Connect a new Firestick remote by putting it in pairing mode and selecting it from your Firestick's settings menu

A new Firestick remote starts unpaired — your device does not know it exists yet. The pairing process takes about two minutes and requires only that you have your Firestick plugged in and your TV on. Most remotes pair on their first try. If yours does not, the problem is usually dead batteries or a blocked line of sight between the remote and the Firestick box.

You do not need a computer, a phone app, or an internet connection to pair a remote. The Firestick itself handles the whole process through its own menu system.

Key Takeaways

  • Put the remote in pairing mode by holding the Home and Back buttons together for 10 to 15 seconds until the light on the remote blinks.
  • Go to Settings on your Firestick, select Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, then choose Add New Remote from the menu.
  • Select your remote from the list that appears on your TV screen within 30 seconds of entering pairing mode.
  • If pairing fails, replace the batteries in the remote and try again, making sure nothing is blocking the path between the remote and the Firestick box.

Step-by-step pairing instructions

Start with your Firestick powered on and your TV displaying the Firestick home screen. Have fresh batteries ready — most Firestick remotes use two AA batteries, though some newer models use rechargeable batteries that come pre-charged.

Hold down the Home button and the Back button on the remote at the same time. Keep holding them for 10 to 15 seconds. You will see a light on the remote blink or glow — this means the remote has entered pairing mode. Release the buttons once you see the light.

On your TV screen, navigate to Settings using your old remote or the Firestick app on your phone. Go to Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, then select Add New Remote. Your Firestick will search for nearby remotes for about 30 seconds. The new remote should appear in a list on your screen. Select it, and the pairing will complete.

What to do if the remote does not appear in the list

If your remote does not show up after you select Add New Remote, the most common cause is dead or low batteries. Remove the battery cover on the back of the remote and replace both batteries with fresh ones. Make sure they are inserted in the correct direction — the positive and negative ends should match the diagram inside the battery compartment.

Try the pairing process again. This time, hold the Home and Back buttons for the full 15 seconds and watch for the light to blink. If the light does not blink at all, the batteries may still be too weak. Swap them for a different pair.

Another common issue is obstruction. The remote communicates with the Firestick box using infrared, which needs a clear line of sight. Make sure nothing is blocking the front of the Firestick device — not a soundbar, a picture frame, or a plant. Move the remote closer to the Firestick box and try pairing again.

Pairing a remote to a different Firestick in your home

If you have more than one Firestick and want to use the same remote with a different device, you will need to unpair it from the first Firestick first. Go to Settings on the original Firestick, select Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, find the remote in the list, and choose Unpair or Remove.

Once unpaired, follow the standard pairing steps with the new Firestick. The remote will connect to whichever Firestick you pair it with most recently. You cannot use one remote with two Firesticks at the same time — it will only control the device it is currently paired to.

Replacing a lost or broken remote

If your remote is lost or damaged beyond repair, you can buy a replacement from Amazon or a retailer that carries Firestick accessories. Make sure you buy a remote that matches your Firestick model — Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV devices each have compatible remotes, though some older remotes may not work with newer Firesticks.

When your new remote arrives, follow the same pairing steps: hold Home and Back for 15 seconds, go to Settings on your Firestick, select Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, choose Add New Remote, and select the remote from the list. The process is identical whether you are pairing a brand-new remote or a replacement.

Using your phone as a temporary remote while pairing

If your old remote is broken and you need to navigate your Firestick to pair a new one, read the Amazon Firestick app on your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app, select your Firestick device, and you will see a remote control on your phone screen. Use this to navigate to Settings and start the pairing process for your new physical remote.

Once your new remote is paired, you can still use the phone app if you want — many people keep it as a backup. The phone app works over Wi-Fi, so it does not require a line of sight like the physical remote does.

Troubleshooting pairing problems

If you have tried fresh batteries and cleared obstructions but the remote still will not pair, restart your Firestick. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot up. This clears temporary connection problems that sometimes prevent pairing.

If restarting does not work, try resetting the remote itself. Hold the Home button for 10 seconds — not the Home and Back combination, just Home alone. Some remotes have a small reset button on the battery cover; check your remote's manual to see if yours does. After resetting, put it back in pairing mode and try again.

If the remote still will not pair after these steps, the remote itself may be faulty. Contact Amazon support with your remote's model number and serial number, which you can find on the battery cover or in your order history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Wi-Fi to pair a Firestick remote?

No. The pairing process uses Bluetooth, which does not require an internet connection. Your Firestick needs to be powered on and your TV needs to be on so you can see the menu, but Wi-Fi is not necessary for the remote to connect.

Can I pair multiple remotes to the same Firestick?

Yes. You can pair as many remotes as you want to a single Firestick. Go to Remotes and Bluetooth Devices and select Add New Remote for each one. This is useful if you have a remote in different rooms or want a backup.

Why does my remote work sometimes but not always?

This usually means the batteries are getting weak. Replace them with fresh ones. If the remote still cuts out, check that nothing is blocking the path between the remote and the Firestick box, and make sure you are pointing the remote at the device rather than at the TV screen.

What if I pair the remote to the wrong Firestick by accident?

Unpair it from the wrong device by going to Settings, Remotes and Bluetooth Devices, selecting the remote, and choosing Unpair or Remove. Then pair it to the correct Firestick using the standard steps.

Can I use an old Firestick remote with a new Firestick?

Usually yes, but not always. Older remotes may not work with the newest Firestick models. Check Amazon's compatibility list for your specific remote and Firestick model. If your old remote is not listed as compatible, you will need to buy a new one.