Are you having trouble with your Toshiba Fire TV remote not working? Don't worry, you're not alone. There are many issues that can cause this, and note that, just because you have a Toshiba Fire TV, that doesn't mean the universal Fire TV remote is going to have it's own special fix here. You can pretend like you have any other Fire device, since they all use standard Fire controllers. So, with that out of the way, what do you do when the controller won't respond?
If your Toshiba Fire TV Remote isn't working, start by replacing the batteries and attempting to re-pair the device. Next, reset the remote to factory settings, and try restarting the TV. If none of that works, use the Amazon Fire TV app to control the TV while you consider a replacement remote.
We'll start by covering the main things you should do to troubleshoot this problem. We have 4 simple steps for you to walk through, and after that we'll talk about what to do if none of those work. Let's get started!
4 Ways To Fix Toshiba Fire TV Remote Issues
In this section, we will explore the most common causes of remote problems and provide step-by-step solutions to fix them. Whether your remote is not working, not paired correctly, unresponsive, or not responding, we have troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue. First, try to work from this simple table, and scroll down if you need more details on a step.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| The remote is out of power | Try new batteries |
| The remote is not paired | Pair or re-pair the remote with the Fire TV |
| The remote is failing in some other unknown way | Reset the remote |
| The Fire TV is having a glitch or causing the issue | Power cycle the TV |
Try New Batteries First
The first thing to check when your Toshiba Fire TV remote isn't working is the batteries. Even if the batteries are relatively new, they may not have enough charge to power the remote. We recommend trying a fresh set of batteries first, and before you ask, no you shouldn't mismatch batteries you have laying around: try to make them match!
We recommend using high-quality alkaline batteries for the best performance. Or, opting for a rechargeable option like this one (on Amazon) if you're feeling more sustainable!
Pairing and Re-pairing the Fire TV Remote
If new batteries don't solve the problem, the next step is to check if the remote is paired correctly with the Fire TV. If the remote isn't paired, it won't work. To pair the remote, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Home button on the remote for at least five seconds.
- Wait for the light on the remote to flash rapidly.
- Release the Home button.
If the remote is already paired but still not working, try re-pairing it. To re-pair the remote, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Home button on the remote for at least 10 seconds.
- Wait for the light on the remote to flash rapidly.
- Release the Home button.
- Wait for the remote to pair with the Fire TV.
Resetting The Fire TV Remote
If the remote is paired correctly, but still not working, you may need to reset it. Resetting the remote will erase all the settings and return it to its default state. To reset the remote, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Home button on the remote.
- At the same time, press the Menu button to the right of the Home button three times.
- Now release the Home button and then press the Menu button nine more times.
- Remove the batteries from your remote and then unplug the Fire TV itself for at least a minute.
- Plug the Firestick back in and put the batteries back into the remote.
- Once the Firestick is on, hold the Home button until the remote pairs with your Firestick.
And, note that these are the reset instructions for the most common Fire TV remote. If you have a different model, there are some slightly different reset paths we cover in our article here.
Power Cycle The TV
If none of the above steps work, try power cycling the TV. This will reset the TV and may fix any issues that are preventing the remote from working correctly. To power cycle the TV, follow these steps:
- Unplug the TV from the power outlet.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds.
- Plug the TV back into the power outlet.
- Wait for the TV to turn on.
How To Control Your Fire TV Without A Remote At All!
If you've lost your Toshiba Fire TV remote or it has stopped working, you might be wondering how to control your TV without a remote. Luckily, there's a super simple way to do this: the Amazon Fire TV App!
Using the Amazon Fire TV App as a Remote
One of the easiest ways to control your Toshiba Fire TV without a remote is to use the Amazon Fire TV app. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play.
To use the app, you'll need to make sure that your Fire TV and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Once you've downloaded the app, open it and select your Fire TV from the list of available devices. The app will automatically connect to your TV and you'll be able to use it as a remote.
The app has all the same features as the physical remote, including voice search, playback controls, and the ability to launch apps. It also has a keyboard function, which makes it much easier to search for content on your TV.
Overall, using the Amazon Fire TV app as a remote is a convenient and easy way to control your Toshiba Fire TV without a physical remote. Plus, it's free and you're likely to always have your smartphone with you, making it a great backup option.
But if you absolutely have to have that physical remote…it may be time to consider a replacement.
Replacing Your Fire TV Remote (Consider A Universal Option)
Before purchasing a replacement Universal Fire TV remote (on Amazon), consider a universal option that can work with multiple devices. This can be a cost-effective solution if you have several devices that require remote controls.
We recommend a universal remote like this one from Phillips (also on Amazon), which is very cost-effective and controls up to six devices, which is usually enough for most typical home theater enthusiasts. It's hard to overstate how nice it is to have just the one control to manage!
And don't worry, as we've looked at in our related article, universal remotes can work just fine with Fire sticks and, of course, Fire TVs as well.
Reclaiming Remote Control
So, if you're facing issues with your Toshiba Fire TV remote, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem quickly. By trying new batteries first, pairing or re-pairing the remote with the Fire TV, resetting the remote, or power cycling the TV, you can often fix common issues that cause the remote to stop working.
But past these options, you'll be better off just getting a replacement remote, or using the Fire TV app. But don't worry – that's still pretty convenient, and it's not going to reduce the experience of your home theater too much if you ask us!
