Fire TV Stick remote not working? Here’s how to fix it
Most Fire TV remote problems are batteries or lost pairing. Work through these in order.
Short answer
Replace the batteries, then unplug the Fire TV for a minute. Re-pair the remote by holding Home for 10 seconds. If that fails, reset the remote (hold Left, Menu and Back together for 12 seconds, release, wait a minute, remove the batteries), then pair again. Meanwhile, control the Fire TV from your phone over Wi-Fi.
1. Batteries
Fire TV remotes use Bluetooth, which is sensitive to weak batteries even when the light still flashes. Use fresh alkaline batteries.
2. Restart the Fire TV
Unplug the Fire TV’s power (not just the HDMI) for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
3. Re-pair the remote
Hold Home for about 10 seconds near the Fire TV. The screen confirms when it pairs.
4. Reset the remote
Hold Left, Menu and Back together for 12 seconds. Release, wait 5 seconds, remove the batteries, unplug the Fire TV for 60 seconds, then plug it in, reinsert the batteries and hold Home to pair.
5. Check interference
Move the Fire TV Stick out from behind the TV with the HDMI extender that came in the box. Metal and other wireless devices weaken Bluetooth.
6. Volume and power buttons only
These use infrared or HDMI-CEC to control the TV. Check Settings > Equipment Control and HDMI-CEC on the TV.
7. Use your phone in the meantime
TVRemoteX controls Fire TV over Wi-Fi using its debugging connection. You’ll need to switch on ADB Debugging once: Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options.
8. Buy a replacement
Make sure the replacement is compatible with your Fire TV generation.
Questions people ask
How do I control my Fire Stick without a remote?
Use a phone app over Wi-Fi, an HDMI-CEC device, or a USB/Bluetooth keyboard if you can reach the pairing menu.
Official sources
Written and checked by BiHai Song, developer of TVHomeX and TVRemoteX