The Firestick remote can control your TV's volume if you set it up once

Your Firestick remote does not automatically control your television's volume — you have to pair it to your TV first. Once paired, the remote's volume buttons will adjust your TV's sound instead of just the Firestick's internal audio. This pairing happens through HDMI-CEC, a feature that lets devices connected by HDMI talk to each other.

The process takes about five minutes and requires only your remote and TV. Most modern televisions support HDMI-CEC, though it may be turned off by default. If your TV is older or the pairing does not work, there are manual steps to try.

Key Takeaways

  • HDMI-CEC must be turned on in your TV's settings before the Firestick remote can control volume.
  • The Firestick remote pairs automatically to your TV through HDMI-CEC once both devices have the feature enabled.
  • If automatic pairing fails, you can manually teach the remote your TV's volume codes using the Firestick settings menu.
  • Older televisions or those without HDMI-CEC support may require a universal remote or a separate IR blaster instead.

Enable HDMI-CEC on your television first

Before your Firestick remote can control volume, your TV must have HDMI-CEC turned on. This feature goes by different names depending on your TV brand: LG calls it SIMPLINK, Samsung calls it Anynet+, Sony calls it BRAVIA Sync, and Vizio calls it CEC. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to find the exact name for your model.

To turn on HDMI-CEC, go to your TV's settings menu (usually accessed with the TV remote's menu or settings button), look for the option under "External Device" or "HDMI" settings, and toggle it on. The setting is sometimes buried under "System" or "Advanced" settings. Once enabled, save the change and leave your TV on for the next step.

If you cannot find the setting or your TV does not have it, your television may not support HDMI-CEC. Older models and some budget TVs lack this feature. In that case, skip to the manual pairing section below.

Pair the remote through automatic HDMI-CEC detection

Once HDMI-CEC is on, the Firestick remote should pair automatically the next time you use it. Pick up your Firestick remote and press any button. The Firestick will detect that HDMI-CEC is available and send a pairing signal to your TV. This usually happens silently — you will not see a confirmation message.

Test the pairing by pressing the volume up or down button on your Firestick remote. If your TV's volume bar appears on screen and the sound changes, the pairing worked. If nothing happens, move to the manual pairing steps below.

Manually pair the remote if automatic pairing did not work

If your TV's volume did not respond after five minutes, you can teach the remote your TV's volume codes manually. On your Firestick, go to Settings (the gear icon on the home screen), then select Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, then Amazon Fire TV Remote, then Program Remote for TV Volume.

The Firestick will ask you to point your original TV remote at the Firestick device and press the volume up button. Do this — the Firestick is learning the infrared code your TV uses for volume. Then press volume down on your TV remote. The Firestick will confirm when it has captured both codes. Your Firestick remote's volume buttons should now control your TV.

If the Firestick cannot capture the codes, your TV remote may be too far away or the infrared sensor on the Firestick may be blocked. Move closer and try again, or check that nothing is covering the Firestick's front panel.

Troubleshoot if volume control still does not work

If the volume buttons still do nothing after manual pairing, check that your Firestick is plugged in and powered on. A Firestick in sleep mode will not receive pairing signals. Press any button on the remote to wake it, then try the volume buttons again.

If your TV is connected to a soundbar or receiver, the volume control may be going to the wrong device. Check your TV's HDMI-CEC settings to see if it is set to control the soundbar instead. You may need to adjust which device receives the volume command, or pair the remote to the soundbar directly using the same manual pairing steps.

Some TV models have HDMI-CEC turned on but do not support volume control through it. In this case, manual pairing through the TV remote's infrared codes is your only option. If manual pairing also fails, your TV may not support remote volume control at all.

Use a universal remote if your TV does not support pairing

If your television does not have HDMI-CEC or the pairing steps do not work, you can replace your Firestick remote with a universal remote that works with both your Firestick and your TV. Universal remotes learn infrared codes from both devices and let you control them with a single remote.

Popular universal remotes that work with Firestick include the Logitech Harmony line and the GE Enbrighten. These remotes cost between thirty and one hundred dollars depending on the model. You program them by holding down a learning button and pressing the buttons on your original remotes — the universal remote records the infrared codes and can then replicate them.

This is more expensive than using your Firestick remote alone, but it is the most reliable way to control both your Firestick and an older TV with a single remote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Firestick remote control my soundbar volume instead of my TV?

Your TV's HDMI-CEC settings are routing the volume command to the soundbar. Check your TV's settings menu for HDMI-CEC or external device options and look for a setting that specifies which device receives volume commands. You may need to set it to control the TV directly, or disable HDMI-CEC on the soundbar if it has its own settings.

Can I use the Firestick remote to control my TV if it is connected through a receiver?

Yes, but the receiver must also support HDMI-CEC and be set up to pass the volume command to your TV. Check your receiver's manual for HDMI-CEC settings. If the receiver does not support it, you will need to use your receiver's remote for volume instead.

What if I lost my original TV remote and cannot do manual pairing?

You can order a replacement remote for your TV brand online, or use a universal remote that supports your TV model. If you want to avoid buying another remote, you can use your TV's physical buttons to adjust volume while using the Firestick remote for everything else.

Does the Firestick remote need to be re-paired if I restart my TV?

No. Once paired, the pairing stays saved on both devices. Restarting your TV will not erase the pairing. If volume control stops working after a restart, check that HDMI-CEC is still turned on in your TV's settings.

Can I pair the Firestick remote to multiple TVs?

The Firestick remote can only be paired to one TV at a time. If you move the Firestick to a different television, you will need to repeat the pairing process for that TV. The old pairing will be overwritten.