Is your Firestick remote unresponsive?
Does the Firestick remote volume not work?
Well, it’s normal for a Firestick remote to get into trouble occasionally.
Luckily, troubleshooting one is fairly easy!
Once you’ve pinpointed the cause, fixing the remote will be done in no time.
Continue reading to learn:
- 10 causes of Firestick remote not working.
- 10 easy ways to fix unresponsive Firestick remote.
- How to pair the remote to the TV and Fire TV Stick.
- Which Firestick remote and Fire TV Stick are compatible.
- And that’s only the beginning…
Why is my firestick remote not working?
Your Firestick remote isn’t working because it’s unpaired with the TV and Fire TV Stick. Disconnection between the three devices can happen if the devices are outdated, the remote batteries are empty, the TV IR sensor is blocked, the Fire TV Stick is out of range, or the connection is obstructed.
Firestick remote not working – 10 causes & fixes
#1: Low or drained remote batteries
Low or drained batteries are the common reason why Firestick remotes are unresponsive.
Your Firestick remote uses batteries to function.
And compared to other devices, remotes are more power-hungry.
A Firestick remote can drain its batteries faster. Especially if you enable its Alexa voice assistant.
That’s what a lot of Firestick remote users don’t know about.
Once the Firestick remote batteries get drained, it won’t work.
“My Firestick remote sensor lights up. I don’t think the batteries are empty.”
That may be true.
But Firestick remotes use Bluetooth to communicate with the Fire TV Stick.
And when the remote has low batteries, the connection can get unstable.
As a result, your Fire TV Stick won’t be able to receive commands properly.
“But I just changed the batteries…”
Check whether the batteries are inserted correctly and properly.
As you know, batteries and battery contacts have positive and negative sides.
So if the batteries aren’t inserted correctly, the remote won’t work.
Sometimes it can also be because the batteries are not fully inserted.
This can happen if you’re changing the batteries abruptly.
When one side of the battery is not placed in the contact, the charge won’t flow.
How to fix it
Whether the batteries are low or drained, you have to replace them as soon as possible.
Most Firestick remotes use two (2) AAA batteries.
So, make sure to get the same replacements.
Here are some other important reminders when replacing the remote batteries:
- Use brand new batteries.
- Use batteries with the same voltage.
- Use two batteries of the same brand.
- Don’t use old and new batteries together.
You have to use brand new batteries because Firestick remotes consume more charge.
It’s more convenient to use new ones that can last for several months.
Rather than used ones which you will have to replace again in a couple of months.
Reading tip: 8 Easy Steps To Open Your Firestick Remote (With Video)
#2: Out of range device
Firestick remotes connect with the Fire TV Stick via Bluetooth.
Bluetooth is a technology that uses radio waves to send signals and commands.
Meaning it doesn’t need a clean line of sight to work.
You don’t have to point your Firestick remote to the Fire TV Stick to send commands.
But then, Bluetooth also has a limited range.
Theoretically, it can connect with other Bluetooth-enabled devices within 30 ft (9.14 m).
Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Yet, anything in your house can act as an obstruction. And cause the Bluetooth connection to get erratic.
These objects include:
- Walls.
- Doors.
- Cabinets.
- Appliances.
- Large furniture.
- And sometimes even the TV itself.
The farther the remote to the Fire TV Stick, the weaker the connection.
And these objects can serve as extra physical barriers.
According to one research, electromagnetic waves travel faster in an open space.
So, when your Fire TV Stick is inside a cable cabinet, it can be harder for the remote signals to reach the device. As the signals tend to become weaker.
And when the signals become weaker, the Fire TV Stick would barely receive any command.
This can also happen if your Fire TV Stick is plugged in at the back of the TV.
How to fix it
First, ensure that the Firestick remote is not too far away from the Fire TV Stick.
The same devices have to be in the same room when in use.
If your Fire TV Stick is plugged in at the back of the TV, consider using an HDMI extender.
You can use the HDMI extender to place your Fire TV Stick beside the TV, where it’s more visible.
