How to Control FireStick without Remote-7 Methods
By Robert Jones · 2022-06-01
Right, so your FireStick remote's done a bunk, has it? Happens to the best of us. Don't fret, I've got a few solid tricks up my sleeve to get you streaming again without it.
Right then, listen up. Ever been there? You’ve settled down for a bit of telly, fancy catching that new series everyone’s on about, only to find the blooming FireStick remote has done a runner. Gone. Vanished into the sofa abyss, probably. It’s a proper pain, isn’t it? Happens to the best of us, and honestly, it’s usually when you least expect it. Now, I’ve had my fair share of gadgets over the years, and the FireStick is a handy bit of kit for streaming. But those tiny remotes? They’re like socks in the wash – disappear without a trace. Don't you worry your head, though. I’ve picked up a few tricks over my two decades in the audio game, and I’m here to tell you there are plenty of ways to get your FireStick back under control, even if the original remote has decided to go on a permanent holiday. **Quick Verdict: Don't panic, your phone's probably the easiest fix, but there are other tricks up my sleeve too.**  *How to Control FireStick without Remote-7 Methods — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## The Great Remote Escape: Why It Always Happens Honestly, I reckon these little remotes are designed to be lost. They're small, black, and they just blend into furniture. I’ve spent more time than I care to admit rooting around under cushions, behind the telly, even checking the dog’s bed for the blasted thing. It’s a common frustration, especially if you’ve got kids or a particularly untidy living room. Or if, like me, you just put things down and immediately forget where you put 'em. But a lost remote doesn’t mean your streaming night is kaput. Not by a long shot. There are several workarounds, some more fiddly than others, but all perfectly doable. Let’s dive into them, shall we? ## Method 1: The Official Fire TV Remote App – Your Best Mate This is, hands down, your first port of call. If you’ve got a smartphone or a tablet, you’ve already got a perfectly good replacement remote sitting in your pocket. Amazon knows their remotes are prone to vanishing acts, so they made a cracking app for it. I’ve used this app countless times, especially when I’m testing a new soundbar in the workshop and I’ve got the FireStick hooked up. Saves me having yet another remote cluttering up the workbench. It’s quick, it’s intuitive, and it replicates pretty much all the functions of the physical remote. ### How to Get It Set Up: 1. **Grab Your Phone:** Or tablet, whatever you’ve got handy. 2. **Download the App:** Head over to your app store (Google Play for Android, Apple App Store for iPhones/iPads) and search for "Amazon Fire TV Remote". It’s free, so no worries there. 3. **Connect to the Same Wi-Fi:** This is crucial, mind. Your phone and your FireStick absolutely *must* be connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network. If one’s on 2.4GHz and the other’s on 5GHz, it can cause bother. Just make sure they're talking to each other through the same router. 4. **Launch the App:** Open it up, and it should start scanning for Fire TV devices on your network. Your FireStick should pop up on the list. 5. **Pairing Time:** Tap on your FireStick. You’ll usually see a four-digit code appear on your TV screen. Type that code into the app on your phone, and *bam!* You’re in business. Your phone is now your remote. ### What I Like About It: * **Full Functionality:** You get all the navigation buttons, playback controls, voice search (which is brilliant), and even a keyboard for typing in passwords or search terms – a godsend compared to pecking out letters with the D-pad. * **Reliable:** Once it’s paired, it’s usually rock solid. * **Free:** Can’t argue with that, can you? ### Any Downsides? * **Wi-Fi Dependent:** No Wi-Fi, no remote. Simple as that. So if your internet’s playing up, you’re stuck. * **Battery Drain:** Keeping the app open and your phone screen on can chew through your phone’s battery a bit faster. **Who it's for:** Everyone with a smartphone who's lost their FireStick remote. This is the go-to solution. **Who should skip it:** People without a smartphone, or if your Wi-Fi is constantly dropping out. ## Method 2: Using an Existing TV Remote with HDMI-CEC Now, this is a bit clever, and a lot of folks don't even realise their TV can do this. HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a feature on most modern TVs that lets different devices connected via HDMI "talk" to each other. Sony calls it Bravia Sync, Samsung has Anynet+, LG calls it SimpLink, Panasonic uses Viera Link – it’s all the same thing under different names. I always make sure this is switched on when I’m setting up a new home cinema system for a client. It makes life so much easier when you’re not fumbling for three different remotes just to watch a film. ### How to Check and Enable HDMI-CEC: 1. **Find the Setting:** Grab your TV’s *own* remote. Go into your TV’s settings menu. You’re looking for something like "System," "Connections," or "External Devices." Within that, you’ll find "HDMI-CEC," "Anynet+", "Bravia Sync," etc. 2. **Turn It On:** Enable it if it’s not already. Sometimes it’s called "HDMI Control" or something similar. 