The issue of “the Firestick remote not working or freezing” is rare. Do not panic if this happens to you; there is a solution for every trouble.
For a long time, we have received emails from our subscribers asking us to write a useful article on “Firestick remote not working properly or freezing.”
First, let us tell you that it is common to have issues with the remote of any device or TV. If the cause of that problem is known, then its solution can also be found easily.
Why Is My Firestick Remote Not Working Properly?
Before coming to the reason let’s know a little about Amazon Firestick:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick is considered one of the best and most reliable media streaming devices that turns your TV into an entertainment alternative to cable and gives you access to all your favorite channels and shows at an affordable price. You even get free streaming through some legal apps including Pluto TV, Tubi, Fawesome, and more.
Here are the common reasons why the Fire Stick Remote is not working:
- Low battery: Check the batteries in your remote, and replace them if they don’t work. Make sure the batteries are inserted correctly.
- Too far apart between the remote and the device: Bring the remote closer to the Fire TV Stick and make sure nothing is blocking the signal.
- Pairing problems between remote and device: Try pairing the remote to the device again, Usually, pairing can be done by pressing the button on the remote or pressing a specific button on your device.
- Technical fault in the device or remote: If the above steps don’t work, your device or remote may have a technical fault. You can contact Amazon Customer Service or have the device repaired.
Troubleshooting An Amazon Fire TV Stick Remote Is Not Working Issue
To get rid of this issue, you have to find out the reason behind the problem. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check your remote batteries: This can be a very common reason for your Fire Stick Remote Not Working properly. You need to make sure that the batteries are working properly and have been inserted correctly. You may need to get new batteries.
- Check the distance between the remote and the device: Make sure there are no obstacles between the remote and the Firestick device. Test by bringing the remote closer to the device.
- Reset the remote and device: To reset the Fire Stick device, unplug and replug it.
- Re-pair the remote with the device: Repair the remote according to the given instructions below.
- Check for software updates: Make sure your Fire TV Stick device and remote are on the latest software version.
Guide to Pairing Your Firestick Remote
Follow these steps to properly pair or re-pair your Fire TV remote:
- Turn on the Firestick device and remote: Make sure both the Firestick Devices and remote are turned on and near each other.
- Press and hold the home button: Press and hold the home button on the Firestick remote for 10 seconds.
- Conform pairing: After a few seconds, a message will appear on the Firestick device’s screen stating that the remote is paired.
If the above method doesn’t work, you can try these additional steps:
- Restart the Firestick: Unplug the device, wait a few seconds, and that plug it back in.
- Check the remote’s batteries: Make sure the batteries are working properly.
- Use the Fire TV app: You can also pair the remote using the Fire TV app on your mobile device.
If the problem persists, you can contact Amazon customer service.
Unplug your Firestick>>Press and hold the Left button, Menu button, and the Back button at the same time for 12 seconds. Insert new batteries and try pairing again.
For Alexa Voice Remote Follow the same steps as above, but press and hold the Left and Menu buttons instead.
If the remote still doesn’t work after following the instructions above, your remote may be damaged. You’ll need to buy a new remote or you can use your Smartphone as a Firestick remote.
How to pair a new Firestick remote?
Read on to learn how to pair the new Fire Stick remote with your device or use your phone as a Fire TV remote.
- From the Home Page, select “Settings“
- Click “Controllers & Bluetooth devices“
- Select “Amazon Fire TV Remotes“
- Choose “Add New Remote“
- Your device will search for a new remote and display it in a list
- Now Hold the home button of your new remote for 10 seconds
- Then select the name of your second Alexa remote
- You have received the message on your screen after paired
You are now ready with a new remote to control all the options of your device. Choose this option only if your remote is damaged.
How To use your phone as a remote to control
By using your phone as a remote, you will avoid the hassle of buying a new remote and will also save money. But if you are adamant about buying a remote, then definitely buy this one.
To use your phone as a remote, follow the instructions given here:
- Download and install the Fire TV app from the Google Play Store Amazon or Apple App Store for iOS
- Open it and click Fire TV device
- Account Sign in with your Amazon username and password
- Copy and paste 4 digit PIN from the TV to your app
- Now your phone is ready to work as a firestick remote
In the end, we will say check which of the following problems is causing your “firestick remote not working“. You will benefit from some instructions. If your problem is still not solved, you may need to buy a new remote or you can use your mobile as a Fire TV remote.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: How Do I Fix An Unresponsive Firestick Remote?
