If your Fire Stick remote is not working with new batteries, it can lead you to consider whether your remote is entirely dead.
I presumed I just needed to use new batteries, but unfortunately, it wasn’t as simple as that.
In this guide, we will help you problem-solve when your Fire Stick remote is not working with new batteries.
Why does my Firestick not work with new batteries?
The most common reasons your Firestick remote doesn’t work after inserting new batteries are software issues, incorrect pairing, or a broken remote.
I will take you through some troubleshooting I used to fix my Firestick remote.
My firestick remote was acting intermittently, which indicated that the remote wasn’t completely dead and didn’t need replacing.
Our guide has some useful tips to help diagnose the issue with your Firestick remote.
Method 1: Restart your Firestick
It is a good idea to restart your Firestick device if your remote is not working.
By restarting your Firestick, you allow any updates to be correctly installed and reduce the possibility of a software issue hindering the ability of your remote to function properly.
Unplug your Firestick for 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
This allows a power cycle to take place and can eradicate some software issues that may affect your remote.
Method 2: Check the status of your Firestick remote
You can check the status of your Firestick remote through the settings page on the Firestick device.
Step 2: Choose Controllers & Bluetooth devices
Step 3: Check the status of your Firestick remote battery
On my remote, the status was “offline.”
The images below show the different battery statuses.
Firestick Remote Battery OK
If your Firestick remote battery is showing as ok, then this suggests that a software or interference issue is causing your issues.
We suggest that you look at the tips at the beginning of this article if you have not already done so.
Firestick Remote Battery Offline
When the battery is showing offline, this is indicative of the following
- Dead batteries
- Signal interference
- Software issues
- Battery issues
The image above shows the battery offline status on a Firestick device.
Method 3: Check for pairing issues with the remote
One thing to check if your Firestick remote is not working.. is to ensure that it is paired to your device.
To ensure that the firestick is properly paired
- Restart your Firestick by unplugging the device for 60 seconds
- Allow the Firestick to boot into the main menu
- The majority of the time, the remote will automatically pair
- Hold your remote’s home button for 20 seconds if the remote is not responding.
- If the remote successfully pairs, you will see a notification appear
Method 4: Clean your remote battery terminals
My Firestick remote would not work with new batteries. This is the tip that got my Firestick remote working again!
I have a clean home, and the thought of cleaning the Firestick remote never occurred to me.
Despite that, I have kids, and my Firestick remote is around four years old.
When I removed the battery cover, you could tell that it needed a clean on closer inspection.
I cleaned the battery terminals on the remote.
How to clean your Firestick Battery Terminals
So to clean the terminal, I used some vinegar and a Q-Tip (Cotton Bud)
After soaking the end of the cotton bud in vinegar, I scrubbed both ends of the battery terminals.
And then I tried my Firestick remote again, AND IT WORKED!!!!
Method 5: Reduce the distance and obstructions between your Firestick and the remote
You need to ensure that you are relatively close to your Firestick device to ensure your firestick remote is working correctly.
Also, consider whether or not you have any obstacles between you and your TV that could deteriorate the signal.
Even plant pots on your living room table can interfere with the remote signal.
Method 6: Use your Firestick without your remote
To tackle some of the other steps in this guide, you must be able to control your firestick.
You can try and use your Firestick without the remote using:
Another TV remote
Sometimes, you can navigate and use the Firestick using your TV remote.
My LG TV remote works with the Firestick device and can help you regain control of Firestick in the interim.
Game Controllers
Some game controllers can be used as a remote for the Firestick.
Try linking or using a game controller to your Firestick
Use the mobile app
A Firestick app for Android and iOS allows you to use your mobile device as a controller.
These options can help you in navigating the Firestick menus in the absence of a working Firestick remote.
Method 7: Contact Amazon Fire Stick Support
If you have tried all of the suggestions in this article, then it’s either time to buy a new Firestick remote or contact Amazon Firestick support.
Conclusion
It was surprising to learn of the solution to fix the issue of my Firestick not working with new batteries.
Unfortunately, if these fixes do not work, it may be time to order a new Firestick remote.
I hope that this works and resolves your issues.