3. **Plug and Play:** Make sure your FireStick is plugged into an HDMI port on your TV. If CEC is enabled on both the TV and the FireStick (it usually is by default on the FireStick), your TV remote should automatically be able to control the FireStick’s basic navigation. ### My Experience: It works pretty well for basic navigation – moving up, down, left, right, and selecting. Playback controls sometimes work too, depending on your TV. Voice commands and dedicated app buttons? Not a chance. But for getting around the menus and starting a film, it’s perfectly adequate. **Who it's for:** Anyone with a modern TV and a FireStick, especially if you're just looking for basic control and don't want to fiddle with your phone. **Who should skip it:** If your TV is older and doesn't support CEC, or if you need advanced features like voice search or a keyboard. ## Method 3: Bluetooth Keyboards or Game Controllers "Hang on, Robert," you might say, "my FireStick has Bluetooth?" Aye, it does! Most FireStick models (especially the 4K and later ones) support Bluetooth accessories. This is super handy if you’re doing a lot of typing – say, setting up a new account, or if you’ve sideloaded some apps that require a bit more input. I’ve got a small Bluetooth keyboard I use with my tablet for reviews, and it pairs up with a FireStick a treat. Much better than pecking away with the app, if you ask me. ### How to Pair: 1. **Navigate (somehow!):** This is the tricky bit. You’ll need *some* way to navigate to the FireStick’s settings menu first. Use the app (Method 1) or your TV remote (Method 2) to get there. 2. **Go to Settings:** From the FireStick home screen, navigate to "Settings" (the cog icon). 3. **Controllers & Bluetooth Devices:** Select this option. 4. **Other Bluetooth Devices:** Choose "Add Bluetooth Devices." Your FireStick will start scanning. 5. **Pair Your Device:** Put your Bluetooth keyboard or game controller into pairing mode (check its manual if you’re unsure how to do this). It should appear on the FireStick’s list. Select it to pair. Once paired, you can use the keyboard for text input and often for navigation (arrow keys, Enter, Esc). Game controllers are great for, well, games, but can also navigate menus with their D-pads and buttons. **Who it's for:** Users who need to type a lot on their FireStick, gamers, or those who prefer a physical input device over a phone screen. **Who should skip it:** If you don't own a compatible Bluetooth device, or if you only need basic navigation. ## Method 4: Using a Universal Remote Control Ah, the universal remote. A classic solution to remote clutter. I remember back in the day, these were all the rage. One remote to rule them all! They’ve gotten a lot smarter over the years, and many can now control streaming devices like the FireStick. I’ve got a couple of Logitech Harmony remotes knocking about – though Logitech has stopped making them, which is a real shame, they were brilliant. Still, there are other brands out there. The trick is making sure it’s compatible with the FireStick. ### How They Work: Universal remotes typically work in one of two ways: 1. **IR (Infrared):** Most basic universal remotes use IR. The FireStick *does not* have an IR receiver (apart from the original basic remote, which was IR *only* for the TV controls, not the FireStick itself). Modern FireStick remotes use Bluetooth. So, an IR-only universal remote generally won’t work directly with the FireStick itself. It might control your TV, soundbar, etc., but not the FireStick. **This is a common pitfall, so be warned!