How to Fix If FireStick Remote Is Not Working (Dec 2023) (2024)

This article shows how to fix your FireStick remote is not working. We have included the solutions that have worked for users on the internet.

One night, I was watching one of my favorite movies on my FireStick device. I took a quick break and picked up a beverage from the refrigerator. I held out the Fire Stick remote to the TV to pause the movie, but nothing happened.

I pressed the buttons repeatedly, but the device wouldn’t respond, and the movie kept playing. I pulled out the plug from the power supply, hoping that rebooting might do the trick.

FireStick rebooted normally, but the remote didn’t work. It took me a few more minutes to realize something was wrong with the FireStick remote.

If you have run into similar troubles and your Amazon FireStick remote is not working, you would want to get it fixed. So, here is a look at the various causes and the solutions I have discovered. Keep reading!

Read:How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick

How to Fix FireStick Remote Not Working

I have outlined common reasons that cause issues with FireStick / Fire TV Stick Lite / Fire TV Cube remote. Go through them individually, and I am hopeful your remote will work again.

1. Check the FireStick Remote Batteries

Amazon FireStick Remote is one power-hungry accessory. I can safely say that if the remote isn’t working, there is a huge chance the batteries have run out of charge.

The battery depletes without any warning. If your FireStick remote stops working suddenly (annoyingly in the middle of the night when you don’t even have any spare batteries), I will put my bet on the battery. Honestly, I am unsure why the remote consumes so much battery power. Sometimes, the battery runs dry in just a couple of weeks.

The FireStick remote uses Alexa, voice recognition, and voice command technology. Some might want to pin the blame on Alexa. But it’s not like the remote is always listening. You must hold down the Alexa button on the remote for it to start listening.

Notwithstanding the reasons, the only likely solution is to use good-quality alkaline batteries and keep the spares handy. Alkaline batteries are the best, and they keep your FireStick remote working the longest. Though, don’t buy just any alkaline. Buy the branded ones from a reputed manufacturer.

I might have even recommended the rechargeable alkaline battery a week ago if I hadn’t encountered a problem with mine. One of the remote batteries leaked out, and a white residue was deposited on the connector. Even the brand-new battery did not work until I scraped off the white material.

So, forgive me if I am unsure about the rechargeable batteries. This reminds me that it would be a good idea to remove the batteries and check for any residual deposits from the battery leaks on the connectors. Cleaning them might just get your FireStick remote working again.

You probably already know the batteries have the ‘+’ (plus) and ‘-‘(minus) ends. The connectors in the battery compartment also have + and – sides. The + side of the battery aligns with the + of the connector (and the minuses will automatically align). I put the batteries the wrong way and struggled with the remote for a while.

If your Amazon FireStick remote is still not working even after cleaning the battery connectors and using new batteries, keep reading for more solutions!

2. Did You Pair the FireStick Remote Already?

Usually, the out-of-the-box FireStick remote comes pre-paired with the device. If it is not paired, you must do it automatically. Or, if your new/replacement FireStick remote is not working, there is a chance it isn’t paired correctly. Pairing is simple. Follow the steps below.

1. Plug in FireStick into the HDMI port of your TV.
2. Power on both FireStick and your TV.
3. When FireStick boots up, hold down the Home button on the remote for at least 10 seconds.
4. This will pair with the Amazon FireStick remote and must start working.

If it doesn’t pair, press and hold the Home button again for 10-20 seconds. Users often had to repeat the process several times for a successful pairing.

3. Connection Limit

FireStick can be connected to up to 7 Bluetooth devices, including the remote controllers. You must disconnect at least one if you have already connected 7 devices. Here is how you can do that:

1. Select Settings from the FireStick home screen.
2. Open Controllers & Bluetooth Devices on the next screen.
3. You will see the list of all the connected devices. Just choose the device you wish to unpair and follow the onscreen instructions.

Remember that if the remote doesn’t pair with your FireStick device on the first attempt, try again. Usually, it connects the first time, but in rare cases, it may take 2 to 3 attempts.

If the issue persists, you must try the next solution, #4, for resetting and re-pairing the remote. It has worked for many users.

4. Pair Your FireStick Remote Properly

Some buttons don’t work when the remote isn’t correctly paired with your FireStick device. Hold the Home button on the remote for at least 10 seconds to pair it again.

If it still does not work, follow the steps to reset your remote and re-pair it with FireStick:

Note: The following steps DO NOT reset your FireStick to factory settings. They reset and unpair your remote and pair it again with FireStick.

