What to do when the Fire Stick remote doesn't work

What to do when the Fire Stick remote doesn't work

The Fire Stick and other Fire Stick TV devices use remotes that are a little different than most other remotes. Since these remotes are different than what you're probably used to, figuring out why the Fire Stick remote suddenly stopped working can be difficult.


1. What are the causes of a Fire Stick remote not working?

There are many things that may not make a Fire Stick remote work. Common problems include battery problems, obstacles blocking the signal from the remote, and interference from other electronic devices. Remember, if all else fails, you can try resetting the Fire Stick to factory settings.



Read also: Amazon Fire TV: What you need to know

Here are the most common reasons a Fire Stick remote doesn't work:


  • Drums: the most common reason Fire Stick remotes stop working is battery problems. Batteries inserted incorrectly, dead and other related problems can cause a Fire Stick remote to stop working.
  • Association: if the remote is not paired with the Fire Stick, it will not work. Replacement remotes must always be paired before using them.
  • Distance: i Fire Stick remotes use Bluetooth, not infrared, so they have a theoretical range of about 9 feet. The actual range is usually less.
  • Obstructions: There is no need for a direct line of sight between the Fire Stick and the remote, but obstacles can dramatically reduce range.
  • Interferences: i devices that can interfere with Bluetooth connections can prevent the remote from working properly.
  • Compatibility: if you bought a replacement remote for the Fire Stick, make sure they are compatible.
  • Damage: External damage, such as water damage and internal failure due to failed components, can cause the Fire Stick remote to stop working.

2. Fire Stick Remote Battery Issues

The most common reasons why Fire Stick remotes stop working have to do with batteries. The main problem is that Fire Stick remotes use Bluetooth instead of infrared and the Bluetooth connection can become choppy as the batteries run out.



Fire Stick and Fire TV remotes are quite power hungry compared to other remotes. So even if you have recently replaced the batteries, they are still worth checking.

Here's how to rule out batteries as a cause when your Fire Stick remote doesn't work:


  1. Remove the batteries from the Fire Stick remote.
  2. Pay attention to how the batteries have been installed and make sure they are inserted correctly. Look inside the battery compartment and you will see a diagram showing which direction to install the batteries.
  3. Install new batteries. Since the Fire Stick remote uses Bluetooth instead of infrared, batteries that work properly in the TV remote may not work when replaced in the Fire Stick remote. Use new batteries if possible.
  4. If the remote still doesn't work, try different batteries. Rechargeable batteries provide only 1,2V, compared to 1,5V for alkaline batteries. If you have problems with rechargeable batteries, try new alkaline batteries.
  5. If the remote still doesn't work, the batteries are probably not your problem.

3. Pairing a remote control with the Fire Stick

When you buy a new Fire Stick or Fire TV device that comes with a remote, the remote should already be paired. This means that when you set up your Fire Stick or Fire TV for the first time, it should already recognize inputs from the remote without you having to do anything special.


Read also: How to install Amazon Fire TV Stick for the first time

In some cases, you may notice that the Fire Stick and remote have not paired or that the Fire Stick and remote have cleared their sync over time due to a glitch. When buying a replacement remote, you always need to pair it before you can use it.



Here's how to pair a Fire Stick remote:

  1. Plug in your Fire Stick and make sure it's turned on.
  2. Wait for Fire TV to start.
  3. Hold the remote close to the Fire Stick.
  4. Press and hold the key Home on the Fire TV remote.
  5. Continue holding the button Home for at least 10 seconds.
  6. Release the button Home and check if the remote control works.
  7. If the Fire Stick remote doesn't work, try holding the button again Home. Sometimes it takes several attempts to get it to work.

4. Distance problems with Fire Stick and Fire TV remotes

Fire Stick and Fire TV remotes use Bluetooth instead of infrared, so there's no need for a direct line between the remote and the device. You don't even need to point the remote at your device, as the orientation of the remote has nothing to do with the strength of the Bluetooth signal.

Bluetooth devices like the Fire Stick remote have a theoretical range of about 9 feet, but many things can reduce the range. Any obstacles between the remote and the Fire Stick or Fire TV can dramatically reduce the remote's range.


Here's how to check if distance or obstacles are the problem:

  1. Physically hold the remote close to the Fire Stick.
  2. Remove any obstacles between the remote and the Fire Stick.
  3. If the Fire TV device is placed inside a cabinet or similar enclosure, remove it from the enclosure / enclosure and see if the remote works.

5. Fire Stick Remotes and Interference

Bluetooth has some advantages over infrared, such as having no line of sight between the remote and the Fire Stick only reduces range instead of preventing the remote from working at all. However, Bluetooth remotes are sensitive to interference that infrared remotes do not have.


Check if you have any of the following devices near the Fire Stick:

  • Microwave ovens
  • Wireless speakers
  • Unshielded coaxial cables
  • Wireless phones
  • Wireless speakers
  • Other wireless devices

If you have wireless devices or anything else that might be causing Bluetooth interference in the vicinity of the Fire Stick, try moving them. If the Fire Stick remote still isn't working, try turning them off and unplugging them one at a time to see if that allows the Fire Stick remote to work. This should help identify the source of the interference and deal with it accordingly.

6. Fire Stick Remote Compatibility

If your problem started when you purchased a replacement / alternative Fire Stick remote and failed to pair it properly, you may have a compatibility issue. There are several generations of Fire Sticks, other Fire TV devices, and Fire TV remotes, and they don't all work together.

Amazon has a list of Fire TV remotes and devices, which you can use to make sure the remote and device are even able to work together.

Read also: How to install Google Play on Fire TV Stick (Aptoide)

7. Try using the Fire TV Phone app

If you've run out of options and your Fire TV remote isn't working properly or may have been damaged. The best option, in that case, is to purchase a replacement remote. In the meantime, you can actually use your Android or iPhone as a remote control for your Fire Stick or Fire TV device.

To control your Fire TV device with a phone, you need to install the Fire TV remote app. Here's where to find it:

  • Android: app remota Fire TV su Google Play
  • iOS: app remota Fire TV su app store
  • Kindle: app remota Fire TV sull’app store di Amazon

Here's how to use your Android or iPhone as a remote control for your Fire Stick or Fire TV device:

  1. Plug in your Fire Stick or Fire TV device and wait for it to boot.
  2. Download and install the Fire TV remote app and launch it.
  3. Log into your Amazon account in the Fire TV remote app.
  4. Select your Fire TV device from the device list in the app.
  5. Wait for a code to appear on the TV and enter it in the app.

That's it, your phone will now function as a Fire TV remote. If all of this fails, you just have to buy a new Amazon Fire Stick Remote.

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