FireStick Remote Not Working? I Fixed It (Update: Dec 2024)

This article shows how to fix your FireStick remote not working. We’ll first outline how to diagnose the root cause and later discuss the various solutions. The solutions included here are tried and tested and have worked for users on the internet.

The FireStick remote sometimes stops working while streaming for no apparent reason. If you have run into similar troubles with your Amazon FireStick remote not working, you probably are looking for ways to fix it yourself.

When a FireStick remote stops working, the best action is to identify the root cause and fix the issue.

If you have an old Fire TV remote, it depends on the trial and error method. You keep trying one thing or another until you resolve the issue.

However, with the latest remotes with built-in troubleshooting mode, diagnosing and fixing the issue has become easier.

So, here is a look at the various causes and solutions that can cause the Amazon Firestick remote to not work.

We will start with the most straightforward solutions and find backups for the remote.

Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick

How to Fix FireStick Remote Not Working

To find a solution for unresponsive FireTV remotes, you must first determine the problem. With older Fire TV remotes, users relied on guesswork. However, the latest FireStick remotes have an inbuilt troubleshooting mode that helps diagnose the problem.

The troubleshooting mode has distinct LED lights that identify issues like discharged batteries, hardware issues in the remote, unpaired remote, powered-off FireStick, and paired mode.

Follow the steps below to determine if your remote supports this feature:

1. Press the rewind and right buttons simultaneously for at least three seconds.
2. Press the menu (three horizontal lines) button.
3. The remote will blink a green LED light at the top to indicate that troubleshooting mode is activated.

If you see the LED light, your Fire TV remote supports the troubleshooting mode. Press any button on the remote to diagnose why your remote is not working. Below are the various LED lights and what they indicate:

• Blinking Red (Fast): The remote has a hardware issue. Reset it and try pairing it with the FireStick again.
• Blinking Red (Slow): Your battery charge is running low. Replace the alkaline batteries to fix the issue.
• Flashes Orange with each button press: The remote isn’t paired. Manually pair the remote by pressing the Home button for at least 10 seconds.
• Flashes White: The Fire TV is powered off. Power on the device and see if the issue is fixed.
• Flashes Blue: The remote has no issues and is correctly paired with the Fire TV device.

Once you’ve identified the issue, try the following solutions to get your FireStick remote working again. Even if your remote doesn’t have the troubleshooting mode, the following solutions should help fix the issues.

1. Replace the Remote Batteries

If your FireStick remote suddenly stops working, the batteries might be the cause.

I recommend using good-quality alkaline batteries and keeping the spares handy. Alkaline batteries are the best, keeping your FireStick remote working the longest.

Check for residual deposits from battery leaks on the connectors if you use new batteries. Cleaning them might get your FireStick remote working again.

If your Amazon FireStick remote still doesn’t work after cleaning the battery connectors and using new batteries, try other solutions discussed here.

2. Pair the Remote Manually

The Fire TV remote pairs automatically with the Fire TV device when you set it up for the first time. If that doesn’t happen, you need to pair the remote manually. Other instances requiring manual pairing include when getting a replacement remote or when the default pairing is incorrect.

Please follow the steps below to pair your remote with FireStick manually:

1. Plug in FireStick into the HDMI port of your TV.
2. Power on both FireStick and your TV.
3. When FireStick boots up, hold down the Home button on the remote for at least 10 seconds.
4. The remote will pair with the FireStick. For some models, the Fire TV remote will flash blue to show the successful pairing.

Hold the Home button again for 10-20 seconds if it doesn’t pair. Users often have to repeat the process several times for a successful pairing. If you press the remote keys and can’t detect a response on the Fire TV screen, the pairing was unsuccessful.

Another way to know your remote is not yet paired is if it flashes an orange LED light when you press the buttons (for supported remote models).

3. Connection Limit

FireStick can be connected to up to 7 Bluetooth devices, including the remote controllers. You must disconnect at least one if you have already connected 7 devices. Here is how you can do that:

1. Select Settings from the FireStick home screen.
2. Open Controllers & Bluetooth Devices on the next screen.
3. You will see a list of all the connected devices. Choose the device you wish to unpair and follow the onscreen instructions.

Remember that if the remote doesn’t pair with your FireStick device on the first attempt, try again. It usually connects the first time, but in rare cases, it may take 2 to 3 attempts.

