How to fix an Amazon Fire Stick remote that won't work

⚡ Fast fix

• Swap in fresh batteries even if the old ones seem okay, as these remotes are power-hungry.
• Hold the Home button for 10 seconds to re-pair the remote with your Fire Stick.
• Unplug the Fire Stick from the power source for 60 seconds to clear any software hangs.
• Remote still dead?
  Get 24/7 expert support for the tech you rely on.

Imagine settling down for a movie night, but your remote control won’t respond. Frustrating, right? An unresponsive remote can turn your streaming experience into a real drag. Luckily, troubleshooting the remote for your Amazon® Fire TV™ Stick is often straightforward.

At Asurion, our experts have the know-how to help with all of the tech under your roof—including your streaming device’s remote. Whether you're setting up a new Amazon Fire TV remote or your current one just won’t work, we’ve got the fix.

Why won't my Fire Stick remote work?

There are a few reasons your Fire TV Stick may not be working—common issues include battery problems, interference from other devices, or the remote being unpaired from the device.

If your remote is unresponsive, the Amazon Fire TV mobile app on your smartphone can serve as a temporary remote. This can help you navigate the device settings to troubleshoot or pair a new remote.

Troubleshooting your Fire Stick remote

Dealing with a nonresponsive Amazon Firestick remote can quickly turn an evening from relaxing to frustrating. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can fix what ails your remote.

1. Check the remote batteries

The most common reason for remote malfunctions is drained batteries. Your Fire TV remote is powered by two AAA batteries. Replace them with new ones to ensure that isn't the problem.

2. Restart your Fire Stick

A quick restart might resolve the issue. Disconnect your Fire Stick from the power source, wait a minute, and plug it back in.

3. Re-pair the remote

If the remote isn't responding, try re-pairing it with your Fire Stick. Press and hold the Home button for 10 seconds to initiate pairing mode. If you have a third-generation Fire Stick remote, you’ll know it’s in pairing mode when the small blue light located to the right of the Alexa™ button blinks rapidly.

4. Clear obstructions

The remote uses infrared light and needs a clear line of sight, so make sure there’s nothing between the remote and the Fire Stick.

5. Reset the remote

If your Firestick remote still isn't cooperating after basic troubleshooting steps, a reset might be the next best step. Resetting the remote can clear out any minor glitches by restoring its factory settings. Here’s how to safely reset your Firestick remote:

1. Unplug your Fire TV from the power supply and HDMI input.
2. Press and hold the Left directional, Menu, and Back buttons simultaneously for about 15 seconds, then release them.
3. Remove the batteries from your remote.
4. Plug in your Fire TV and wait until you see an on-screen message saying that the remote can’t be detected.
5. Put the batteries back in your remote.
6. Press the Home button.

When the indicator light blinks blue, the pairing process is successful. If it's not paired, press the Home button for a few seconds.