Yes, you can replace a Firestick remote with an official Amazon remote or a third-party option
A Firestick remote can be replaced. Amazon sells official Fire TV remotes that work with any Firestick model, and third-party remotes from other manufacturers also work. The remote you choose depends on what features matter to you — whether you want voice control, a backlit keypad, or just basic navigation buttons — and how much you want to spend.
Pairing a new remote to your Firestick takes about two minutes. You do not need to unpair the old remote first, though you can if you want to. Once the new remote is in range and you press a button, your Firestick will recognize it and ask you to confirm the pairing on screen.
Key Takeaways
- Official Amazon Fire TV remotes work with all Firestick models and range from basic navigation remotes to voice-enabled models with backlit buttons.
- Third-party remotes designed for Fire TV are cheaper than official remotes but have fewer features and may not include voice control.
- Pairing a new remote requires pressing any button on the remote while it is within 10 feet of the Firestick — no settings menu or code entry needed.
- The remote you buy must be labeled as compatible with Fire TV or Firestick; remotes for other streaming devices will not work.
Official Amazon Fire TV remotes and what each one does
Amazon makes four main remote models for Firestick. The Fire TV Remote (standard) has basic buttons for navigation, play, pause, and volume, plus a home button. It does not have voice control or backlighting. This is the cheapest official option and works with all Firestick generations.
The Fire TV Remote with voice control adds a microphone button that lets you search by speaking, control smart home devices, and ask Alexa questions. It has a small LED light on the microphone button but no backlit keypad. This remote works with all current Firestick models.
The Fire TV Omni Remote includes voice control, a fully backlit keypad that lights up when you pick it up, and buttons to control your TV power and volume directly — so you do not need a separate TV remote. It is the most expensive official option and works with all current Firestick models.
The Fire TV Cube Remote is designed for the Fire TV Cube (a different device from the Firestick) but can pair with a Firestick if you already own one. It has voice control and a backlit keypad.
Third-party remotes that work with Firestick
Several manufacturers make Fire TV remotes that cost less than Amazon's official models. Brands like Rii, Gvirtue, and Sideclick make remotes with basic navigation buttons and no voice control. These remotes are reliable for everyday use — changing channels, adjusting volume, navigating menus — but you lose the ability to search by voice.
Some third-party remotes add features that Amazon's standard remote does not have. The Sideclick remote, for example, attaches to your existing Fire TV remote and adds buttons for other devices like your soundbar or cable box, so you can control multiple devices from one remote. This is useful if you want to avoid juggling multiple remotes.
Before you buy a third-party remote, check that the product listing says it is compatible with your specific Firestick model. A remote made for Fire TV Stick 4K may not work with an older Fire TV Stick Lite, even though both are Firesticks. Read the reviews to see whether other users had pairing problems.
How to pair a new remote to your Firestick
Turn on your Firestick and make sure it is on the home screen. Hold the new remote about 10 feet away from the Firestick and press any button — the home button, the play button, or the up arrow all work. Your Firestick will detect the remote and show a pairing prompt on your TV screen.
Follow the on-screen instructions. Usually this means pressing a button on the remote to confirm the pairing. The whole process takes less than two minutes. Once pairing is complete, the remote is ready to use.
If the pairing prompt does not appear, make sure the remote has fresh batteries and is within 10 feet of the Firestick. If you are using a voice-control remote, check that the microphone button is not stuck. If pairing still fails, restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try again.
What to do with your old remote
You do not have to do anything with your old remote. It will straightforward stop working once you pair a new one, because the Firestick only responds to one remote at a time. If you want to use the old remote again later, you can pair it back to the Firestick by pressing a button on it.
If the old remote is broken or you do not plan to use it, you can recycle it. Amazon does not run a remote trade-in program, but many electronics retailers like Best Buy accept old remotes and remote batteries for recycling. Check your local waste management website for e-waste drop-off locations in your area.
Comparing cost and features
| Remote | Voice Control | Backlit Keypad | TV Power/Volume Buttons | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire TV Remote (standard) | No | No | No | $15–$20 |
| Fire TV Remote with voice | Yes | No | No | $25–$30 |
| Fire TV Omni Remote | Yes | Yes | Yes | $35–$45 |
| Third-party basic remote | No | No | No | $10–$15 |
| Sideclick multi-device remote | No | No | Varies | $20–$30 |
Prices vary by retailer and change over time. Official Amazon remotes are sold through Amazon.com and other electronics retailers. Third-party remotes are widely available on Amazon and at big-box electronics stores.
Troubleshooting remote problems before you replace it
Before you buy a new remote, try fixing the one you have. If the remote is not responding, replace the batteries first — most Firestick remotes use two AA or AAA batteries. Make sure the batteries are inserted in the correct direction and that the battery contacts are clean.
If the remote still does not work, restart your Firestick. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once the home screen appears, try the remote again. If it works, the problem was a temporary connection issue.
If only some buttons work — for example, the volume buttons work but the navigation buttons do not — the remote may have water damage or internal wear. In this case, replacement is usually the best option. Amazon does not repair remotes, and the cost of a new one is low enough that repair is not worth pursuing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Firestick remote work with other streaming devices?
No. A Fire TV remote only works with Firestick and Fire TV devices. If you try to pair it with a Roku, Apple TV, or other streaming device, it will not work. Each streaming platform uses its own remote protocol.
Can I use my phone as a remote for my Firestick?
Yes. read the Fire TV app on your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your Firestick, and you can use your phone to navigate and control playback. This does not replace a physical remote for everyday use, but it is useful if you lose your remote or need to search by typing.
Do I need to unpair my old remote before pairing a new one?
No. When you pair a new remote, your Firestick automatically stops responding to the old one. You do not need to go into settings or do anything else. If you want to use the old remote again later, just press a button on it and it will pair again.
What is the difference between a Fire TV Stick remote and a Fire TV Cube remote?
The Fire TV Cube remote is designed for the Fire TV Cube, which is a larger device with a built-in speaker and more processing power. The Cube remote works with Firestick, but Firestick remotes do not work with the Cube. If you own a Firestick, buy a remote labeled for Firestick or Fire TV Stick.
Can I buy a used Firestick remote?
Yes, used remotes are sold on secondhand marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Make sure the listing says the remote is in working condition and compatible with your Firestick model. Used remotes are cheaper but come with no warranty, so there is some risk if the remote fails shortly after you receive it.