There are many different types of remotes you can use for your Amazon Fire TV. Regardless of the type, we’ve prepared a simple guide to help your fix your remote in no time!
A Simple Guide to Getting the Fire TV Remote to Start Working
1. Change the Batteries
The simplest solution is sometimes the right one! Just like with most other remotes, any remote that you’re using with your Fire TV will likely start working again if you change its batteries. It’s always best to opt for regular batteries instead of rechargeable ones and change them every now and then to make sure that your remote control is working properly. If that doesn’t work, there are other quick fixes to explore.
How to Replace the Batteries on Your Fire TV Remote
2. Fix a Possible Pairing Issue
Many things can cause pairing issues between the Fire TV and the remote control. Most of them will be mitigated by a simple reset of the connection between your gadgets.
To pair your Fire TV with the remote, you’ll have to turn the TV on. Then, you should come as close to the TV as you can and hold the Home button on the remote for around 10 seconds. You should release the button and test the remote out. In case that doesn’t work, you should hold the Home button again for around 20 seconds. It could take several attempts before your remote is successfully paired with your Fire TV. Thus, you should repeat the process a couple of times before giving up.
How to Properly Pair Your Remote (3rd Gen) with Your Fire TV (Standard Procedure + Secret Button Combo)
3. Reset the Remote
Another thing that will likely solve your remote problem is resetting the remote. Here are easy steps to do that, depending on the type of remote control you’re using for your Amazon Fire TV. As you are probably aware, there are a bunch of Fire TV remotes. Seven, to be precise.
Below, you can find the procedure for each remote.
The Basic Edition Remote
If you have the basic Fire TV remote, you’ll have to first hold the Home button and, while holding it, press the Menu button 3x in a row to get to the resetting option. Then, you can release the Home button and continue pressing the Menu nine times. The remote will then start resetting. To complete the process, you should remove the batteries from the remote control. You should also unplug your TV and leave it like that for about a minute or two.
After that, you can plug your TV back in and re-insert the batteries. Once you turn on the TV, you should wait for the home screen to appear before holding the Home button for around 40 seconds. It’s best to give your remote a couple of minutes to complete the setup process before using it.
Source – Amazon Support
The 1st Generation Alexa Voice Remote
The process of resetting the Alexa Voice remote is a bit different since this one does not come with the Volume Up and Down buttons and the Power button. To reset it, you’ll have to first unplug your Fire TV for about a minute. Then, you should hold simultaneously the Left button and the Menu button for around 10-15 seconds.
Next, release the buttons and wait for a couple of seconds before removing the batteries from the remote. Now it’s time to plug the TV back in. After a few minutes, you can re-insert the batteries into the remote, and press the Home button. You should test out the remote to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you should press the Home button for ten to twenty seconds and try again.
Source – Amazon Support
The Newer Alexa Voice Remote
Some newer Alexa Voice remotes have the Volume Up and Down buttons as well as the Power button. Others, such as the Alexa Voice Remote Lite don’t. Regardless of the type of the newer model you have, the process of resetting it is the same.
Before you do that, you should unplug your Fire TV and give it a minute to rest. Then, you can hold the Left, Back, and Menu buttons at the same time for ten to twenty seconds. You can then release the buttons and wait for a few seconds. Next, you should remove the batteries from the remote and plug the TV in.
It’s wise to give the TV a minute or two before putting the batteries back into the remote and pressing the Home button. The LED indicator will inform you whether the pairing of these two gadgets was successful. If it’s blinking blue, the pairing process is complete. In case it isn’t, you should hold the Home button for ten to twenty seconds and try again.
Source – Amazon Support
The Fire TV Smart and Soundbar Remotes
The process of resetting your Fire TV Smart Remote and the Fire TV Soundbar Remote is the same as the one for the newer Alexa remotes. You’ll have to unplug your TV and then press the Menu, Left, and Back buttons at the same time for ten to twenty seconds. Then, you can release the buttons and remove the batteries from the remote. Once you do, you can plug the TV back in and give it a few minutes to properly turn on.
You can then put the batteries back and hold the Home button until the LED indicator informs you that the pairing has been successful. If it was, the indicator will start blinking blue. In case something went wrong, you can continue pressing the Home button until you pair the remote with the TV.
Source – Amazon Support
4. Use a Different Type of Remote
If none of our tips worked, chances are, your Fire TV remote is damaged beyond repair. So, you may have to replace it altogether or change some of its parts. While you’re dealing with the remote issues, you can use other methods of operating your TV from the distance. The best one is via the Amazon Fire TV app. This app is available on iOS and Android devices and it’s free!
How to Use the Fire TV App
Once you download it, you should open the app and sign into your Amazon account. Then, you’ll be able to select the Fire TV device you want to use remotely within the options in the app. A code will then appear on the TV that you’ll have to enter into the app. When you do, your app will be paired with your TV and you’ll be able to use it as a remote control.
Fire TV Remote Not Working – Troubleshooting Tips
In Conclusion
If you follow our simple guide, you should get your Amazon Fire TV remote to start working once again. In case your attempts were unsuccessful, it might be time to get a new remote or to take your gadget to a repair guy. In the meantime, you can download the Amazon Fire TV app and use it as a temporary remote control.