1. Disconnect your FireStick from the power source (unplug the adapter from the power outlet or the FireStick device).
2. Hold down the following buttons (all of them together) for at least 20 seconds: Back, Menu, and Left part of the navigation ring.
   
3. Take off the batteries from the FireStick remote.
4. Power on your FireStick and wait until you see the home screen on your TV.
5. Insert the batteries back into your FireStick remote.
6. Wait for 1-2 minutes.
7. Your FireStick remote must have already paired. Hold the Home button for at least 10 seconds if it hasn’t paired.

5. Is Your FireStick Remote Compatible?

Another standard solution for the FireStick remote not working is to check the remote’s compatibility. It’s even more critical if your remote is a replacement device. However, this solution is not for users who have out-of-the-box remotes.

Many third parties and sources sell remotes compatible with FireStick. So, before purchasing, ensure that the remote works with your own FireStick generation and model. It includes in-house remotes, third-party ones, and specific FireStick-compatible game controllers.

Next, also remember that not all FireStick remotes can be used interchangeably.

Moreover, many sellers sell cheap replicas of the original remote by copying the design and layout. Although these may work initially, eventually, a replica will cause issues. Such remotes may also feel low-quality and rough. So, always buy from authentic sources and sellers to avoid scams.

6. Is Your FireStick Remote Damaged?

Have you followed all the troubleshooting methods, yet the remote refuses to work? Maybe it’s time to see if the device is damaged or broken. Physical damage can be evident from the remote’s condition and outlook. So, insert the batteries and try pressing the buttons to see if they work smoothly. You can also assess the remote’s condition and see if it has major scratches or cracks.

Similarly, you can also try using the remote on another FireStick (if you have one) and see if the issue persists. If the FireStick remote is dead and doesn’t work on any compatible FireStick, it’s time to toss it out. Sadly, a damaged remote must be replaced, as temporary fixes are not a long-term solution.

However, the good news is that you can quickly get a new FireStick remote from Amazon for just a few bucks. Amazon sells plenty of FireStick-compatible remotes from third parties and official sources. These may come with additional buttons and features, too. So, check the reviews for your selected FireStick remote on Amazon and choose the one with a positive rating.

7. Amazon Fire TV Remote App – Your Backup

Is the Amazon Fire TV remote not working yet? Or, you ran out of batteries at midnight with no spare batteries. This doesn’t have to render your FireStick device useless. You can still control the device using the Amazon Fire TV Remote App.

This app converts your smartphone into a remote and lets you interact with FireStick just as you would with the physical remote.

Amazon Fire TV Remote app is available for both Android and iOS platforms. Go ahead and download the app and set it up with your FireStick or Fire TV device. Just ensure your smartphone and FireStick device are connected to the same WiFi network.

8. Other Generic Solutions

I tried all the possible fixes, yet the FireStick remote not working issue persists. Here are a few generic solutions that may help you:

• Gauge the Distance: Ideally, the FireStick remote should be kept within 10 feet of the FireStick. It’s the preferred distance between both devices to work seamlessly. So, if you’re sitting in a large room or are farther away from the television, try moving closer.
• Remove any Obstacles: FireStick remotes pair with the streaming stick via Bluetooth. Therefore, you don’t have to keep both devices near each other. Any obstacles, like furniture items, may cause a disruption in the signal. Similarly, keeping the television inside cabinets or an enclosed space may hamper the signals. So, remove any objects between both devices and see if the issue is fixed.
• Minimize Electrical Devices: Although uncommon, plenty of electrical devices in the same room can end up disrupting the signals from one another. So, you can try minimizing gadgets near the FireStick and then check the remote.
• Unplug the Device: If nothing else works, aquick restart may fix most glitches or software bugs. Unplug your FireStick from the television and power source, and wait a few seconds. Then, plug it back in and try using the remote.

Conclusion

Most of the FireStick remote troubles I have experienced so far have been related to the batteries. The remote drains out the battery faster than I like. Therefore, when my FireStick remote is not working, I troubleshoot the batteries first. I have also installed the Amazon Fire TV Remote app on my phone as a backup.

In this article, I have tried to cover all the possible causes that could get you into remote issues and all the possible solutions. If you have any new or different experiences, I would very much like you to share them with us in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!

Related:

• Best Working Solutions when FireStick Won’t Connect to WiFi
• Fix Home is Currently Unavailable on FireStick

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