If the issue persists, try the next solution, #4, for resetting and re-pairing the remote. It has worked for many users.

4. Reset the Remote and Re-Pair It With FireStick

Some buttons don’t work when the remote isn’t correctly paired with your FireStick device. Hold the Home button on the remote for at least 10 seconds to pair it again.

If it still does not work, follow the steps to reset your remote and re-pair it with FireStick:

Note: The following steps DO NOT reset your FireStick to factory settings. They reset and unpair your remote and pair it again with FireStick.

1. Disconnect your FireStick from the power source (unplug the adapter from the power outlet or the FireStick device).
2. Hold down the following buttons (all of them together) for at least 20 seconds: Back, Menu, and Left part of the navigation ring.
   
3. Remove the batteries from the FireStick remote.
4. Power on your FireStick and wait until you see the home screen on your TV.
5. Insert the batteries back into your FireStick remote.
6. Wait for 1-2 minutes.
7. Your FireStick remote must already be paired. Hold the Home button for at least 10 seconds if it hasn’t.

5. Is Your FireStick Remote Compatible?

Another standard solution for the FireStick remote not working is to check its compatibility. This is even more critical if your remote is a replacement device. However, this solution is not for users who have out-of-the-box remotes.

Many third parties and sources sell remotes compatible with FireStick. So, before purchasing, ensure the remote works with your FireStick generation and model. It includes in-house remotes, third-party ones, and specific FireStick-compatible game controllers.

Remember that not all FireStick remotes can be used interchangeably. Moreover, many sellers sell cheap replicas of the original remote by copying the design and layout. Although these may work initially, a replica will cause problems and feel low-quality and rough. Always buy from authentic sources and sellers to avoid scams.

6. Is Your FireStick Remote Damaged?

Have you followed all the troubleshooting methods, yet the remote refuses to work? Maybe it’s time to see if the device is damaged or broken. Physical damage can be evident from the remote’s condition and appearance. So, insert the batteries and press the buttons to check if they work smoothly.

Similarly, you can try using the remote on another FireStick (if you have one) and see if the issue persists. If the FireStick remote is dead and doesn’t work on any compatible FireStick, it’s time to replace it.

You can always get a new FireStick remote from Amazon for a few bucks. Amazon sells plenty of FireStick-compatible remotes from third parties and official sources. These may come with additional buttons and features, too. Check the reviews before buying the FireStick remote on Amazon and get the one with positive ratings.

7. Amazon Fire TV Remote App – Your Backup

You can control your device using the Amazon Fire TV Remote App.

This app converts your smartphone into a remote and lets you interact with FireStick just as you would with the physical remote.

The Amazon Fire TV Remote app is available on Google Play and Apple Stores. Download the app and set it up with your FireStick or Fire TV device. Ensure your smartphone and FireStick device are connected to the same WiFi network.

8. Other Generic Solutions

When you have tried all the possible fixes, the FireStick remote is still not working, and the issue persists, you can try these generic solutions:

• Gauge the Distance: Ideally, the FireStick remote should be kept within 10 feet of the FireStick. This is the preferred distance between both devices for seamless operation. So, if you’re sitting in a large room or are farther away from the television, try moving closer.
• Remove any Obstacles: FireStick remotes pair with the streaming stick via Bluetooth, so you don’t have to keep both devices nearby. However, obstacles, like furniture items, may disrupt the signal. Similarly, keeping the television inside cabinets or an enclosed space may hamper the signals. So, remove any objects between both devices and see if the issue is fixed.
• Minimize Electrical Devices: Although uncommon, plenty of electrical devices in the same room can disrupt one another’s signals. So, you can try minimizing gadgets near the FireStick and then check the remote.
• Unplug the Device: A quick restart may fix most glitches or software bugs if nothing else works. Unplug your FireStick from the television and power source and wait a few seconds. Then, plug it back in and try using the remote.

Wrapping Up

Discharged batteries and faulty pairing are usually the main causes of the FireStick remote not working. Whatever the reason, we’ve provided several solutions to help fix the issue and get your remote working again. Please share which solution fixed your remote issues in the comments section below.

Related:

• Best Working Solutions when FireStick Won’t Connect to WiFi
• How to Fix Optimizing System Storage & Applications on FireStick
• FireStick not Working- Problems & Solutions
• Fix Home is Currently Unavailable on FireStick

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