Fire TV Stick Remote Not Working: 10 Fixes

Quick Fix

Fire TV Stick remote not working? Replace the batteries first (even if recently changed). Then hold the Home button for 10 seconds to re-pair. If that fails, unplug the Fire Stick for 60 seconds, plug back in, wait for boot, then hold Home button again. Most remote issues are battery or pairing problems.

Why Isn’t Fire TV Remote Working?

Fire TV remotes stop working due to dead batteries, lost Bluetooth pairing, interference from other devices, remote damage, or Fire Stick software issues. The remote uses Bluetooth, not infrared, so it doesn’t need line-of-sight but does need proper pairing.

Method 1: Replace Batteries

Battery issues are the #1 cause.

1. Remove battery cover (slide down)
2. Take out old batteries
3. Insert 2 fresh AAA batteries
4. Check polarity (+/- orientation)
5. Wait 10 seconds
6. Try using the remote

Method 2: Re-pair the Remote

Pairing can be lost after power outages.

1. Make sure Fire TV Stick is on and at home screen
2. Hold the Home button for 10 seconds
3. Remote LED should blink
4. Wait for “Remote connected” message

Method 3: Restart Fire TV Stick

A restart fixes many connection issues.

1. Unplug Fire TV Stick from power
2. Wait 60 seconds
3. Plug back in
4. Wait for full boot (2-3 minutes)
5. Try remote after home screen appears

Method 4: Use Fire TV App as Remote

Control Fire TV while troubleshooting.

1. Download Fire TV app on your phone
2. Connect phone to same WiFi as Fire TV
3. Open app and select your Fire TV
4. Use phone as temporary remote
5. Navigate to settings to pair physical remote

Method 5: Reset Remote

Clear remote’s paired devices.

1. Remove batteries from remote
2. Press and hold Home button for 15 seconds
3. Release and wait 5 seconds
4. Insert batteries
5. Hold Home button for 10 seconds to pair

Method 6: Check for Interference

Other Bluetooth devices can interfere.

• Move other Bluetooth devices away
• Turn off unused Bluetooth devices nearby
• Remove USB 3.0 devices (they cause 2.4GHz interference)
• Move Fire Stick away from other electronics

Method 7: Pair from Settings

Use Fire TV app to access pairing settings.

1. Open Fire TV app on phone
2. Navigate to Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices
3. Select Amazon Fire TV Remotes
4. Choose Add New Remote
5. Hold Home button on physical remote

Method 8: Update Fire TV Software

Software bugs can affect remote connectivity.

1. Using Fire TV app, go to Settings
2. Select My Fire TV > About
3. Select Check for Updates
4. Install any available updates
5. Restart and try remote

Method 9: Factory Reset Fire TV

Last resort for persistent issues.

1. Using Fire TV app: Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults
2. Confirm reset
3. Wait for reset to complete
4. Set up Fire TV Stick again
5. Remote should pair during setup

Method 10: Replace the Remote

Remotes can fail after drops or liquid damage.

• Try a different Fire TV remote if available
• Purchase replacement from Amazon
• Consider Fire TV remote with volume control
• Third-party remotes also work

FAQ

Why is my Fire Stick remote blinking orange?

Orange blinking means the remote is trying to pair. Hold the Home button for 10 seconds near the Fire TV Stick. If it doesn’t pair, restart the Fire Stick and try again.

Can I use Fire TV without a remote?

Yes, download the Fire TV app on your smartphone. It provides full remote functionality including voice control. You can also use an HDMI-CEC compatible TV remote.

Why does my Fire TV remote only work close to the TV?

This indicates weak Bluetooth signal or low batteries. Replace batteries with fresh ones. If still weak, the remote may be damaged and need replacement.