Ans: If your Fire TV Stick is not working properly, there is no need to despair. Sometimes minor problems can cause the remote to stop working. Here are some ways you can try to fix your remote:
- Replace The Battery:
- First, check if the battery in the remote is properly inserted.
- If the battery is low or damaged, replace it with a new battery.
Note: Always use good quality, Alkaline batteries.
2. Pair The Remote and Firestick:
- Sometimes the connection between the remote and the Firestick is poor. To fix this:
♦ Disconnect the Fire Stick from the TV and reconnect it.
♦ Press and hold the remote’s Home button for 10 seconds.
♦ Follow the instructions on the Firesticks.
3. Reset The Remote:
- If the above methods don’t work, try resetting the remote.
- The method for resetting the remote depends on the remote model.
- You can find reset instructions for your remote model on Amazon’s website or app.
4. Restart The Firestick:
- Sometimes, Firestick may have some problem due to which the remote will not work. To restart the Firestick:
♦ Disconnect the Fire Stick from the power source.
♦ Wait for a few seconds and reconnect it.
5. Use a Mobile Device as a Remote:
- You can use your smartphone or tablet as a Fire Stick remote.
- For this, you need to download the Fire TV app on your mobile device.
6. If the Problem Persists:
- If all the above methods don’t work, then your remote may have a hardware problem.
- In such a case, you will have to buy a new remote.
Additional Tips:
- Clear The Remote: Dust or dirt accumulated on the remote can also interface with the remote’s working. You can use a soft cloth to clean the remote.
- Test The Remote On Other Device: If you have another FireStick device, test the remote on it to see if it works.
If you’re still having trouble, you can contact Amazon customer service.
Q: Why is My Firestick Remote Not Working Even with New Batteries?
Ans: If your Firestick remote is still not working after installing new batteries, there could be several reasons for it. Let’s look at some possible causes and their solutions:
- Connection Between Remote and Firestick:
- Pairing: The connection between the remote and the Firestick may have been lost. To fix this:
♦ Disconnect the Fire Stick from the TV and reconnect it.
♦ Press and hold the remote’s Home button for 10 seconds.
♦ Follow the instructions on the Fire Stick.
- Maximum Connections: If you have already paired 7 controllers, you can add a new one only after removing one.
- Mobile App: The Fire TV app can also pair the remote.
2. Problem With The Remote:
- Resetting: Sometimes, resetting the remote can solve the problem. The method for resetting depends on your remote model.
- Hardware Problem: The remote may have a hardware problem. In this case, you may need to buy a new remote.
3. Problem With The Fire Stick:
- Restarting: Restarting the Firestick sometimes resolve the issue.
- Software Update: The Firestick might be receiving the Software update.
Other Causes:
- Ensure the distance between the remote and the firestick is not too far apart.
- There should be no obstacles between the remote and the Fire TV Stick, such as walls or furniture.
- Signals from other electronic devices may also be interfering with remote functioning.
I hope after doing this you will get relief from this problem.
If the above details don’t work, try these suggestions:
- Batteries Connection:
- Solution: Check that the batteries are correctly installed in the remote. Make sure the connections are good and the batteries are not loose.
- Remote Reset:
- Solution: Try resetting the remote. Usually, you need to press and hold a few specific buttons simultaneously (such as Home, Back, and Menu) located on the back of the remote for a few seconds. Refer to the user manual for your Firestick model for specific instructions.
- Connection to Firestick:
- Solution: Check that the remote is correctly connected to the Firestick device. Sometimes, the connection between the remote and the Firestick is lost. You can try reconnecting the remote to the Firestick.
- Remote Malfunction:
- Solution: Unfortunately, the remote may be defective. If the above solutions don’t work, the remote may need to be replaced. You can buy a new remote from Amazon or other authorized sellers.
- Firestick Problems:
- Solution: While unlikely, there may be a problem with the Firestick device itself. You can try restarting the Firestick or doing a factory reset.
If the problem persists, try contacting Amazon Customer Support. They can help you troubleshoot or provide you with a remote replacement option.