If you have an Amazon Fire TV, the Firestick remote can be a useful tool. But before you can start using it, you have to pair the remote to your TV. Show The process will vary slightly depending on whether you have existing remotes paired, as well as if you're using an off-brand Bluetooth remote. Here's what you need to know to pair your Firestick, or other compatible remote, to your Amazon Fire TV. How to pair a Firestick remote1. Hold down the Home button on your Firestick remote for 10 seconds. 2. You'll then see a blue light on your remote flash a few times or, there will be an on-screen confirmation message that your remote has been paired. 3. If you don't see either, try unplugging the Firestick from the power source and taking out its batteries. Then, reconnect the Firestick and add the batteries back in. Then, try holding down the Home button. How to add or replace a Firestick remote1. Press the Home button on your original Firestick remote. 2. Select Settings. 3. Choose Controllers and Bluetooth Devices. Select "Controllers & Bluetooth Devices" in the menu. Devon Delfino/Insider4. Go to Amazon Fire TV Remotes. Select "Amazon Fire TV Remotes." Devon Delfino/Insider5. On the next screen, select Add New Remote. Go to "Add New Remote." Devon Delfino/Insider6. Press and hold the Home button on your new Firestick remote until it's recognized. 7. Using your old remote, press Select. Both remotes should then appear in your list. How to pair a Firestick remote when you lost the old oneIf you don't have a working, paired remote, you can use your phone as a remote: 1. Open the Firestick app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android. 2. Select your Fire TV device — or select Add device if you don't see that option — then enter your account login information. 3. Enter your PIN to start using your phone as a remote. 4. Using your phone or tablet, select Home, and then hit Settings. 5. Choose Controllers and Bluetooth Devices. 6. Go to Amazon Fire TV Remotes and select Add New Remote. 7. Press and hold the Home button on your new Firestick remote until it's recognized. 8. On your phone or tablet, press Select. Your new remote should then appear in your list. How to pair a non-Firestick remoteNon-firestick remotes have to be compatible. Amazon Fire TV recognizes specific types of Bluetooth profiles, including advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP), human interface device profile (HID), and serial port profile (SPP). Your remote's user manual should say which type of Bluetooth profile it uses, and might even say that it's Amazon Fire TV compatible. Here's how to pair your remote: 1. Go into the Settings of your Fire TV menu. 2. Choose Controllers and Bluetooth Devices. 3. Select Other Bluetooth Devices. Select "Other Bluetooth Devices." Devon Delfino/Insider4. Choose Add Bluetooth Devices. Select "Add Bluetooth Devices." Devon Delfino/Insider5. Your Amazon TV will then scan for your device. Once it recognizes it, select its name from the list of devices on the screen. 6. You should see a confirmation message letting you know that your non-Firestick remote has been paired. You can then start using it as you would a regular Firestick remote. Troubleshooting a Firestick RemoteIf you're having trouble pairing the Firestick remote with your Amazon Fire TV, there are a couple things you can do to fix it:
Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at @devondelfino. Read more Read less |