The Fire Stick remote does not have an HDMI input button — you change inputs using your TV remote instead

The Fire Stick remote controls the Fire Stick device itself, not your television. When you need to switch between HDMI inputs (to watch cable, a game console, or another device), you use your TV's remote, not the Fire Stick remote. The Fire Stick remote has no input-switching function because it was never designed to control your TV's display settings.

If you want to avoid reaching for two remotes, you can set up your TV remote to control the Fire Stick through HDMI-CEC (a feature that lets devices communicate over the HDMI cable). This works on most modern TVs and Fire Stick models, though the setup steps vary by TV brand.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fire Stick remote controls only the Fire Stick device, not your TV, so you cannot change HDMI inputs with it.
  • Use your TV remote's input or source button to switch between HDMI ports — the button is usually labeled "Input," "Source," or "HDMI."
  • HDMI-CEC lets your TV remote control the Fire Stick if both devices support it, reducing the need for two remotes.
  • If HDMI-CEC does not work, check that both your TV and Fire Stick have the feature turned on in their settings menus.

Using your TV remote to switch HDMI inputs

Your TV remote has a button labeled Input, Source, or sometimes HDMI. Press it once, and your TV will show a menu listing all connected HDMI ports. Select the port where your Fire Stick is plugged in — usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, or HDMI 4.

The exact location of this button varies by TV brand. On Samsung and LG remotes, it is often near the top. On Roku TV remotes, it may be labeled "Home" with an input option in the menu. On TCL and Hisense remotes, look for a button in the middle section. If you cannot find it, check your TV's manual or search "[Your TV brand] remote input button" online.

Once you press the input button and see the menu, highlight the HDMI port your Fire Stick uses and press Enter or OK. Your TV will switch to that input, and you will see the Fire Stick home screen.

Setting up HDMI-CEC so one remote controls both devices

HDMI-CEC is a feature built into most modern TVs and all Fire Stick models. It lets devices connected by HDMI talk to each other. When HDMI-CEC is on, your TV remote can control the Fire Stick without any extra setup — you do not need to switch inputs manually or use two remotes.

To turn on HDMI-CEC, start with your TV. The setting is usually in the TV's settings menu under a name like "HDMI-CEC," "Anynet+," "Bravia Sync," "EasyLink," or "Simplink" — the exact name depends on your TV brand. Go to Settings, then look for a submenu about HDMI, external devices, or connectivity. Turn the feature on.

Next, check your Fire Stick. On the Fire Stick home screen, go to Settings, then Device and Accessories, then HDMI-CEC. Make sure it is turned on. If both your TV and Fire Stick have HDMI-CEC enabled, your TV remote should now be able to control the Fire Stick — you can navigate menus, select apps, and play content without picking up the Fire Stick remote.

What to do if HDMI-CEC is not working

HDMI-CEC sometimes stops working because the setting got turned off, the HDMI cable is loose, or the TV and Fire Stick are not communicating properly. Start by unplugging both devices for 30 seconds, then plug them back in. This resets the HDMI connection and often fixes communication problems.

If that does not work, go back to both settings menus and confirm HDMI-CEC is still on. Some TVs turn it off automatically after a software update. Also check that your HDMI cable is fully inserted into both the TV and the Fire Stick — a loose connection will break HDMI-CEC even if the picture still shows.

If HDMI-CEC still will not work, your TV or Fire Stick may not support it, or the two devices may be incompatible. Older TV models and some budget Fire Stick models lack this feature. In that case, you will need to use your TV remote to switch inputs manually each time you want to watch the Fire Stick.

Choosing the right HDMI port for your Fire Stick

Most TVs have four HDMI ports. It does not matter which one you use for the Fire Stick — any port will work the same way. However, some people prefer to use HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 because they are easier to remember, and some older TVs have slightly better signal quality on the first two ports (though this is rare on modern TVs).

If you have multiple devices plugged in — a cable box, a game console, a streaming device, and a Fire Stick — label each port so you remember which is which. You can use a small piece of tape on the back of your TV or a note near your remote. This saves time when you need to switch inputs.

Why the Fire Stick remote does not control your TV

The Fire Stick remote is designed to control only the Fire Stick device. It sends signals to the Fire Stick box, not to your TV. Amazon made this choice because Fire Sticks work with hundreds of different TV models, and building a remote that controls all of them would be impossible — every TV brand has different button layouts and menu structures.

Your TV remote, on the other hand, is built specifically for your TV model, so it knows exactly how to navigate your TV's menus and switch inputs. That is why you use your TV remote to change HDMI ports, and your Fire Stick remote to navigate Fire Stick apps and content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a universal remote to control both my TV and Fire Stick?

Yes. Many universal remotes can be programmed to control both devices. You would need to enter the codes for your TV brand and the Fire Stick, then use one remote for both. However, HDMI-CEC is usually simpler because it requires no programming — it works automatically once you turn it on in both devices' settings.

What if my Fire Stick is on HDMI 3 but I do not know which button is HDMI 3?

Press your TV remote's input button and look at the menu. It will show all connected HDMI ports and which device is on each one. The Fire Stick will be labeled on the port it is plugged into. Select that port from the menu.

Does HDMI-CEC work with all Fire Stick models?

HDMI-CEC is supported on Fire Stick 4K, Fire Stick 4K Max, Fire Stick (3rd generation and newer), and Fire TV Cube. Older Fire Stick models may not have this feature. Check your device's settings to see if HDMI-CEC is available.

If I switch to a different HDMI port, will I lose my Fire Stick settings?

No. Your Fire Stick settings are stored on the device itself, not on the HDMI port. You can move the Fire Stick to a different HDMI port anytime without losing apps, passwords, or preferences.