Pairing a new remote to your Firestick takes about two minutes and requires only the Firestick itself and the remote with fresh batteries
When you unbox a new Firestick remote, it does not automatically work with your device. The remote and the Firestick need to be paired — a process that tells them to communicate with each other. This happens through a short setup sequence you run on your Firestick, not through your TV or Wi-Fi router.
The pairing process is the same whether you are setting up a replacement remote for an existing Firestick, adding a second remote to the same device, or pairing a remote to a new Firestick for the first time. You do not need to restart anything or change any settings beforehand.
Key Takeaways
- Insert two AA batteries into the new remote before you start, making sure the positive and negative ends face the correct direction.
- On your Firestick home screen, go to Settings, then Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, then Amazon Fire TV Remotes, then Add New Remote.
- Hold the remote about 6 inches from the Firestick device (the small box itself, not the TV) and press and hold the Home button for about 10 seconds until the light on the remote blinks.
- The Firestick will search for the remote and display a confirmation message on your TV screen when pairing is complete.
- If pairing fails, remove the batteries from the remote, wait 30 seconds, reinsert them, and try again.
What you need before you start
You will need two AA batteries for the remote. Most new Firestick remotes do not come with batteries included, so check the box before you begin. If the remote came with batteries already installed, you can skip ahead to the pairing steps.
You will also need physical access to the Firestick device itself — the small rectangular box that connects to your TV's HDMI port. You do not need to be near your TV or have it turned on, though it is helpful to see the confirmation message when pairing completes.
Step-by-step pairing instructions
Step 1: Insert the batteries. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote by sliding the cover down. Insert two AA batteries with the positive end (the side marked with a plus sign) facing up. Close the cover until it clicks.
Step 2: Navigate to the remote settings menu. Pick up your current remote or use the Firestick app on your phone if you have one installed. On your Firestick home screen, select Settings (the gear icon). Scroll down and select Remotes and Bluetooth Devices. Select Amazon Fire TV Remotes. Select Add New Remote.
Step 3: Put the Firestick in pairing mode. Your TV screen will show a message that the Firestick is waiting for a remote. This screen stays active for about two minutes.
Step 4: set up the new remote. Hold the new remote about 6 inches away from the Firestick device itself (not the TV). Press and hold the Home button — the one with a house icon — for about 10 seconds. You will see a light on the remote blink or flash. Keep holding the button until the light stops blinking.
Step 5: Wait for confirmation. The Firestick will search for the remote. Within 10 to 20 seconds, your TV screen will show a message confirming that the remote has been paired. The new remote is now ready to use.
What to do if pairing does not work
If the Firestick does not recognize the remote after 20 seconds, the pairing process will time out and return you to the home screen. This usually means the remote and Firestick did not establish a connection.
Remove the batteries from the remote and wait 30 seconds. Reinsert the batteries and try the pairing process again from Step 2. Make sure you are holding the remote close to the Firestick device and that the Home button is held down for the full 10 seconds.
If pairing fails a second time, the batteries may be dead or installed incorrectly. Remove them again, check that the positive end is facing up, and reinsert. If the remote still does not pair after a third attempt, the remote itself may be defective and you may need to contact Amazon for a replacement.
Using multiple remotes with one Firestick
You can pair more than one remote to the same Firestick. Each remote will control the device independently, so you can keep a remote in different rooms or have a backup if one stops working.
To add a second remote, follow the same steps: go to Settings, Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, Amazon Fire TV Remotes, Add New Remote, and repeat the pairing process with the new remote. The Firestick will remember all paired remotes and you do not need to unpair the first one.
Troubleshooting common pairing problems
If the remote pairs successfully but then stops responding after a few days, the batteries may be low. Replace them with fresh AA batteries and try using the remote again. Low batteries are the most common reason a previously working remote stops responding.
If the remote is physically damaged — cracked, water-damaged, or the buttons are stuck — pairing will not fix the problem. The remote itself will need to be replaced.
If you are trying to pair a remote designed for a different Amazon device (such as an Echo Show remote or a Fire TV Cube remote), it may not work with your Firestick model. Firestick remotes are model-specific. Check the packaging or Amazon's website to confirm the remote is compatible with your Firestick generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Wi-Fi to pair a remote to my Firestick?
No. Pairing happens through a direct wireless connection between the remote and the Firestick device, not through your home Wi-Fi network. Your Firestick does not need to be connected to the internet for pairing to work.
Can I pair a remote to a Firestick that is turned off?
No. The Firestick must be powered on and showing the home screen for pairing to work. If your Firestick is in sleep mode, press any button on an already-paired remote to wake it up, then start the pairing process.
What if I lost the original remote and only have a new one?
You can still pair the new remote without the original. Use the Firestick app on your phone (available free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store) to navigate to Settings, Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, Amazon Fire TV Remotes, and Add New Remote. Then follow the pairing steps with the new remote.
How far away can the remote be from the Firestick during pairing?
During the pairing process, keep the remote within 6 inches of the Firestick device. Once pairing is complete, the remote will work from across the room — typically up to 30 feet away, depending on obstacles between the remote and the device.
Will pairing a new remote erase my Firestick settings or apps?
No. Pairing a remote does not change any settings, delete apps, or affect your account. It only establishes a connection between the remote and the device so the remote can send commands to the Firestick.