The Amazon Firestick remote is a crucial tool for navigating the Fire TV Stick, controlling apps, and using Alexa voice commands. However, there are times when the remote stops responding or experiences connectivity issues. In such cases, resetting the Firestick remote can resolve the problem and restore full functionality.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to reset your Firestick remote to get it back in working order.
Why Reset Your Firestick Remote?
You may need to reset your Firestick remote if you encounter the following issues:
- The remote is unresponsive or not pairing.
- The buttons are lagging or delayed.
- The remote isn’t controlling the Firestick properly.
- You’re experiencing Bluetooth connectivity issues.
Resetting the remote is a simple troubleshooting step to resolve these problems without needing to replace it.
Types of Firestick Remotes
Before we start, it’s important to note that there are different generations of Firestick remotes. The steps to reset the remote vary depending on the version you have:
- Basic Edition Remote (no voice control)
- Alexa Voice Remote (1st Generation)
- Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Generation) – Includes power and volume controls.
- Alexa Voice Remote Lite – Lacks power and volume controls.
Make sure you identify which version you are using before proceeding with the reset instructions.
Step 1: Resetting the Firestick Remote (Alexa Voice Remote 2nd Gen)
If you have the Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Generation) or a similar model, follow these steps to reset the remote:
- Unplug your Firestick: Disconnect the Firestick from its power source. Wait for 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
- Press and hold the following buttons simultaneously:
- Left button (the navigation button pointing left)
- Menu button (three horizontal lines)
- Back button
Hold these buttons for 12 seconds.
- Release the buttons: After 12 seconds, release the buttons.
- Remove the batteries from the Firestick remote.
- Plug the Firestick back in: Once the Firestick restarts, wait for the Home screen to appear.
- Reinsert the batteries into the remote.
- Pair the remote: Press and hold the Home button on the remote for 10 seconds. This will pair the remote with the Firestick.
Once paired, your remote should work as expected, and any unresponsiveness or lag should be resolved.
Step 2: Resetting the Alexa Voice Remote (1st Gen)
For those using the Alexa Voice Remote (1st Generation), follow these steps to reset:
- Unplug the Firestick from the power source.
- Press and hold the Menu button, the Left navigation button, and the Back button at the same time for 12 seconds.
- Release the buttons, then remove the batteries from the remote.
- Wait 60 seconds, then plug the Firestick back into the power source and let it reboot.
- Reinsert the batteries into the remote and press the Home button for 10 seconds to initiate pairing.
Step 3: Resetting the Basic Edition Remote
The Basic Edition Remote does not have Alexa voice control, but it can still be reset if it’s unresponsive.
- Unplug your Firestick from the power source and wait for 60 seconds.
- Remove the batteries from the remote.
- Reconnect the Firestick to the power source and wait for the Home screen to appear.
- Reinsert the batteries into the remote.
- Press and hold the Home button on the remote for 10-12 seconds. This will pair the remote with the Firestick.
Once the pairing is complete, the remote should work as expected.
Step 4: Resetting the Alexa Voice Remote Lite
If you are using the Alexa Voice Remote Lite, which lacks volume and power buttons, you can reset it as follows:
- Unplug the Firestick from its power source and wait for 60 seconds.
- Remove the batteries from the remote.
- Reconnect the Firestick and wait for the Home screen to load.
- Reinsert the batteries into the remote.
- Press and hold the Home button for 10-12 seconds to pair the remote with the Firestick.
After pairing, the remote should be fully functional.
Step 5: Troubleshooting After Resetting the Firestick Remote
If resetting your Firestick remote does not solve the problem, here are a few additional troubleshooting steps:
a. Replace the Batteries
Sometimes, the issue may be as simple as low battery power. Even after resetting, if your remote still doesn’t work:
- Replace the batteries with fresh ones, ensuring they are inserted correctly.
- Use high-quality AAA batteries for optimal performance.
b. Use the Fire TV App as a Temporary Remote
If your remote is still unresponsive, you can use the Fire TV app as a temporary remote. The app is available for iOS and Android devices, and it allows you to control your Firestick using your smartphone.
To use the app:
- Download the Amazon Fire TV app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network as your Firestick.
- Open the app, select your Firestick device, and use the app’s interface as a remote.
This can be a great temporary solution while troubleshooting or waiting for a new remote.
c. Factory Reset the Firestick
If resetting the remote doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to factory reset the Firestick itself. This will restore the device to its original settings, which can help resolve remote connectivity issues.
To factory reset your Firestick:
- Go to Settings on your Firestick.
- Navigate to My Fire TV.
- Scroll down and select Reset to Factory Defaults.
- Confirm the reset by selecting Reset.
Note that this will erase all your data and settings on the Firestick, so be prepared to set it up again from scratch.
Step 6: Replacing Your Firestick Remote
If none of the above steps work, it’s possible that your remote is damaged or defective and may need to be replaced. You can order a new Firestick remote from Amazon or other electronics retailers.
Once you have the new remote, follow the pairing instructions in Step 1 to connect it to your Firestick.
Conclusion: How to Reset Firestick Remote
Resetting a Firestick remote is often a quick and simple solution to issues like unresponsiveness, lag, or connectivity problems. Depending on the type of remote you have, the reset process may differ slightly, but following the steps outlined in this guide should resolve most issues.
Whether you’re using an Alexa Voice Remote, a Basic Edition Remote, or a Firestick Remote Lite, resetting the remote will help you get back to enjoying your Fire TV experience.
