Connect the remote to your Fire TV device first, then pair it with your TV
Your Fire TV remote works in two stages. First, it connects to your Fire TV device using Bluetooth — this happens automatically when you turn on the device for the first time. Second, you can program the remote's infrared buttons to control your TV's power, volume, and input, so you don't need a second remote. Most people only need the first connection; the second is optional and depends on your TV model.
The remote arrives with two AA batteries already installed. If it doesn't respond when you press buttons, replace the batteries first — this solves most connection problems. Hold the remote about six inches from your Fire TV device and press any button. If the device responds, the Bluetooth connection is working.
Key Takeaways
- Your Fire TV remote connects to the Fire TV device by Bluetooth automatically; you only need to press a button to wake it up.
- If the remote doesn't respond, replace the two AA batteries before troubleshooting anything else.
- To control your TV's power and volume from the Fire remote, you must program the infrared codes in the Fire TV settings menu under Remotes and Bluetooth Devices.
- Not all TV brands are supported for infrared control; Amazon's setup will tell you when ready if your model can be programmed.
- If infrared programming fails, you can still use the Fire remote for the Fire TV device and keep your TV remote for the television itself.
Check that your Fire TV device is powered on and in range
The Fire TV remote uses Bluetooth to talk to your Fire TV device, which means the device must be on and within about 30 feet. If your Fire TV is plugged in and the light on the front is on, it's ready. If the light is off or dim, press the power button on your TV remote or the Fire remote itself to wake it.
Move closer to the device — within six feet — and press any button on the Fire remote. You should see the Fire TV respond on your screen within a second or two. If nothing happens, the batteries are likely dead. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote and replace both AA batteries with fresh ones, making sure the positive and negative ends are facing the right direction.
Program the remote to control your TV's power and volume
Once the remote works with your Fire TV device, you can set it up to control your television directly. This step is optional — your Fire remote will still work perfectly for the Fire TV device without it. But if you want one remote instead of two, you'll need to program the infrared codes.
On your Fire TV device, go to Settings, then Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, then Amazon Fire TV Remote. Select Program Remote. The system will ask you to point the remote at your TV and press buttons. When it asks you to press the power button, point the Fire remote at your television (not the Fire TV device) and press power. Do the same for volume up, volume down, and mute. The Fire TV will learn your TV's infrared codes and store them.
This process takes about two minutes. If your TV brand is not supported, the Fire TV will tell you during setup — in that case, you cannot program the remote for that television, and you'll need to keep your TV remote for power and volume control.
What to do if the remote doesn't respond to button presses
Start with the batteries. Remove the two AA batteries from the back of the remote, wait 10 seconds, and put in two new batteries. This resets the remote's connection to the Fire TV device. Press any button and see if the Fire TV responds.
If the remote still doesn't work, restart your Fire TV device. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot up — you'll see the Fire logo on your screen. Once it's ready, try the remote again. If it works now, the connection was lost and the restart fixed it.
If the remote still doesn't respond after a restart, you may need to re-pair it. Go to Settings on your Fire TV, then Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, then Bluetooth Devices. Look for your remote in the list and select it, then choose Unpair. After unpairing, hold the Home button on the remote for 10 seconds until the light blinks. The Fire TV should detect it and re-pair automatically within a few seconds.
Infrared programming fails or doesn't work for your TV
If the Fire TV tells you your TV brand is not supported, infrared control is not available for that model. You'll use the Fire remote for the Fire TV device and your original TV remote for power, volume, and input. This is a normal setup and works fine — many people use two remotes.
If the programming seemed to work but the buttons don't control your TV, the remote may not be pointed directly at your television's sensor. Most TV sensors are on the front panel, usually below the screen. Point the Fire remote directly at that spot and try again. If it still doesn't work, move the Fire TV device closer to the television — infrared has a shorter range than Bluetooth, usually 15 to 20 feet maximum.
You can also try programming the remote again. Go back to Settings, Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, Amazon Fire TV Remote, and select Program Remote a second time. Sometimes the codes don't stick on the first attempt.
Use your Fire remote without programming it for TV control
You don't have to program the remote to control your TV. The Fire remote will work perfectly for navigating Fire TV apps, playing content, and controlling playback. You straightforward keep your TV remote nearby for power, volume, and input switching. Many households do this and find it works well — the Fire remote stays on the coffee table for Fire TV, and the TV remote handles the television.
This approach also means you don't have to worry about whether your TV brand is supported or whether infrared programming works. You get full Fire TV control when ready, and your TV remote continues to do what it was designed for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything special to connect the remote when I first unbox it?
No. The remote comes with batteries installed and pairs to your Fire TV device automatically. Just turn on your Fire TV, point the remote at it, and press a button. If it responds, you're connected.
Can I use the Fire remote to control multiple Fire TV devices?
Yes, but only one at a time. The remote pairs to whichever Fire TV device is closest and powered on. If you have two Fire TV devices in the same room, you may need to move the remote closer to the one you want to control, or unpair and re-pair it to switch between devices.
What if I lost my Fire remote or it stopped working?
You can buy a replacement Fire TV remote from Amazon. You can also control your Fire TV using the Fire TV app on your phone, which works over your home Wi-Fi network. The app is free and available for iOS and Android.
Will the Fire remote work if my TV is off?
The remote will control your Fire TV device whether your television is on or off, because the Fire TV device is a separate piece of hardware. If you programmed the remote to control your TV's power button, you can turn the TV on from the Fire remote even if it's currently off.
Can I program the remote to control other devices like a soundbar?
The Fire TV remote's infrared programming is designed for televisions only. You cannot program it to control soundbars, receivers, or other devices through the Fire TV settings menu. You would need to keep those devices' remotes or use a universal remote instead.