FireStick Remote Issues: Quick Fixes and Tricks

In this article, I will discuss all the possible issues you can face with your Amazon FireStick Remote and also how you can fix them easily.

The remote is pretty much an integral part of your FireStick device– You need the remote to operate the FireStick. However, the remote may not function properly at times, leaving you bewildered with no way to control your device. I have run into FireStick remote issues a bunch of times.

👉 Also Read: Best VPN for FireStick in 2021

Since the FireStick and Fire TV devices come with a remote that is slightly different from most other remotes we are used to using in our daily life, figuring out why your FireStick remote stopped working suddenly can be hard as a new FireStick user.

Many things can prevent a FireStick remote from working. Let’s discuss the problems and their solutions, so you can use your FireStick again to stream your favorite content.

how to fix firestick remote issues

Here are the most common reasons that can cause a FireStick/ Fire TV remote to stop working:

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1. How to fix battery-related FireStick Remote issues

The most common reason why the FireStick remote stops working is due to battery problems. Incorrectly inserted batteries, dead/low battery, and other battery-related issues can make a FireStick remote to stop functioning.

Solutions:

i) Take Out The Batteries From Remote And Re-Insert Them

The remote batteries can get misaligned sometimes. Remove the batteries from the remote carefully and re-insert the batteries.

Important: See how the batteries were installed, and make sure they are placed as instructed inside the battery compartment. If you take the batteries out, you will see a diagram showing how you need to insert the batteries. Make sure the plus (+) sign and the minus (-) signs of the batteries are where they are supposed to be as shown in the diagram.

firestick remote not working

ii) Clean the battery compartment

Dirt or corrosive residue can accumulate inside the battery compartment, which can make the remote to stop working. In this case, take out the batteries and clean the compartment properly with a clean cloth. Re-insert the batteries after that.

iii) Change the batteries

Dead batteries are one of the most common reasons for FireStick remote to not work. If you are someone who uses FireStick often, this is highly likely. FireStick remote uses a lot of battery power to work properly, so it’s best to insert a new pair of batteries into your remote.

Amazon FireStick Remote Battery Placement

Note: Alkaline batteries are best recommended for FireStick remotes since rechargeable batteries only provide 1.2V, while alkaline batteries provide 1.5V.

If your remote still doesn’t work, your problem isn’t the batteries. Go through the other solutions until one works.

2. FireStick Remote Not Working: Poor Range

If your FireStick remote is not working, poor range can be one of major reason behind it. Fire Stick remote uses Bluetooth instead of infrared, so they have a typically lower range.

Solutions:

i) Move the remote physically closer to the device

Distance between the TV and the remote can make the remote to stop working, try moving the remote closer to your FireStick device.

ii) Remove physical obstructions:

As with all remotes, the obstructions can significantly reduce the range of FireStick remotes. If you see any object that is causing the poor range, remove it and see if the remote works. Do not keep your FireStick in an enclosure or cabinet as it can cause obstruction.

Tip: Using the extension cable that comes with the Amazon FireStick can be a good idea as it makes the dongle visible hence improving the connectivity of the dongle with the remote.

iii) Remove any interference:

Bluetooth connection is also prone to create interference issues when there are other connectivity technologies in its proximity. It can prevent your remote from working properly. The devices mentioned below can cause interference with the range of Bluetooth connection:

  • Microwave oven
  • Wireless devices such as speakers, phones, etc
  • Exposed coaxial cables
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search option

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expressvpn firestick search

Step 4: Sign in with your ExpressVPN account

expressvpn sign in firestick

Step 5: Connect to an ExpressVPN server and stream safely and privately

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3. Remote Not Paired With Your Firestick

FireStick needs to be paired with the remote for it to work. Typically, FireStick comes pre-paired with the remote; however, if you have changed your remote or it is not pre-paired, it has to be paired before you can use it.

Main Guide: How to Pair a FireStick Remote

Solution:

Pair Using the Home Button

Fire Stick device and remote can get unpaired due to a glitch. In such cases, pairing them again will solve the problem. Here’s how you pair them:

1. Turn on your FireStick

2. Wait for it to boot up

3. Hold down the Home button on your Fire TV remote for a couple of seconds until the remote is paired.

Hold down the Home Button

Note: The remote might not get paired at the first attempt. You might have to repeat the 3rd step a couple of times before it gets paired.

4. FireStick Buttons Stopped Functioning

Even though it is not expected, sometimes the remote buttons stop working.

Solution:

Reset Remote

You can easily fix this problem by resetting the remote. Here’s how you do it:

1. Turn off your FireStick device by unplugging it from the power outlet

2. With FireStick turned off, press the below buttons all at the same time for 10 seconds:

  • Menu (three bars) button
  • Back button
  • The left side of the navigation ring

How to fix the FireStick remote issues

3. Release the buttons

4. Plug the FireStick back to the power outlet to turn it on

5. Then hold down the Home button for 10 seconds.

Hold down the Home Button

5. FireStick Remote Compatibility Issues:

If your FireStick remote is not working, remote compatibility can be one of the reasons. However, this won’t be your issue if the remote came with your FireStick. However, if you have purchased a replacement remote for your Fire Stick, there is a chance that they may not be compatible.

Solution

Check the remote compatibility

It is good to buy a replacement remote after making sure it is compatible with your particular FireStick model. There are many models of FireStick devices, so it is easy to get confused. But if you have already bought a remote and the remote doesn’t work, try checking if they are compatible by reading its specifications. Or, you can borrow a friend/family’s FireStick remote to check it pairs with your FireStick. If that remote pairs, that means your remote is the problem.

6. Damaged FireStick Remote

If none of the aforementioned solutions work, the reason could be external damage such as water damage, physical damage or internal faults, which could lead your Fire Stick remote to stop working.

Solution: Buy a New Remote

The last option is to buy a new remote that is compatible with your device or get your remote repaired.

But what do you do until then? Stop using your Fire TV? Of course, not. There’s a solution. So, how to use your Fire TV when the remote won’t turn on and you don’t have a replacement yet?

Use Your Mobile Phone as FireStick Remote

If your FireStick remote is still not working and you do not want to buy a new one, there is one more option for you.

Fortunately, you can use your mobile phone as a FireStick remote.

Amazon has an Amazon Fire TV Remote app that can be used as a remote to operate your Fire TV.

I am providing quick instructions about the FireStick Remote app in this guide. If you are looking for more information, you may read our guide on Amazon FireStick Remote App for Mobiles.

Download it from:

Here’s how you make the app work as remote with your FireStick device:

  1. Turn on your FireStick
  2. Download and then install the Fire TV remote app from the Play Store/App Store
  3. Launch the App
  4. Within the app, sign in to your Amazon account
  5. Now, in the app, choose your Fire TV device from the list of devices
  6. A code will shortly appear on your TV screen and enter it in the mobile app.
  7. That’s all, they are synced now and now you can use your phone as a Fire TV remote.

Here’s how the App looks after you have synced it with your Fire TV device:

Amazon Fire TV Remote issues

As you can see, all the FireStick remote controls are available on the App, so this is certainly a great app to have as a backup.

Winding Up

So, those are the issues that you can experience with your FireStick remote. Most of the FireStick remote issues are related to the batteries draining out quickly; therefore it is always good to have spare batteries. I also recommend you to install the Amazon Fire TV Remote app on your mobile. It will come handy when you have run out of batteries or your remote is damaged. If you are experiencing any other problem with your remote, please let us know in the comments section below and we will try to provide a solution with the best of our abilities.

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