Pair a New Remote to Your Firestick
To change remotes on your Firestick, you pair a new remote by holding the Home button for 10 seconds while the Firestick is powered on and in range. The remote will search for your device, and when it finds it, a pairing code appears on your TV screen. The pairing is automatic — you do not need to enter a code yourself. Once the pairing completes, the new remote controls your Firestick when ready.
The process works the same whether you are replacing a lost remote, upgrading to a newer model, or adding a second remote to the same device. Firestick remotes pair one at a time, so if you want multiple remotes for one device, repeat the pairing steps for each one. All paired remotes will work with that Firestick until you unpair them.
Key Takeaways
- Hold the Home button on your new remote for 10 seconds while the Firestick is on and nearby to start pairing.
- A pairing code will appear on your TV screen, but you do not need to do anything — pairing happens automatically.
- You can pair multiple remotes to one Firestick by repeating the process for each remote.
- If pairing fails, restart your Firestick and move the remote closer, then try again.
- Older Firestick remotes and newer models pair the same way, so the method does not change based on your device age.
What to Do If Pairing Does Not Work
If the pairing code does not appear after 10 seconds, check that your Firestick is powered on and that the remote has fresh batteries. Replace the batteries even if they seem fine — low battery power is the most common reason pairing fails. Wait a few seconds after inserting new batteries, then try holding Home again.
If the code still does not appear, restart your Firestick by unplugging it from power for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, move your remote within 6 feet of the device. Once the Firestick finishes restarting and shows the home screen, hold Home for 10 seconds again. If pairing still fails after a restart, the remote itself may be defective and may need replacement.
Unpairing an Old Remote
You do not have to unpair an old remote before pairing a new one — both can work at the same time. However, if you want to prevent an old remote from controlling your Firestick, you can unpair it through the settings menu. Go to Settings, then Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, select the remote you want to remove, and choose Unpair.
This is useful if you lost a remote and want to make sure someone else cannot use it to access your Firestick, or if you have multiple remotes paired and want to clean up the list. Unpairing does not affect any other remotes — only the one you select is removed.
Firestick Remote Models and Compatibility
Amazon makes several remote models, and most work with most Firestick devices. The standard IR remote (infrared) works with all Firesticks. The Alexa Voice Remote, which has a microphone and lets you speak commands, works with Firestick 4K, Firestick HD, and Firestick Lite. Older Firestick models may not support the voice remote, so check your device manual if you are unsure.
The pairing process is identical regardless of which remote model you use. If you buy a third-party remote designed for Firestick, follow the pairing instructions that come with it, as some third-party remotes use different pairing steps. Stick with Amazon remotes or remotes specifically labeled as Firestick-compatible to avoid compatibility problems.
Using Multiple Remotes on One Firestick
You can pair up to four remotes to a single Firestick. This is helpful if you have multiple people in your household or if you want a backup remote in case one stops working. Each remote pairs independently using the same 10-second Home button method, and all paired remotes have full control of the device.
If you pair more than one remote, you do not need to switch between them or do anything special — whichever remote you pick up and use will control the Firestick. There is no limit on how often you switch between remotes, and they do not interfere with each other.
Resetting Your Remote to Factory Settings
If a remote is behaving strangely — buttons not responding, pairing repeatedly failing, or acting unpredictably — you can reset it to factory settings. Hold the Home and Back buttons together for 10 seconds. The remote will vibrate or flash, indicating the reset is complete. After a factory reset, the remote is unpaired from your Firestick and you will need to pair it again using the standard method.
A factory reset erases any custom settings or pairing history on the remote itself, but it does not affect your Firestick or any other remotes paired to it. This step is worth trying before assuming the remote is broken, since many remote problems clear up after a reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone as a remote for Firestick?
Yes. read the Amazon Fire TV app on your phone, open it, and select your Firestick from the list of devices. Your phone then acts as a remote. This does not replace your physical remote — it is an alternative when your remote is not nearby. The app works over Wi-Fi, so your phone and Firestick must be on the same network.
What if I lost my remote and do not have a new one yet?
Use the Fire TV app on your phone to control your Firestick until you get a replacement remote. You can also use an Amazon Echo device if you have one — just say "Alexa, turn on the TV" or other voice commands. Both options work without needing to pair anything new.
Do I need to unpair my old remote before pairing a new one?
No. You can pair a new remote while the old one is still paired. Both will work at the same time. Unpair the old remote only if you want to prevent it from controlling your Firestick — for example, if it is lost or you want to reduce clutter in your paired devices list.
Why does my remote keep losing connection to my Firestick?
The most common cause is low battery power. Replace the batteries with fresh ones and try again. If the problem continues, move closer to your Firestick — remotes work best within 20 feet and with a clear line of sight. If the remote still disconnects, unpair it, restart your Firestick, and pair it again.
Can I pair a Firestick remote to a different Firestick device?
Yes. A remote pairs to one Firestick at a time, but you can unpair it from one device and pair it to another. Hold Home for 10 seconds on the new Firestick to pair. The remote will unpair from the old device automatically when it pairs with the new one.