The simplest way to pair your Fire Stick remote with your TV
Most Fire Stick remotes can control your TV's power, volume, and input without any special setup — they do this automatically through infrared signals that work out of the box. If your remote came with your Fire Stick, point it at your TV and press the power button. If it turns the TV on or off, you are already done. If nothing happens, your TV may need the remote to be programmed first, or your remote may be a newer model that requires a different pairing step.
The process depends on which Fire Stick remote you own. The older basic remotes (black, with a circular pad) and the newer Alexa Voice Remote (with a microphone button) handle pairing differently. Both methods take less than a minute, but you need to know which remote you have before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Fire Stick remotes use infrared to control most TVs without setup, so test the power button first to see if pairing is already working.
- Basic remotes and Alexa Voice Remotes pair differently — basic remotes use a code entry method, while Alexa remotes pair through the Fire Stick settings menu.
- You will need your TV's brand name and sometimes a specific model number to find the correct remote code.
- If your TV does not respond after pairing, check that nothing is blocking the remote's infrared sensor and that your TV is not in a special mode that disables external controls.
Pairing a basic Fire Stick remote to your TV
The basic Fire Stick remote (the older black model with a circular navigation pad) pairs to your TV by entering a manufacturer code. This code tells the remote which brand of TV you own so it knows which signals to send.
First, find your TV's brand name — it is printed on the bezel or back of the TV. Common brands are Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, and Insignia. Once you have the brand, follow these steps:
- Point the remote at your TV.
- Press and hold the Home button until the light on the remote blinks twice (about 3 seconds).
- Release the Home button.
- Use the number pad to enter the code for your TV brand. Codes are usually three or four digits — for example, Samsung is often 0060, but this varies by model.
- Press the Play/Pause button to confirm the code.
- Test the power button. If your TV turns on or off, the pairing worked.
If the code does not work, try the next code listed for your brand. Most TV manufacturers have multiple codes in the Fire Stick remote's database. If you have tried three codes and none worked, move to the next section on finding codes online.
Pairing an Alexa Voice Remote to your TV
The Alexa Voice Remote (the newer remote with a microphone button and a power button at the top) pairs through your Fire Stick's settings menu instead of through code entry. This method is more reliable because the Fire Stick communicates directly with your TV through HDMI.
To set this up, you need to be in the Fire Stick home screen and have your TV remote nearby:
- On your Fire Stick, go to Settings (the gear icon at the top right).
- Select Equipment Control.
- Select Your TV.
- Choose your TV brand from the list.
- The Fire Stick will send a test signal to your TV. If your TV responds, you will see a confirmation message.
- Select Continue, and the pairing is complete.
If your TV brand is not in the list, or if the test signal does not work, you can manually enter a code. Select "Enter Code Manually" and follow the same code-entry process as the basic remote. After you enter the code, test the power button to confirm it worked.
Finding the correct remote code for your TV
If the codes built into your Fire Stick remote do not work, you will need to find the code online. Amazon publishes a list of codes for most TV brands on their Fire Stick support pages, organized by manufacturer.
To find the code, visit Amazon's Fire Stick remote code list (search "Fire Stick remote codes" on Amazon's website). Look for your TV brand and model number. Your model number is usually on a sticker on the back or side of your TV, or in your TV's settings menu under "About" or "System Information."
Write down the codes listed for your brand — there are usually several. Enter them one at a time using the steps above until one works. If you still have no luck, your TV may not be compatible with the Fire Stick remote, and you may need to use your TV's original remote for power and volume control.
Troubleshooting when the remote does not control your TV
If you have entered the correct code but the remote still does not turn your TV on or off, check these common problems first.
Infrared sensor is blocked. The remote sends signals through infrared light, which cannot pass through solid objects. Make sure nothing is between the remote and your TV — no furniture, decorations, or even your hand. Point the remote directly at the TV's front panel, not at the screen.
TV is in a special mode. Some TVs disable external remote control when they are in standby mode, demo mode, or when a specific input is selected. Check your TV's settings menu to see if external control is turned on. The setting is usually under "External Device Control" or "CEC" (Consumer Electronics Control).
Remote batteries are low. If the remote is not sending a strong signal, the batteries may be dying. Replace them with fresh alkaline batteries and try again.
TV brand code is not in the database. Some older TV models or less common brands do not have codes in the Fire Stick remote's system. In this case, you will need to use your TV's original remote for power and volume, but you can still use the Fire Stick remote to navigate Fire Stick menus.
Using your TV remote alongside your Fire Stick remote
You do not have to choose between remotes. Many people keep both their Fire Stick remote and their TV remote nearby. The Fire Stick remote controls the Fire Stick menu and can control your TV's power and volume if it is programmed. Your TV remote can do everything the Fire Stick remote can do for the TV, plus any special features your TV has (like picture settings or smart TV apps).
If you decide to use only your TV remote for TV control and only the Fire Stick remote for Fire Stick navigation, that works fine too. The Fire Stick remote does not need to control your TV to work — it just makes things more convenient if it does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fire Stick remote control my TV without me programming it?
Fire Stick remotes are pre-programmed with infrared codes for common TV brands. When you first use the remote, it may automatically work with your TV if your brand is in that list. This is not a glitch — it is intentional, and it means your TV brand was recognized.
Can I program my Fire Stick remote to control other devices like a soundbar or cable box?
Yes. The same code-entry method works for most infrared devices. Go to Settings > Equipment Control on your Fire Stick and select the device type (soundbar, receiver, cable box). Choose the brand and enter the code the same way you would for a TV. Not all devices are supported, but most common brands are.
What if my TV brand is not on the list in the Fire Stick settings menu?
Select "Other" or "Enter Code Manually" and look up your TV's brand code online through Amazon's Fire Stick remote code database. If your TV is very old or very new, a code may not exist. In that case, your TV remote will remain the primary control for power and volume.
Do I need to reprogram my remote if I get a new TV?
Yes, if the new TV is a different brand. Go back to Settings > Equipment Control > Your TV and select the new brand. If the new TV is the same brand as your old one, the remote may work without reprogramming, but you should test it first.
Can I use a Fire Stick remote with a TV that does not have an infrared receiver?
No. Some very new smart TVs use only WiFi or Bluetooth and have no infrared receiver. Check your TV's manual or settings to see if it supports infrared control. If it does not, you will need to use your TV's original remote or a universal remote that supports your TV's connection method.