Getting Your Fire TV Remote Working Again: How to Pair or Reset It
15 April 2025If your Fire TV Stick remote has stopped working or you’re setting up your device for the first time, pairing or resetting the remote is often the solution. Whether you have a standard Fire TV remote, an Alexa Voice Remote, or the Basic Edition, the process is usually straightforward — but it varies slightly depending on the version you own. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your remote back in action.
Pairing Your Fire TV Stick Remote
To begin, make sure your TV is switched on and set to the correct HDMI input where your Fire TV Stick is connected. Position the remote within about 3 metres (10 feet) of the TV. Then, press and hold the Home button on the remote for 10 seconds.
When done correctly, the LED light on the remote should begin flashing. Shortly after, a message should appear on screen confirming the remote has been successfully paired.
If nothing happens, try removing and reinserting the batteries, then wait about 30 seconds before trying again. If that still doesn’t work, a reset might be required.
Resetting the Fire TV Stick or Alexa Voice Remote
To reset your remote, start by unplugging your Fire TV Stick from the power source and wait for a full minute.
Next, press and hold Left, Menu, and Back buttons all at the same time for 12 seconds. It might feel a bit awkward, but using your thumb for two of the buttons makes it easier.
After 12 seconds, release the buttons and wait for 5 seconds. Then, remove the batteries from the remote, plug your Fire TV Stick back in, and give it another minute to fully start up.
Finally, put the batteries back in and press the Home button. If the reset is successful, the LED on the remote should flash blue. Note: If you’re using the Alexa Voice Remote Lite (which lacks volume and power buttons), the blue light won’t appear.
Resetting the First Generation Alexa Voice Remote
If you have a first-gen Alexa Voice Remote, the reset process is a bit simpler.
- Unplug your Fire TV and wait for one minute.
- Press and hold Left and Menu at the same time for 12 seconds.
- Release the buttons and wait 5 seconds.
- Remove the batteries.
- Reconnect your Fire TV and wait another minute.
- Reinsert the batteries.
- Press the Home button to re-pair the remote.
Resetting the Fire TV Basic Edition Remote
The process for the Basic Edition is quite different:
- Press and hold Home, then press the Menu button three times while holding Home.
- Release Home, then press the Menu button nine times.
- Remove the batteries and unplug the Fire TV device. Wait for 60 seconds.
- Reinsert the batteries and plug the Fire TV back in.
- When the Home screen appears, press and hold Home for 40 seconds to complete the setup.
If None of These Methods Work
If your remote is still unresponsive after trying the above methods, it may be time to contact Amazon’s customer support. They can assist with additional troubleshooting or arrange for a replacement if your device is faulty.
In the meantime, you can use your smartphone as a remote. Download the Fire TV app for Android or iOS, make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Fire TV Stick, and select “Set Up New Device” within the app. Choose your Fire TV from the list and enter the code shown on your TV screen. Once connected, your phone can be used just like a physical remote.
