A Fire TV remote control makes it easy to browse through content. You can search for shows by name or scroll through the various genres. It can also turn the TV on or off if the television supports Consumer Electronics Control (CEC). You can do a lot with a Fire TV remote control, but is it compatible with a soundbar?
Can A Fire TV Remote Control A Soundbar? You can control a soundbar’s audio levels with a Fire TV remote. It can be done through HDMI CEC or by adding the soundbar to equipment controls under the settings menu, however, there are a few things you should learn before buying one.
While you can use the Fire TV remote to control the soundbar similar to the way you would with a TV remote (our guide), you might not be sure how to set it up. If that's the case, however, you may also run into some issues once it’s connected. Thankfully, most of these problems are easily fixed, especially after you've read through the information in this article.
How to Control a Soundbar with a Fire TV Remote Control
There are two ways you can control your soundbar with a Fire TV remote. Both methods are easy to set up, but the one you use will depend on your television’s capabilities. Not all TVs are equipped with HDMI CEC, and this means you will have to use a different method to get your Fire remote to adjust the volume on the soundbar.
If you can’t use the first method, the second is to go into the TV’s menu settings and get it to recognize the new device. In this case, a Fire remote control – which can also be controlled with a regular TV remote or a universal remote. The setup steps are fairly basic. You’ll follow the on-screen instructions, and from there you shouldn’t have any problems using the remote to control the soundbar.
Method 1: Using HDMI CEC to Control a Soundbar
Your TV must have an HDMI-ARC input if you want to use this method and the soundbar connected to it. It’s a good idea to refresh the HDMI connection before adding another device.
To do so, unplug the soundbar from the outlet and wait a couple of minutes before plugging it back in. It will ensure that there is an HDMI connection between the TV and soundbar.
After re-establishing the connection, you’ll follow the simple setup steps.
- Enter into the TV’s settings menu
- You want to go to “display & sounds”
- Here, you’ll see a setting for “HDMI CEC Device Control”, you want to turn it on.
Note: All manufacturers have their own names HDMI CEC. Here are a few:
- Hitachi: HDMI-CEC
- LG: SimpLink
- Mitsubishi: Net Command
- Onkyo: RIHD
- Panasonic: HDAVI Control, EZ-Sync, or VIERA Link
- Philips: EasyLink
- Pioneer: Kuro Link
- Roku: 1-Touch-Play
- Samsung: Anynet+
- Sharp: Aquos Link
- Sony: BRAVIA Sync
- Toshiba: CE-Link or Regza Link
- Vizio: CEC
To wake up the Fire TV press any button on the remote control. It will send the HDMI-CEC signal to the soundbar and turn the TV on. It is easy to do, but if the soundbar and TV do not turn on or you don’t have a setting for HDMI CEC device control, you’ll need to use a different method.
Method 2: Adding the Soundbar Under Equipment Control
If you can’t use HDMI CEC, you can still control the soundbar with your Fire TV remote (on Amazon). You’ll need to use a different method. It isn’t any more complicated than the other method and it will only take a couple of minutes to set up.
- On the Fire TV, go to settings.
- Next, go to “equipment control” and select “automatic”.
If you can’t control the volume on the soundbar with the Fire TV remote, you’ll need to add it manually. In the menu select “manage equipment” and then “add equipment”. You should see a tab for the soundbar, scroll through until you find the brand name of your unit. After clicking on the brand name, follow the on-screen instructions. Your Fire TV remote should be controlling the soundbar.
Troubleshooting Soundbar Issues with a Fire TV
Even after trying both methods, there can still be issues. The most common one is that audio isn’t coming out of the soundbar. It doesn’t mean that your Fire TV remote isn’t compatible, only that you have to take a few extra steps. The first thing to do is to check your TV settings. Make sure that the audio setting on the TV is on “mute”.
If your Fire TV stick is connected to an A/V receiver (on Amazon), ensure that it’s turned on. You also want to turn off the Dolby Digital Plus. You can do this through the Fire TV menu. Go to the settings menu, select “display & sounds”, and then “audio”.
The problem can also be caused by the hardware you’re using. Over time, HDMI and other types of cables can wear out. If unplugging the cable and reconnecting it doesn’t resolve the problem, it may need to be replaced. The same can also apply to the Firestick, as they can last from 2 to 4 years. But, before you request a new one, try unplugging the stick for a few seconds because sometimes it only needs to reboot.
How to Resolve Other Common Issues
Low power from an outlet can also interfere with the Fire TV remote and prevent it from controlling the soundbar. It could be caused by the power grid the home is on, or the outlet the TV is plugged into.
If it’s the power grid or you can’t switch to a different outlet, try lowering your screen resolution. It’s not an ideal fix but it’s better than having to use multiple remotes to control your various components.
Another reason the remote might not be working with your soundbar could be a problem with the app. You downloaded an app when you installed the Firestick, and it may need to be re-installed. On the home screen, you’ll go to “settings”. From there, click on “applications” and then “manage installed applications”. Uninstall the app, wait a few seconds, and then reinstall it again.
If you are still having problems getting the Fire TV remote to control the soundbar, you should take a look at your Wi-Fi connection and speed or our article on controlling a Fire TV Stick without a remote which has additional information that may help you.
Slow or poor internet connections can interfere with the remote’s ability to control the soundbar. Your internet speed needs to be at least 3 Mbps or higher. If it’s slower, you will have to upgrade to a faster connection.
Conclusion
You can use your Fire TV remote to control the volume and turn the soundbar on and off. There are two easy methods to try, and both will only take a few minutes once you’re in the TV’s setting menu.
There can be an occasional issue with the soundbar not producing audio, but most problems are easily fixed, especially with the help of our troubleshooting guide.
However, keep in mind that if you are using older cables you may have to purchase a new one. Otherwise, you shouldn’t have any problems using your Fire remote with your soundbar.
