The Firestick remote can turn your TV on and off if you set up HDMI-CEC, a feature that lets devices talk to each other through the same cable

Your Firestick remote does not have a built-in power button for your TV. Instead, you use a feature called HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) that lets your Firestick tell your TV to turn on or off through the HDMI cable connecting them. When HDMI-CEC is turned on at both ends, pressing the power button on your Firestick remote sends a signal down the HDMI cable to your TV, and your TV responds by powering down or waking up.

This works only if your TV supports HDMI-CEC — most modern TVs do, but not all. If your TV is older or does not have the feature, you will need a separate universal remote or a different control method. The setup takes about two minutes and involves turning on one setting on your Firestick and one on your TV.

Key Takeaways

  • HDMI-CEC must be turned on in both your Firestick settings and your TV settings for the remote to control power.
  • Your TV must support HDMI-CEC — check your TV manual or settings menu to see if the feature exists under a name like CEC, HDMI Control, or Anynet+.
  • The Firestick remote's power button will control your TV only after both devices are set up; it will not work if either one has the feature turned off.
  • If your TV does not support HDMI-CEC, a universal remote or a smart home device like an Alexa-enabled speaker can control your TV instead.

Turn on HDMI-CEC in your Firestick settings

On your Firestick, go to Settings from the home screen. Scroll down and select Display & Sounds. Look for an option called HDMI-CEC or CEC and make sure it is turned On. The exact name varies by Firestick model — some call it "HDMI-CEC Device Detection" or "Control Other Devices with IR Remote" — but the setting is always in Display & Sounds.

Once you turn it on, your Firestick is ready to send power commands. You will see a confirmation message on your screen. Do not unplug your Firestick or restart it when ready after changing this setting; wait a few seconds for the change to take effect.

Turn on HDMI-CEC in your TV settings

On your TV remote, go to Settings or Menu. Look for a section called External Inputs, HDMI, System, or Device Connection. Inside that section, find the HDMI-CEC setting. Different TV brands call it different names: Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG calls it SIMPLINK, Sony calls it BRAVIA Sync, and Panasonic calls it VIERA Link. Some TVs just call it HDMI Control or CEC.

Turn the setting On. You may also see a related option like "Auto Power On" or "Power On via HDMI" — turn that on as well if it appears. Save your changes. Your TV is now listening for commands from devices connected by HDMI.

Test the connection with your Firestick remote

Point your Firestick remote at your TV and press the Power button at the top. Your TV should turn off. Press it again and your TV should turn back on. If nothing happens, check that both HDMI-CEC settings are actually turned on — many people turn on one and forget the other.

If your TV still does not respond, unplug both your Firestick and your TV for 30 seconds, plug them back in, and wait for both to fully start up before testing again. Sometimes the devices need to re-detect each other after a power cycle.

What to do if your TV does not support HDMI-CEC

If your TV does not have a HDMI-CEC setting in its menu, your TV does not support the feature. Older TVs and some budget models lack it. In that case, you have two options: use a universal remote that is programmed for your TV model, or use a smart home device.

A universal remote works by sending infrared signals to your TV the same way your TV's original remote does. You can buy one for $15 to $40 and program it to your TV model by following the instructions that come with it. A smart speaker with Alexa, like an Echo Dot, can also control many TV models if you set up the TV in the Alexa app — you would then say "Alexa, turn off the TV" instead of using the Firestick remote.

Why HDMI-CEC sometimes stops working

If your TV and Firestick were talking before but the power button stopped working, the most common cause is that one of the HDMI-CEC settings got turned off during a software update. Check both settings again — Firestick updates sometimes reset Display & Sounds options to their defaults.

Another cause is a loose HDMI cable. Make sure the cable connecting your Firestick to your TV is pushed in firmly at both ends. If the cable is old or damaged, try a different HDMI cable if you have one. A bad cable will not pass the CEC signal even if both devices have the feature turned on.

If you have a soundbar or AV receiver between your Firestick and your TV, that device must also support HDMI-CEC and have it turned on. If your soundbar does not support CEC, the signal stops at the soundbar and never reaches your TV.

Using your Firestick remote to control other TV functions

Once HDMI-CEC is working, the power button is the only Firestick remote function that controls your TV. The volume buttons, directional pad, and select button all control the Firestick itself, not your TV. If you want to change the TV's volume or input with the Firestick remote, you will need a universal remote or a separate control method.

Some newer Firestick models have a learning feature that lets you teach the remote to control other devices, but this requires manually programming each button and is more work than using a universal remote. For most people, the power button control through HDMI-CEC is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Firestick remote to change the TV's volume?

No. The Firestick remote's volume buttons control only the Firestick's audio output, not your TV's volume. If you want to control your TV's volume with a remote, you will need a universal remote programmed to your TV model or a smart speaker with Alexa that supports your TV.

What if my Firestick is connected through an HDMI splitter or switch?

HDMI splitters and switches often block the CEC signal. If your Firestick goes through a splitter or switch before reaching your TV, try connecting the Firestick directly to the TV's HDMI port instead. If that is not possible, a universal remote is your best option.

Does HDMI-CEC work with all TV brands?

Most modern TVs support HDMI-CEC, but not all. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to see if the feature is listed. If you cannot find it, your TV does not support it, and you will need a universal remote or smart speaker instead.

Will turning on HDMI-CEC affect my TV's picture quality?

No. HDMI-CEC is a control signal only — it does not change how video or audio travels through the HDMI cable. Turning it on or off will not affect picture quality, brightness, or sound.

Why does my TV turn on by itself when I turn on the Firestick?

This happens when your TV's "Power On via HDMI" or "Auto Power On" setting is turned on. If you do not want your TV to wake up automatically, go into your TV settings and turn off that option while leaving HDMI-CEC on. This way the power button will still work, but the TV will not start by itself.