Imagine this: you are curled up on your couch with a bowl of popcorn, you’re about to watch the latest episode of your favorite show and then boom! You realize that your Firestick remote is not working. This can be a major issue for a lot of people, but the fix for this issue is simpler than you might think.
In this article, we are going to go over what causes this issue, what you can do to fix it in the comfort of your own home and the available alternatives. Let’s get started.
Alternative – Amazon Fire TV Remote App
If you are in a hurry, then this alternative to the Firestick remote will be of great service. You can control the FireStick app using the Amazon Fire TV remote app, which was designed for situations like this. This app is easy to use and it is available on the Google play store and the App Store.
Simply download and install the app on your smartphone and turn it into a remote. Make sure that the phone and the FireStick are connected to the same WiFi and that’s all you need to do.
However, the app can face some technical issues on some devices and can cause random connection losses. This is why I’d advise you to fix the FireStick remote.
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Why Is My FireStick Remote Not Responding?
There can be multiple reasons for this issue. The most common culprit is the battery. The FireStick remote needs good batteries from a reputed brand and they have to be new since these remotes are different and require more power than the normal infrared remotes. The Bluetooth remotes have a lot of advantages but battery life is a clear disadvantage. Another thing to note is that you cannot use cheap batteries in your FireStick Tv remote. These batteries can leak battery acid and form residues on the connecter. Another battery-related issue can crop up if the battery was installed improperly.
Other reasons include hardware damages, pairing restrictions and signal interferences. They are less common than battery issues but they can be dealt with.
What to Do If FireStick Remote Is Not Working at all?
There are multiple methods at your disposal. I’d recommend that you follow the order of the list because this way, you’ll be able to identify the issue properly and deal with it appropriately. Let’s jump into it.
1. Restart All of the Devices
Sometimes, a simple restart should do the trick. Since your remote isn’t responding, you can restart the FireStick device by simply unplugging it, waiting for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If for some reason, that doesn’t work for you for, then just follow these instructions:
- Download and install the Amazon Fire TV app on your smartphone.
- Pair it with your FireStick and navigate to Settings.
- Select My Fire TV and then select Restart.
If this method didn’t work out for you, then don’t worry, the next methods should work.
2. Check the Batteries
The first thing you need to do is check if the battery is placed properly. Make sure that the + and – signs on the battery and the remote are aligned. This might seem like a silly thing to worry about but just check to make sure that this isn’t the problem.
The next thing you need to check is the battery connectors on both the battery and the remote. If you find any residues on them, then scrap it with a sharp piece of metal (a small knife or a screwdriver) and wipe it away with a piece of cloth.
After that, replace the batteries with new ones. Make sure that they are from a good brand. Using the batteries that are just lying around may not work since they won’t have enough juice left in them.
3. Check the Pairing
Follow these steps to pair your FireStick remote.
- Turn on FireStick.
- When it’s booting up, press and hold the Home button for at least 10 seconds.
- If the pairing was unsuccessful, try it a few more times.
Your FireStick remote is automatically paired with your FireStick TV by default. However, it’s a good idea to check the pairing again. FireStick can only connect to 7 devices so if you have a lot of devices, unpair them to see if the remote pairing works. To unpair a device, just follow these steps:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select Controllers & Bluetooth Devices.
- You can unpair the devices from your list.
4. Take Care of Signal Interference
Another advantage that infrared controllers have on Bluetooth remotes is that they are less susceptible to signal interference. Make sure that there are no wireless devices like wireless speakers near the remote and make sure that nothing is obstructing the Bluetooth connection.
5. Check Compatibility
If the remote was brought from a third-party vendor and not Amazon, then there’s a good chance that there’s a compatibility issue. Check the product description or the user manual to confirm this. You can return the new remote and get a compatible one from Amazon. Alternatively, you can also use the mobile app.
6. Hardware Issues
If you’ve recently dropped your remote in water or if it hit the floor pretty hard, then there’s a good chance that that’s what caused this issue. You can confirm this if none of the methods given above worked out for you. You should either order a new remote or start using the Amazon Fire TV app.
Final Take
That’s all you need to know if you’re facing the “FireStick remote not working” problem. I hope that you found this article helpful and that it played a part in fixing your remote. If you have any doubts or suggestions, please let us know in the comments section down below.
