Fire TV Remote Not Working? Troubleshooting Tips & Solutions
Solutions for a Non-Working Fire TV Remote
Let’s walk through each of the above possible reasons why your Fire TV remote isn’t working along with how to fix each issue.
Dead Batteries
You can check the battery level by going to Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices and selecting your Amazon Fire TV Remote from the list. You’ll then see the battery level as a percentage on the right.
If the level is low or the remote isn’t working well enough to check, you can replace the batteries with two AAA’s by sliding off the back cover of the remote.
Outdated Fire TV
To see if your Fire TV or Fire Stick needs an update, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for (System) Updates. If an update is available, it should download immediately. Then, select Install Update and wait for your TV to restart with the update.
Step-by-step guide
1. Keep your remote within 10 feet (3 meters) of your TV.
2. Unplug your Fire TV from the power source and wait 60 seconds.
3. Remove the batteries from your remote by sliding off the back cover.
4. Plug in your Fire TV.
5. Put the batteries back in your remote.
6. When you see the remote detection error message on the screen, press and hold the Home button for 10 seconds.
Step-by-step guide
1. Unplug your Fire TV from the power source and HDMI input, then wait 60 seconds.
2. Press and hold the Left button, Menu button, and Back button at the same time for 12 seconds.
3. Release the buttons and wait 5 seconds.
4. Remove the batteries from your remote by sliding off the back cover.
5. Plug your Fire TV back into the source and input.
6. Put the batteries back in your remote.
7. Press the Home button.
When all else fails, you can purchase a new Fire TV remote or opt for a free Fire TV remote app for your mobile device.
Buy a New Fire TV Physical Remote
You can perform a search to find Fire TV remote replacements at retailers like eBay and Best Buy or head straight to Amazon for a decent selection.
Currently on Amazon, prices range from $8 to $30, depending on your Fire TV or Fire Stick model or if you want additional features such as Alexa Voice.
Use a Universal Remote App: TVRem
As an alternative to a physical remote, consider a free Amazon Fire TV remote app such as TVRem. The advantages to this option are the convenience of an easily accessible mobile app, no worries of replacing batteries, reconnecting, or resetting a physical remote, and more money in your pocket because TVRem is completely free with no in-app purchases.
With TVRem, you can also control additional TVs in your home, including Roku and streaming players, Amazon Smart TVs, and other TVs with Fire TV built in, Android TV, LG, Chromecast with Google TV, Google TV Streamers, and Samsung TVs.
For features and navigation, you can use button, touchpad, or voice controls, enjoy quick channel switching, and receive haptic and sound feedback — all within an intuitive interface.
To use the app:
Step-by-step guide
1. Download TVRem to your iPhone or iPad and power on your Fire TV.
2. Open the app and connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
3. When prompted, grant the necessary permissions.
4. Tap Choose a TV.
5. Select your Fire TV or Fire Stick from the device list.
6. You’re then ready to get back to your favorite shows and Fire TV channels.
