1. Move Remote Closer and Check for Interference
Ensure your Fire TV and its remote are in the same room and within visible distance. Also, ensure the remote has a clear line of sight from the Fire TV. Using your Fire TV device or remote near radiation-emitting devices—Wi-Fi router, wireless speaker, microwave oven, etc.—can cause interference. We recommend turning off these devices or moving them away from your Fire TV device/remote.
2. Use the Fire TV Remote App
You should see a “Fire TV Remote – Ready to pair” entry on the search page when your Fire TV detects the remote.
3. Reinsert or Replace the Batteries
Change the remote’s batteries if your Fire TV says they’re “Offline.” Open your Fire TV Remote’s back cover and check that the batteries are secure and inserted correctly. Also, ensure you align the battery polarities—positive (+) and negative (-) sides—in line with the inscriptions in the battery compartment. Replace both batteries with new units. Your Fire TV Remote might malfunction if you replace one battery or mix old and new batteries.
4. Unpair and Re-Pair the Remote
You should see “Fire TV Remote – Ready to pair” on the search page when your Fire TV detects the remote. The remote should now appear on the list of controllers. Reboot your Fire TV if the remote still doesn’t work.
5. Power Cycle Your Fire TV
5. Update Your Fire TV
Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About and select Check for Updates or Install Update.
6. Reset Your Fire TV Remote
Resetting your Fire TV Remote to factory default can get it working correctly again. The factory reset procedure for Fire TV Remotes varies depending on your Fire TV or remote model/generation.
How to Reset Alexa Voice Remote (1st Generation)
Unplug your Fire TV from its power source and follow the steps below.
How to Reset Fire TV Remote (Basic Edition)
How to reset Fire TV Remote (Other Models/Editions)
The remote should automatically pair with your Fire TV device. Otherwise, press and hold the Home button for ten seconds to pair it manually.
7. Restore Your Fire TV to Factory Settings
Factory resetting your Fire TV can resolve remote malfunctions and other issues. Reset your Fire TV to factory settings if the remote doesn’t work after exhausting all troubleshooting steps. Resetting your Fire TV wipes everything on the streaming device—settings, installed apps, saved data, etc. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults and select Reset on the confirmation screen.
Buy and Pair a Replacement Remote
Afterward, press and hold the Home button on the remote for ten seconds to pair it to your Fire TV. Refer to our tutorial on pairing Fire TV Remote for more details on linking replacement remotes to Fire TV devices.