If your Fire TV Stick is inside a cable cabinet, consider opening the cabinet doors whenever you’re using it.
In this way, it would be easier for the Firestick remote to send signals to the Fire TV Stick.
#3: Bluetooth interference
Electronics and appliances that use radio frequencies can also interfere with Bluetooth connection.
Bluetooth has 2.64 GHz, which is a common frequency in many household appliances.
For example, a microwave oven has about 2.64 GHz.
When two devices that use radio frequencies are nearby, you may hear a static sound.
This static sound is an indicator that a frequency interference has happened.
One study has proved this claim. Saying that residential microwave ovens may indeed interfere with a Bluetooth connection.
During Bluetooth interference, devices with the same frequency clash and change channels.
Other electronics and appliances that may interfere with Bluetooth connection are:
- Wireless phones.
- Wireless WiFi speakers.
- Unshielded power lines.
- Other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
“WiFi has the same frequency of 2.64 GHz, right?”
Yes, most WiFi routers use the same frequency range.
And it can interfere with the Bluetooth connection as well.
But fortunately, Bluetooth technology today can “self-correct.” And it can maintain a stable connection with the paired device.
Depending on the situation, it can or cannot cause fatal effects.
How to fix it
To avoid Bluetooth interference, remove any device that uses radio frequencies.
“How can I know which device interferes with the Bluetooth connection?”
You can do a simple test with your home electronics and appliances.
Open all your devices. And one by one, unplug them.
Whenever you unplug, check whether it affects the connection of your Firestick remote.
This way, you can determine which exact device obstructs the connection. And causes your Firestick remote not to work.
Once you have determined the “obstruction,” move it to another room. Or at least several feet away from the Fire TV Stick.
#4: Blocked TV IR sensor
“My Firestick remote volume doesn’t work. What causes it?”
Is there anything in front of your TV set?
Firestick remotes use infrared signals to connect with the TV.
The Firestick remote sends commands to the TV by emitting infrared beams. And the TV receives the commands through its infrared (IR) sensor.
See the little red light at the corner of your TV? That’s the TV IR sensor.
Unlike Bluetooth, infrared has to have a clear line of sight to send signals.
If its path is blocked, it won’t be able to reach the IR sensor. And so, it fails to send commands.
So, if the Firestick remote volume isn’t working, it’s because the remote can’t communicate with the TV IR sensor.
The most common culprit for this are objects that directly block the TV IR sensor.
Check whether there are cables, decors, or plant leaves that block the IR sensor.
Aside from objects, humans can also block infrared signals.
A person standing in front of the TV or sitting close by can also block the infrared signals. And cause your Firestick remote volume not to work.
How to fix it
Troubleshooting this problem is relatively easy.
You only have to remove objects that block the TV IR sensor.
If placing decors in front of the TV, put them away from the IR sensor.
And if your TV is inside a case, make sure there’s a hole in the sensor.
Tip: Clean the TV IR sensor occasionally. Because dirt and dust can also act as an obstruction and block infrared signals.
#5: Remote incompatibility
“I just bought a new Firestick remote replacement. But it doesn’t work either!”
If that’s the case, it must be because your Firestick remote is not compatible with your Fire TV Stick.
There are several versions of Fire TV Stick and Firestick remotes.
And not all versions work together.
Here’s a guide on which Fire TV Stick devices are compatible with every Firestick remote version:
For Basic Edition Remote
Works with 4 Fire TV devices:
- 1st-gen Fire TV.
- 2nd-gen Fire TV.
- 1st-gen Fire TV Stick.
- 2nd-gen Fire TV Stick.
For 1st Gen Alexa Voice Remote (no power and volume buttons)
Works with 4 Fire TV devices:
- 1st-gen Fire TV.
- 2nd-gen Fire TV.
- 1st-gen Fire TV Stick.
- 2nd-gen Fire TV Stick.
For 2nd Gen Alexa Voice Remote
Works with 7 Fire TV devices:
- Fire TV Stick 4k.
