An unresponsive remote can halt your streaming session and leave you frustrated.
If your Firestick remote refuses to cooperate, you need to find possible causes and easy fixes to get it back in action.
So, let’s explore some of the reasons and fixes for quickly restoring your binge-watching session.
Also, read: How To Pair Firestick Remote To The TV?
Why Did My Firestick Remote Stop Working?
The most common reasons for a Firestick remote to stop working are as follows:
- Low or drained batteries
- Unpaired remote
- Interference or obstructions
- Distance from the Firestick
- Software glitches
- Physical damage
- Compatibility issues
How To Fix The Firestick Remote Not Working Issue?
If you want to resolve the Firestick remote not working issue, then take a look at the troubleshooting steps below:
1. Check Compatibility
When the Firestick remote is not working , then check compatibility in troubleshooting mode. Ensuring compatibility can help resolve the issue.
This is what you can do:
- Press the Alexa or microphone button. If the LED at the top of the remote flashes, your remote supports troubleshooting mode.
- Press the rewind and right buttons. Hold both buttons simultaneously for three seconds.
- Next, press the menu button. If the LED turns green, it indicates that the troubleshooting mode is active.
- Now, to identify the issue, press any button on the remote. Then observe the LED color to diagnose the problem.
- If you find a red light blinking, then this indicates a low battery. If this is the case, go to the next step.
2. Replace The Batteries
Since the Firestick remote relies on batteries to function, ensure that the batteries in your remote are not drained. If that is the case, then it will not have enough power to send signals to your Fire TV device.
Replace the batteries if they are old or depleted and install a fresh set of batteries to resolve the issue instantly.
Once you have replaced the batteries, check if this works.
3. Restart The Device
Restarting the Firestick device will refresh the system and clear the temporary glitches.
If the LED light blinks blue or white, then make sure the TV is turned on. If this is the case, you can turn on the device and then check.
If the device is already turned on, then restart it. Power the device off.
Then unplug it from the main socket. Then reconnect everything and power on the device.
4. Move The TV Closer
If your remote is not responding, then moving your TV or Firestick device closer will help you fix the issue with your Firestick remote.
Move your remote closer to your device so that there is no interference. By reducing the distance between your Firestick and its remote, you will be able to minimize the issue.
The devices should be within 10 feet or 3 meters. Other electronic devices, metal objects, or even thick walls can interfere with the signal.
So, remove any object in between the devices and check if that works.
5. Pair The Remote
If the orange light blinks on your Firestick remote, it mostly suggests that your Fire TV remote isn’t paired.
Restart your Fire TV device and wait for the “cannot detect your remote” message to appear on the screen.
Once you see the message, press and hold the home button on the remote for 10 seconds to pair it again.
6. Reduce Interference
Reducing interference will help to minimize the remote issue because the Firestick remote mainly uses Bluetooth technology.
Sometimes the connected Bluetooth devices can interfere with the device and cause such issues.
Ensure there are no other Bluetooth devices nearby that might interfere with the connection. Turn off any unnecessary Bluetooth devices. Once done, check if this could fix the issue.
7. Use An HDMI Extender
If your Firestick is plugged directly into the back of your TV, it might be too close to the TV’s body, which can interfere with the remote signal.
Using an HDMI extender can help position the Firestick in a better location and also allows you to move the Firestick away from the TV by improving and strengthening the remote’s signal.
8. Reset The Fire TV Remote
The next thing you can do is reset the Fire TV remote. Resetting the remote will essentially give it a fresh start in case the remote is not responding or behaving erratically.
Follow the steps to reset the Fire TV remote:
- Unplug your Fire TV from the power supply and HDMI input, then wait 60 seconds.
- Press and hold the left, menu, and back buttons simultaneously for about 12 seconds.
- Release the buttons and wait for around 5 seconds before removing the batteries from your remote.
- Plug in your Fire TV and wait until you see the screen indicating the remote can’t be detected.
- Reinsert the batteries into your remote and press the home button.
- When the LED indicator blinks blue, your remote is paired successfully. If not, press the home button for 10 seconds.
Here you need to note that not all remotes have an LED indicator light.
To reset the Alexa voice remote 1st generation, follow the steps:
- Unplug your Fire TV from the power supply and HDMI input, then wait 60 seconds.
- Press and hold the left and menu buttons simultaneously for 12 seconds.
- Release the buttons and wait for at least 5 seconds. Then remove the batteries from your remote.
- Plug in your Fire TV and wait until you see the screen indicating the remote can’t be detected.
- Reinsert the batteries into your remote and press the home button on the remote.
- Your remote should now be paired. If not, press the home button for 10 seconds.
Wrapping Up
Follow the troubleshooting steps that are discussed above to tackle the remote issues head on and get back to enjoying your favorite shows and movies without any interruption.