What "changing" your Firestick remote means

Changing your Firestick remote usually means one of three things: pairing a new remote to your device, replacing batteries in your current remote, or switching from one remote model to another. The most common reason is that your remote has stopped responding, the batteries are dead, or you want to use a different remote altogether. The process depends on which situation you're in.

If your remote straightforward won't respond, the first step is always to check the batteries. Most Firestick remotes use two AA batteries, and a dead battery is the reason nine times out of ten. If the batteries are fine but the remote still doesn't work, you'll need to re-pair it to your Firestick device. If you're switching to a completely different remote model — say, upgrading to an Alexa Voice Remote — the pairing process is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Replace the two AA batteries in your remote first; this fixes most remote problems without any pairing needed.
  • To pair a new or unresponsive remote, hold the Home and Back buttons together for 10 seconds until the light on your Firestick flashes.
  • You can pair multiple remotes to the same Firestick, so you don't have to choose between old and new.
  • If pairing doesn't work after three attempts, restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try again.

Replacing the batteries in your remote

Open the battery compartment on the back of your remote by sliding or unclipping the cover — the direction varies by remote model, but it's usually a gentle slide downward. Remove the two AA batteries and check whether they're corroded or leaking. If they look normal, replace them with two fresh AA batteries, making sure the positive and negative ends are facing the right direction. The diagram inside the compartment shows which way they go.

After you've installed new batteries, point the remote at your Firestick and press the Home button. If the light on your Firestick blinks, the remote is working. If nothing happens, move on to re-pairing. If the old batteries were leaking or corroded, clean the inside of the battery compartment with a dry cloth before inserting new ones.

Pairing a new or unresponsive remote to your Firestick

Sit within 6 feet of your Firestick device. Hold down the Home button and the Back button at the same time for about 10 seconds. You'll see the light on your Firestick begin to flash — this means it's in pairing mode. Keep holding the buttons until the light stops flashing and stays steady, which usually takes 15 to 20 seconds total.

Once the light is steady, release the buttons. Your remote should now be paired. Test it by pressing the Home button again — the Firestick menu should appear on your TV. If nothing happens, wait 30 seconds and try the pairing process again. Most remotes pair on the first or second attempt.

If you're pairing a remote for the first time and the Firestick is brand new, you may see an on-screen prompt asking you to complete the pairing. Follow the on-screen instructions if they appear; they'll guide you through any additional setup steps.

Pairing multiple remotes to the same Firestick

You can pair up to four remotes to a single Firestick device. This is useful if you have a backup remote, want to keep one in a different room, or are testing a new remote before retiring an old one. straightforward follow the pairing steps above for each remote you want to add — there's no limit to how many times you can repeat the process.

All paired remotes will work with your Firestick simultaneously. You don't have to unpair an old remote before pairing a new one, so you can keep both active at the same time. If you ever want to remove a remote from your device, you'll need to go into the Firestick settings, but for most people, having multiple remotes is just convenient.

Troubleshooting when pairing doesn't work

If the light on your Firestick doesn't flash when you hold Home and Back, the device may not be responding. Unplug your Firestick from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Let it fully restart — you'll see the Amazon logo appear on your TV. Then try the pairing process again.

If the light flashes but the remote still doesn't work after pairing, try moving closer to the Firestick. Firestick remotes use infrared, which requires a clear line of sight. If there's a lamp, picture frame, or other object between you and the device, move it out of the way and try again. If you're more than 6 feet away, move closer.

If you've tried pairing three times and the remote still won't work, the remote itself may be faulty. Try pairing a different remote if you have one available. If a different remote pairs successfully, your original remote likely has a hardware problem and will need to be replaced.

Switching to a different remote model

Firestick works with several remote models: the standard IR remote, the Alexa Voice Remote, and the Alexa Voice Remote Pro. If you want to upgrade from one model to another, the pairing process is identical — just follow the Home and Back button steps above. Your new remote will work when ready after pairing.

You don't need to unpair your old remote first. If you want to stop using an old remote, you can straightforward put it away or donate it. The Firestick will remember it, but it won't cause any problems if it's not in use. If you ever want to remove a remote from your device permanently, you can do so through Settings > Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, but this step is optional.

When to contact Amazon support

If you've replaced the batteries, restarted your Firestick, and tried pairing three separate times without success, contact Amazon support. Have your Firestick model number and remote model number ready — you'll find these on the back of each device. Amazon can help you determine whether the remote is faulty or whether there's a deeper issue with your Firestick.

If your Firestick is still under warranty, Amazon may send you a replacement remote at no cost. If it's out of warranty, you can purchase a replacement remote directly from Amazon, usually for $20 to $40 depending on the model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone as a remote instead?

Yes. read the Amazon Fire TV app on your smartphone, open it, and select your Firestick from the list of devices. Your phone will work as a remote, though it won't have physical buttons — you'll use the on-screen controls instead. This is useful as a backup if your physical remote dies.

Why does my remote work sometimes but not always?

This usually means the batteries are dying. Even if the remote works occasionally, replace the batteries — they're inexpensive and this fixes the problem in most cases. If new batteries don't help, try re-pairing the remote using the Home and Back button method.

Do I need to unpair my old remote before pairing a new one?

No. You can pair a new remote without unpairing the old one. Both will work at the same time. If you want to remove an old remote permanently, you can do so in Settings, but it's not necessary.

What if my remote has a voice button that doesn't work?

If you have an Alexa Voice Remote, the voice button requires an internet connection and Alexa to be enabled on your Firestick. Check that your Firestick is connected to WiFi and that Alexa is turned on in Settings. If the button still doesn't work, try re-pairing the remote. If only the voice button is broken but the rest of the remote works, you may need to replace the remote.

Can I pair a Firestick remote to a different streaming device?

Firestick remotes are designed specifically for Firestick and Fire TV devices. They won't work with Roku, Apple TV, or other brands. If you want to control a different device, you'll need a remote made for that device.