- Fire TV Stick Lite.
- 3rd-gen Fire TV Stick.
- 1st-gen Fire TV Cube.
- 2nd-gen Fire TV Stick.
- 2nd-gen Fire TV Cube.
- 3rd-gen Fire TV (pendant design).
Fore Alexa Voice Remote Lite
Works with 5 Fire TV devices:
- Fire TV Stick 4k.
- Fire TV Sitck Lite.
- 3rd-gen Fire TV Stick.
- 2nd-gen Fire TV Stick.
- 2nd-gen Fire TV Cube.
For 3rd Gen Alexa Voice Remote
Works with 7 Fire TV devices:
- Fire TV Stick 4k.
- Fire TV Stick Lite.
- 3rd-gen Fire TV Stick.
- 1st-gen Fire TV Cube.
- 2nd-gen Fire TV Stick.
- 2nd-gen Fire TV Cube.
- 3rd-gen Fire TV (pendant design).
Determine which Firestick remote version you have.
And see if it’s compatible with your existing Fire TV device.
How to fix it
The only way you can fix the incompatibility problem is to replace your Firestick remote.
But this time, make sure that it’s compatible with your Fire TV device.
While you’re waiting for the replacement, you may control your device through the Amazon Fire TV app.
Amazon made an app to let users control their Fire TV devices through their smartphones.
This remote app is an alternative way to control your devices.
To set up the Amazon Fire TV remote app:
- Open the Fire TV app.
- Sign in to your Amazon account.
- Select your Fire TV device.
- Then enter the connection code displayed on the TV.
#6: Not plugged in an HDMI-CEC port
Did you plug your Fire TV Stick into an HDMI port?
“Yes, it’s plugged in an HDMI port.”
Does your TV support HDMI-CEC?
“I’m not sure…”
All Fire TV Stick devices are supposed to be plugged into an HDMI port.
But there’s a specific HDMI port that lets you use your Firestick remote volume.
HDMI-CEC is a technology that lets you control every device connected to the HDMI all at once.
When you plug your Fire TV Stick into an HDMI-CEC port, you can control your TV volume using the Firestick remote.
You can determine whether your TV supports HDMI-CEC by:
- Navigating your TV setting.
- Reading your TV user manual.
- Checking the port labels at the back of your TV.
“My Fire TV Stick is already plugged into an HDMI-CEC port. But it still doesn’t work.”
Some TVs require that you manually enable the HDMI-CEC support on its settings.
So, you might want to navigate your TV setting first.
How to fix it
First, determine whether your TV supports the HDMI-CEC feature.
If it is, then proceed to the next step.
If not, then using the volume buttons on your Firestick remote may not be possible.
Next, locate the HDMI-CEC port at the back or the sides of your TV.
Locating it should be easy as most TV brands put labels on the ports.
You should see an “HDMI-CEC” label at the back of your TV.
Note: Several TV brands have different names for “HDMI-CEC.” So, make sure to review your TV user manual first.
Once you’ve located the port, plug in your Fire TV Stick.
After that, the Firestick remote volume should be able to work.
If not, then you need to enable the TV HDMI-CEC support first.
#7: Unpaired with the TV
Sometimes your Firestick remote won’t work because it got disconnected from your TV.
Several things cause a disconnection between the two devices.
But the most common one is due to the software bugs on the TV’s system.
Software bugs can cause a TV to malfunction.
And that includes not receiving commands from the Firestick remote. Or completely unpairing with the device.
When that happens, your Firestick remote won’t work.
This case especially applies to Firestick remote volume not working.
“Are software bugs a type of virus?”
No, software bugs are not viruses.
They are errors, faults, or mistakes that occur during software revamping.
It’s not a user’s fault when their device gets infected with software bugs.
How to fix it
The easiest and best solution is to update your TV software.
You can do this by navigating the settings.
“But I don’t use a smart TV. So, I can’t update the TVs software.”
If that’s the case, the best solution is for you to reset your TV.
Soft resetting can remove generic bugs.
