Fire TV Remote Not Working? Fix It

Fire TV remotes talk to the stick over Bluetooth, not infrared, so you do not need to point them at the TV, but they do need to be paired, powered and within range. When a remote stops responding, one of those three has failed. Work through the fixes below in order. Each takes less than a minute.

Use your phone as a remote first

If you cannot navigate at all, install the free Amazon Fire TV app on your phone. As long as the phone is on the same Wi-Fi as the Fire TV, the app finds the stick and works as a full remote with a keyboard. That makes the steps below much easier, and it is handy to keep anyway.

Fix 1: Replace the batteries

Low batteries are the most common cause, and remotes often keep half-working, laggy or only some buttons, before they stop. Use two fresh AAA batteries from a new pack. Rechargeable batteries run at a slightly lower voltage and can cause problems with some remotes. Check that the springs and contacts are clean and the batteries face the right way.

Fix 2: Re-pair the remote

1. Stand close to the Fire TV, within about three metres.
2. Press and hold the Home button for 10 seconds.
3. The remote's light blinks, and a message on the TV confirms the remote is paired.

If that does not work, go to Settings › Controllers & Bluetooth Devices › Amazon Fire TV Remotes › Add New Remote using the phone app, then hold Home on the remote until it appears.

Fix 3: Reset the remote completely

A full reset clears the remote's pairing memory and fixes most stubborn problems.

1. Unplug the Fire TV from power.
2. On the remote, press and hold Left (on the navigation ring), Menu (three lines) and Back together for 12 seconds.
3. Release them and wait five seconds.
4. Remove the batteries.
5. Plug the Fire TV back in and wait about 60 seconds until the home screen appears.
6. Put the batteries back in and press Home. The remote should pair automatically. If it does not, hold Home for 10 seconds.

Fix 4: Remove interference

• Use the HDMI extender. A stick plugged straight into the back of the TV is surrounded by metal, which weakens Bluetooth. The extender cable from the box moves it into the open.
• Move other Bluetooth devices away, such as speakers or game controllers, or turn them off to test.
• Check the stick is not hidden behind a soundbar or inside a cabinet.

Fix 5: Volume and power buttons not working

The volume, mute and power buttons control your TV or soundbar through a separate setting, not the Fire TV itself. Go to Settings › Equipment Control › Manage Equipment and run the set-up for your TV again. If HDMI-CEC is turned off on your television, also enable it in the TV's own settings. Manufacturers call it Anynet+, SimpLink, Bravia Sync and similar names.

When to replace the remote

If the remote's light does not come on with fresh batteries, or it will not pair after a full reset, the remote has probably failed. Replacement Fire TV remotes are inexpensive. Choose one listed as compatible with your exact Fire TV model, and pair it with Fix 2. Until then, the phone app does everything the remote does.

Frequently asked questions