** 2. **RF (Radio Frequency) or Wi-Fi Hub:** More advanced universal remotes, like the Harmony line, often come with a hub. This hub connects to your Wi-Fi and can then send commands to your FireStick via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This is what you’d need for full FireStick control. ### What to Look For: * **Compatibility:** Double-check the universal remote’s specs to ensure it lists Fire TV devices as supported. Don't assume. * **Hub/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth:** If it’s not just an IR blaster, it’s got a better chance. ### My Take: If you already own a high-end universal remote with a hub, it’s a great solution. If you’re buying one specifically for the FireStick *and* you’ve lost your original remote, it can be a bit of a faff to set up without initial FireStick navigation. You'd probably need to use the app first to get to the pairing menu. Plus, they can be pricey. For most people, the phone app is simply easier and cheaper. **Who it's for:** Those who already own a compatible universal remote system (e.g., Logitech Harmony with a hub) and want to consolidate remotes. **Who should skip it:** Anyone looking for a cheap, quick fix. Buying a new universal remote just for a lost FireStick remote is probably overkill and too expensive. ## Method 5: A Replacement Amazon Fire TV Remote Alright, so you’ve tried all the techy tricks, and perhaps you just miss the feel of a proper remote in your hand. Or maybe the phone app just isn’t doing it for you long term. Fair enough. You can always buy a new one. Amazon sells official replacement Fire TV remotes. You can get the standard voice remote, or even upgrade to the slightly fancier ones if you fancy a change. Sometimes, it’s just easier to have the dedicated bit of kit. ### Where to Buy and What to Consider: * **Amazon’s Website:** Obvious, I know, but it’s the safest bet for an official product. Expect to pay around £25-£30 for a standard voice remote. * **Check Compatibility:** Make sure you’re buying a remote that’s compatible with your specific FireStick model (e.g., Fire TV Stick Lite, 4K, 4K Max, Cube). They’re generally quite interchangeable, but it’s always best to check. * **Third-Party Options:** You’ll see loads of cheaper, unbranded remotes on eBay or Amazon. Honestly, I’d be wary. You often get what you pay for. Sticking with an official Amazon remote usually means better build quality and guaranteed compatibility. ### Pairing a New Remote: 1. **Power Up:** Make sure your FireStick is powered on and your TV is on the correct input. 2. **Batteries In:** Pop two fresh AAA batteries into your new remote. 3. **Hold Home Button:** Hold down the "Home" button on the new remote for about 10-15 seconds. This puts it into pairing mode. Your FireStick should detect it and pair automatically. You might see a confirmation message on your TV screen. If it doesn't pair automatically, you might need to use another method (like the phone app) to navigate to "Settings" > "Controllers & Bluetooth Devices" > "Amazon Fire TV Remotes" and then select "Add New Remote." Then try holding the Home button again. **Who it's for:** Those who prefer a dedicated physical remote, or if you find the app inconvenient for daily use. A good long-term solution. **Who should skip it:** If you're on a tight budget or just need a temporary fix. There are cheaper, quicker options. ## Method 6: Using an Alexa-Enabled Device (Echo, Echo Dot) This is where smart home tech really comes into its own. If you’ve got an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, or any other Alexa-enabled speaker kicking around, you can actually use your voice to control your FireStick. It’s pretty neat, actually. Saves you from even reaching for a remote. I’ve got an Echo Dot in my living room, and it’s brilliant for quick commands like "Alexa, open Netflix on the Fire TV" or "Alexa, pause Fire TV." Proper lazy, but oh so convenient! ### How to Link Them Up: 1. **Alexa App:** Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. 2. **Devices:** Go to the "Devices" tab. 3. **Plus Icon (+):** Tap the plus icon in the top right corner and select "Add Device." 4. **Amazon Fire TV:** Choose "Amazon Fire TV" from the list. 5. **Follow Prompts:** The app will guide you through linking your Fire TV device to your Echo. Make sure both your Echo and Fire TV are on the same Amazon account. Once linked, you can use voice commands like: * "Alexa, open Prime Video on Fire TV." * "Alexa, play [show name] on Fire TV." * "Alexa, pause Fire TV." * "Alexa, volume up on Fire TV." (This works if your Fire TV can control your TV’s volume, which usually requires CEC to be enabled on your TV). * "Alexa, go home on Fire TV." ### What I Think: It’s fantastic for convenience and hands-free control, especially for basic commands. You won't be able to navigate every single menu item with it, but for launching apps and controlling playback, it’s brilliant. Just make sure your Alexa device is close enough to hear you clearly. **Who it's for:** Anyone with an Alexa-enabled device who wants hands-free control and seamless integration with their smart home. **Who should skip it:** If you don't own an Alexa device, or if you prefer a visual interface for navigation. ## Method 7: Resorting to the HDMI-CEC Trick (Again) for Setup Okay, this is a bit of a niche one, but it