The volume buttons are on the right side of your Firestick remote

The two buttons you need are on the right edge of the remote, below the circular navigation pad. The top button raises the volume; the bottom button lowers it. Press either button once to change the volume by one step. Hold the button down to change it faster.

Your TV's volume will change when ready when you press these buttons, and a volume bar appears on your screen showing where you are. The remote controls your TV's volume directly — it does not control the Firestick's internal audio level. This means the volume buttons work the same way whether you are watching a movie, listening to music, or navigating menus.

Key Takeaways

  • The volume up and down buttons are on the right side of the remote, just below the circular navigation pad.
  • Press once to adjust by one step, or hold the button to change volume faster.
  • The remote sends the volume command directly to your TV, so it works in any app or menu.
  • If the buttons do not work, check that your remote is paired to your Firestick and that your TV accepts volume commands from HDMI-CEC devices.
  • You can also control volume through your TV remote or through the Firestick settings menu if the remote buttons fail.

Why the volume buttons might not be working

If you press the volume buttons and nothing happens, the first thing to check is whether your remote is still paired to your Firestick. Hold down the Home button (the button with a house icon at the top of the remote) for three seconds. If the remote is paired, a light on the Firestick device itself will blink. If it does not blink, your remote has lost its connection and needs to be re-paired.

The second common reason is that your TV does not support HDMI-CEC, the technology that lets the Firestick remote control your TV's volume. Some older TVs or certain TV brands do not respond to these commands. Check your TV's settings menu for an option called HDMI-CEC, Anynet+, Bravia Sync, or SimpLink (the name varies by manufacturer). If it is turned off, turn it on. If your TV does not have this setting at all, you will need to use your TV remote to control volume instead.

Re-pairing your remote if it stops responding

Unplug your Firestick from power and wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait for the home screen to appear. While the Firestick is starting up, hold down the Home button and the Back button at the same time for about 10 seconds. Release both buttons. The remote should now be paired again.

If re-pairing does not work, try replacing the batteries in your remote. Open the battery compartment on the back by sliding the cover down. Remove the two AAA batteries and replace them with fresh ones. Reinsert the batteries with the positive end facing up, close the cover, and try the volume buttons again. Weak batteries are the most common reason a remote stops responding.

Controlling volume through the Firestick settings menu

If your remote buttons are not working and you cannot re-pair the remote, you can adjust volume through the settings menu. Press the Home button to go to the main screen. Scroll up to the top and select Settings. Go to Display and Sounds, then select Volume. You will see a slider that lets you raise or lower the volume using the navigation buttons on your remote.

This method is slower than using the dedicated volume buttons, but it works if your remote is damaged or if your TV does not support HDMI-CEC commands. You can also use your TV remote to control volume at any time — the Firestick remote and your TV remote can both work together.

Using your TV remote as a backup

Your TV remote will always control your TV's volume, regardless of whether the Firestick remote is working. If you lose the Firestick remote or the buttons stop responding, straightforward use your TV remote to adjust volume the way you normally would. The Firestick will continue to play audio through your TV without any interruption.

If you want to replace your Firestick remote, Amazon sells replacement remotes that work with all current Firestick models. The standard remote (without voice control) is less expensive than the voice remote, but both have the same volume buttons in the same location. Check your Firestick model number before ordering to make sure you get a compatible remote.

Checking HDMI-CEC settings on your TV

HDMI-CEC is the standard that allows one device to control another through an HDMI cable. Your Firestick remote uses HDMI-CEC to send volume commands to your TV. If your TV has this feature but it is turned off, the volume buttons will not work.

The setting is usually in your TV's settings menu under Display, HDMI, or External Devices. Look for options named HDMI-CEC, Anynet+ (Samsung), Bravia Sync (Sony), SimpLink (LG), or EasyLink (Philips). Turn it on if it is off. Some TVs also have a separate setting for "HDMI Device Link" or "Control for HDMI" — make sure both are enabled. After you turn on HDMI-CEC, unplug your Firestick for 30 seconds and plug it back in so it can detect the new setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I control the volume of just the Firestick without changing my TV's volume?

No. The Firestick remote controls your TV's volume directly through HDMI-CEC. If you want to adjust only the Firestick's internal audio level, you must use the settings menu (Settings > Display and Sounds > Volume) instead of the remote buttons. Most people do not need to do this because controlling the TV's volume is simpler and works the same way.

Why does my volume button work on my TV but not in the Firestick menu?

The volume buttons always control your TV's volume, not the Firestick's menu volume. If the buttons work on your TV but seem to do nothing in the Firestick menu, the Firestick is still receiving the command — your TV is just responding to it. This is normal behavior. The buttons do not control menu navigation; they only control audio volume.

Do I need a special remote to control volume, or does every Firestick remote have these buttons?

Every Firestick remote, including the basic remote and the voice remote, has volume buttons in the same location on the right side. You do not need to buy a special remote. If your remote is missing these buttons or they are not working, the remote itself may be damaged and needs replacement.

What if my TV is too old to support HDMI-CEC?

Use your TV remote to control volume instead. Older TVs without HDMI-CEC cannot receive commands from the Firestick remote, but your TV remote will always work. You can also adjust volume through the Firestick settings menu if you prefer, though this is slower than using a remote.