Did you know you can control a Firestick device without the Firestick TV remote? In addition to its fundamental functions, standard TV remotes can effectively manage an Amazon Fire TV Stick by following basic instructions.
To control an Amazon Fire Stick with a remote control, enable HDMI CEC on your TV before you connect the Fire Stick to the TV’s HDMI port. After ensuring the Fire Stick is recognized by the TV, the TV remote should be able to control it.
Some of the terminology surrounding the setup may be confusing, including the HDMI CEC setting, or whether the TV even has this option in the first place. In this article, we will cover how to control a Firestick with any remote, including your TV remote. Additionally, we will provide troubleshooting steps for common issues.
Enabling HDMI CEC on Your TV
What is HDMI CEC
HDMI transmits audio and video from a source to a display, like a TV, while HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) allows one remote to control up to 15 devices connected through HDMI, eliminating the need for additional cables.
By using this feature, you won’t need to buy a universal remote to control your Fire Stick, more importantly, it’s not difficult to set up either. Once it’s enabled, you’ll be able to control everything from the menu including volume, recording, or even placing a device in standby or sleep mode.
How To Enable HDMI CEC
Enabling HDMI CEC varies among TV manufacturers. While some TVs automatically activate CEC during setup, others require manual activation through menu options. For Vizio or Hitachi TVs, typically found at a lower cost, locate CEC in the settings and click on the ‘Enable' tab.
Other TV manufacturers could have the HDMI CEC option listed under a trade name, which can be confusing. Sony lists it under ‘Bravia sync’, while LG uses ‘Simpllink’ to identify the CEC option.
If you don't want to spend time enabling and disabling functions that won't allow your remote to control the Fire Stick, the best advice is to look at the product specifications in your owners’ guide; do a web search on your TV, or check out our guide on controlling the Fire Stick without a remote as a last resort.
Connect the Amazon Fire TV Stick to an HDMI Port on the TV
Once you’ve enabled the HDMI CEC feature, you want to plug the Fire Stick into the TV’s HDMI port. To do this, you'll need a USB cable which often comes with the Fire TV Stick. You have to be close to an outlet to connect the USB cable to the Fire Stick and then to a power adaptor.
It’s usually not a problem since your TV also has to be plugged into an electrical outlet, however, we do have an article here on how to extend HDMI cables.
Once the Fire Stick is connected to the TV’s HDMI port and a power source, turn the television on and press ‘Home’ on the remote. A screen should appear that states the Fire Stick is ‘searching’ for your remote.
From there, you’ll follow the instructions as they show up on the screen. When you’ve finished the installation steps your TV remote will control the Fire Stick.
Make Sure the Fire Stick Was Discovered by the TV
This is an important step that doesn't take long. The best way to check if the Firestick was discovered by your TV is to press the input button on the TV. Instead of HDMI 1, HDMI2 channels, etc., it should say either ‘Fire TV’ or ‘Fire TV Stick’. If you see this, the TV and Fire Stick are connected.
How to Test the Connection
If your test indicated there wasn’t a Fire Stick input channel, there is a quick and easy fix, but you'll need to know some information about your Wi-Fi network. Find and press the ‘Home’ button on the remote for around 10 seconds; you should see a command to press ‘Start’ on the screen.
After pressing ‘Start’, you’ll follow a couple of on-screen steps that include verifying and connecting to your Wi-Fi network. If you don’t know the password to the network, your internet provider will be able to help. Once the Fire Stick is connected to your network, your TV shouldn’t have any problems recognizing it.
What if You are Connecting to a Soundbar or A/V Receiver?
It’s just as easy to connect a Fire Stick to a soundbar or A/V receiver as it is to a TV, yet, you would still need the USB cable for power and you’ll also have to be close to an outlet or power strip. The primary difference is where you connect the Fire Stick.
Most of the set-up steps are the same, but you’ll connect it to the HDMI port on the receiver or soundbar, not the one on the TV, additionally, it is possible to connect TVs and receivers without HDMI which we've explained in other tutorials.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you're experiencing issues using a TV remote to control your Firestick (like the remote not working at all, for example), here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Signal Reception: Make sure you have a clear line of sight between the TV remote and the front of the Firestick.
- Power Cycle: Restart your Firestick by unplugging it from the power source, waiting for a few seconds, and then plugging it back in. You can also reset it (without a remote).
- Update Software: Ensure that your Firestick has the latest software updates installed. Go to Firestick settings, select “My Fire TV,” and then choose “About.” Check for software updates.
Related Questions
Can Firestick Work Without a Remote?
Yes, a Firestick can work without a remote. You can use a Fire TV app on a smartphone or tablet, or by using a compatible third-party remote. It is available for both Android and iOS devices. Additionally, some Firestick models come with voice control features, allowing you to navigate and control the device using voice commands through a compatible Alexa-enabled device.
How To Pair Any Remote To Firestick?
- Pairing Mode: If your remote has a dedicated pairing button, press it. If not, check the remote's manual for instructions on how to enter pairing mode.
- Firestick Settings: Navigate to “Settings” on your Firestick using your existing remote or the Fire TV app and select “Controllers & Bluetooth Devices” or a similar option.
- Add a New Remote: Choose “Amazon Fire TV Remotes” or “Add New Remote.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to put your Firestick into discovery or pairing mode.
- Complete Pairing: Once the Fire TV Stick detects the new remote, follow the on-screen instructions to pair it.
Can You Connect a Firestick Remote Without Wi-Fi?
While setting up the Firestick initially requires a Wi-Fi connection, once the device is set up, you can control it using a physical remote without an active Wi-Fi connection. With that said, explore how you can use a Firestick when you don't have Wi-Fi.