And it helps resolve most connectivity issues.
To soft reset your TV:
- Unplug the TV power cord from the socket.
- Wait for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Then, replug the TV to the socket.
Doing this should resolve the connectivity issue between your Firestick remote and TV.
You may have to do this several times to be able to work.
#8: Unpaired with the Fire TV Stick
Your Firestick remote can only work if it’s paired to your Fire TV Stick.
Some Firestick remotes are bundled with Fire TV devices.
So, when you plug the device in, the remote should automatically work.
If you have bought the remote separately, you have to pair it first with the Fire TV Stick.
“Mine came as a bundle. It was working until today.”
If that’s the case, then there must be a problem with your Fire TV Stick.
Like smart TVs, Fire TV devices also have software.
And so, they can get infected with software bugs as well.
If that happens, your Fire TV Stick may malfunction.
Its system can freeze or lag and cause the device to not receive signals from the Firestick remote.
How to fix it
If you have bought your remote separately, you should pair it with your Fire TV device.
To do this:
- Plug your TV into the socket.
- Set up the Fire TV Stick to the TV.
- Then, press the home button icon on the remote for 20 seconds.
Depending on the version, you should see a blue light on the remote or a display notification on your TV.
Note: The home button on the remote is the one that has a “house” icon.
Want to see an actual demonstration on how to pair Firestick remote to Fire TV? Then, watch this video!
“What about the 2nd solution? How should I soft reset my FIre TV Stick?”
Here’s how to reset Fire TV Stick:
- Make sure that the TV and Fire TV Stick are plugged in.
- Press the back and right buttons for 10 seconds.
- Wait for a pop-up message to display on the TV.
- Then, click “Reset.”
Note: Don’t unplug or turn off any device while the resetting process is ongoing. Doing this can cause the reset to fail.
You might also like: How to reset a Firestick remote?
#9: Dirty battery contacts
Are some buttons on your remote not working?
If yes, then your remote must be worn out. Or the remote button contacts are dirty.
If you’ve been using your Firestick remote for many months or years already, then it’s prone to this problem.
As you may know, your remote can accumulate dirt and dust. Even though you’re using it every day.
Some of this dirt and dust enter the remote. And they get stuck on the remote button contacts.
When the contacts get dirty, they can have difficulty communicating with the remote’s PCB.
And thus cause your remote not to work.
You may also wonder: Will smart TVs become obsolete?
How to fix it
If you think the remote button contacts are dirty, you can clean them by opening the remote.
Warning: Opening the Firestick remote will void its warranty. So, only do this if the remote’s warranty is already expired.
To clean the Firestick remote, first, remove the remote battery compartment cover.
Then, use a hard card or similar object to open the sides of the remote.
Once opened, remove the button contacts and clean them.
You can use a microfiber cloth to remove accumulated dirt and dust.
If there is gunk in the contacts, use a damp microfiber cloth with an alcohol solution.
Make sure to air-dry the button contacts first before putting them back to the remote case.
#10: Internal damage
If nothing above works, then there must be internal damage on the remote.
Internal damage is the hardest remote issue to solve.
As this will need you to fix the problems on its printed circuit board (PCB). Which a lot of users are not an expert on.
Many things cause damage on the remote’s PCB, including:
- Power surges.
- Remote constantly dropping.
- Worn out due to frequent use.
You’ll know that the remote PCB is damaged if you see brunt areas, broken tracks, and scratches.
How to fix it
Depending on the damage, there are several ways you can fix a broken remote PCB.
You have to remove damaged parts and replace them with new ones.
Sounds pretty easy, right? But not when you’re not an electronics technician.
PCBs are sensitive. And if you damage one part, the whole system may collapse.
So, if you’re not an expert on it, it would be best to have your Firestick remote fixed by an electronics technician.
You can bring your remote to a service center and have experts look at your device.
If this is too much of a hassle for you, you have no other option but to have your Firestick remote replaced.
Buying tip: Buy remote replacements directly from Amazon to ensure product quality.