways to do this, but the easiest is to download the Amazon Fire TV app.
Once you have the app installed on your phone, here’s what to do:
- Open the Fire TV app and sign in with your Amazon account.
- Then, go to the settings menu and select Remote & Bluetooth Devices.
- From there, select Amazon Fire TV Remotes.
- Select Add New Remote.
- You should now see a list of available devices – select your Fire TV from the list.
- Once it’s been added, you should be able to use your phone as a remote for your Fire TV.
If you’re having trouble connecting, make sure that your phone and Fire TV are on the same Wi-Fi network or you may face Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
How to Use Alexa On Your Fire TV Device
You can also use your voice to control your Fire TV using the Amazon Alexa app. To do this, follow these instructions:
- Open the app and go to the settings menu. From there, select Voice Recognition and enable the feature.
- Now, you can say things like “Alexa, play Netflix” or “Alexa, pause the video.”
- You can also use Alexa to search for specific titles, control the volume, fast forward or rewind, and more.
If you’re having trouble getting Alexa to work with your Fire TV, make sure that you’ve enabled the Voice Recognition feature in the Amazon Alexa app as well as in the Fire TV. You should also make sure that your Fire TV and Alexa app are on the same Wi-Fi network.
