The fastest way to change inputs on your TV using the Firestick remote

Your Firestick remote does not have a dedicated input button, so you cannot switch HDMI inputs directly from it. Instead, you use your TV's physical remote or your TV's own app to change inputs, then use the Firestick remote to control what plays on that input. If you want to avoid reaching for two remotes, you can program your Firestick remote to control your TV's power and volume, which makes it easier to manage both devices from one remote.

The Firestick remote is designed to control the Firestick device itself—what you watch, pause, play, and navigate—not the TV's hardware settings. Your TV handles input switching because different TVs use different input names (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, Input A, Input B) and different button layouts. Once you are on the correct input where your Firestick is plugged in, the Firestick remote takes over.

Key Takeaways

  • The Firestick remote cannot switch TV inputs directly; you must use your TV remote or TV app to change inputs first.
  • You can program your Firestick remote to control your TV's power and volume by pairing it with your TV model, which reduces the number of remotes you need to handle.
  • Once your Firestick input is selected on your TV, the Firestick remote controls all playback and navigation within the Firestick itself.
  • If your TV remote is lost or broken, using your TV's mobile app or a universal remote programmed to your TV model are the fastest alternatives to change inputs.

Why the Firestick remote does not control inputs

The Firestick remote communicates with the Firestick device using infrared or Bluetooth, depending on your model. It sends commands like "play," "pause," "select," and "navigate menu"—all functions that happen inside the Firestick. Input switching is a TV function, not a Firestick function, so the Firestick remote has no command to send to your TV's input selector.

This design keeps the Firestick remote straightforward and universal. A single remote works with any TV brand because it only needs to control the Firestick. If Amazon built input switching into the Firestick remote, they would have to account for hundreds of different TV models, each with different input layouts and naming conventions. Instead, they leave that job to your TV remote, which already knows your specific TV.

How to program your Firestick remote to control your TV

You can teach your Firestick remote to control your TV's power button and volume. This does not give you input switching, but it means you can control both devices without picking up a second remote. The process is called pairing, and it works on most Firestick models with most TV brands.

On your Firestick remote, hold the Home button for about 10 seconds until a pairing menu appears on your TV screen. Select your TV brand from the list. The remote will send out infrared signals to find your TV's power and volume codes. Once pairing is complete, you can press the power button and volume buttons on your Firestick remote to control your TV directly.

If your TV brand is not in the list, or if pairing does not work, your TV may use a different control protocol that the Firestick remote cannot reach. In that case, you will need to keep using your TV remote for power and volume, or look into a universal remote that supports your TV model.

Using your TV remote to change inputs

Your TV remote has an Input, Source, or HDMI button—the label varies by brand. Press that button to open a menu showing all available inputs. Select the input where your Firestick is connected (usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, or HDMI 4). Once that input is active, your TV will display the Firestick home screen, and you can use the Firestick remote to navigate.

If you cannot find the input button on your TV remote, check the remote's manual or search your TV brand and model number plus "how to change inputs" online. Some older remotes hide the input button under a menu or require you to press a mode button first.

Switching inputs when your TV remote is lost or broken

If your TV remote is unavailable, you have two main options: use your TV's mobile app, or use a universal remote programmed to your TV model.

Many TV brands offer a mobile app that lets you control your TV from your phone, including changing inputs. Search your phone's app store for your TV brand name (Samsung SmartThings, LG ThinQ, Sony Bravia, Roku, etc.) and read the official app. Open the app, connect it to your TV over your home Wi-Fi, and look for an input or source button in the app's remote interface. This method works as long as your TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.

A universal remote is a physical remote that can be programmed to work with multiple devices. You can buy one at most electronics retailers for $15 to $50. Follow the remote's instructions to program it to your TV brand and model, then use it to change inputs the same way you would with your original TV remote. Some universal remotes also work with Firestick, which means a single remote could eventually control both devices.

What to do if your Firestick is not showing on the correct input

If you switch to the input where your Firestick is plugged in but see a black screen or "no signal" message, the Firestick may not be powered on, or the HDMI cable may be loose. Check that the power cable is plugged into the Firestick and into a working outlet. Unplug the HDMI cable from both the Firestick and the TV, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in firmly. Then switch to that input again.

If you still see no signal, try a different HDMI port on your TV. Some HDMI ports on older TVs do not support all devices. Once the Firestick appears, you can use the Firestick remote to navigate and select what to watch.

Using a universal remote to control both devices

If you want a single remote that can switch inputs and also control the Firestick, a programmable universal remote is your best option. Brands like Logitech Harmony and GE Enbrighten make remotes that can be programmed to control your TV, your Firestick, and other devices all from one remote.

These remotes are more expensive than basic universal remotes—typically $50 to $150—but they learn your device codes and let you create custom buttons and sequences. For example, you could program a single button that turns on your TV, switches to the Firestick input, and opens a specific app, all with one press. Setup usually involves downloading an app or visiting a website to configure the remote before using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use voice commands to change TV inputs with Firestick?

Not directly. Firestick voice commands (through Alexa) control the Firestick itself—play, pause, search, open apps—but not your TV's input selector. If your TV is compatible with Alexa, you may be able to control it separately through an Alexa routine, but this requires setting up your TV as a separate smart home device in the Alexa app, not through the Firestick remote.

Why does my Firestick remote not work with my TV's power button?

Your TV brand may not be in the Firestick remote's pairing list, or your TV may use a control protocol the Firestick remote does not support. Older TV models and some budget brands are not compatible. If pairing fails, you will need to keep using your TV remote for power and volume, or switch to a universal remote that supports your specific TV model.

Is there a Firestick remote with an input button?

No. Amazon has never released a Firestick remote with an input button because input switching is a TV function, not a Firestick function. All current Firestick remotes (standard, voice, and Alexa-enabled models) control only the Firestick device itself.

Can I program my Firestick remote to work like a universal remote?

The Firestick remote can learn your TV's power and volume codes through the pairing process, but it cannot be fully programmed like a universal remote. It will never have an input button or the ability to control other devices. If you need full control over your TV and other devices from one remote, you will need to buy a dedicated universal remote.