How to Control a Fire TV Stick Without a Remote (6 Ways)
Lost your Fire TV remote under the couch? Batteries dead, or the dog chewed it? You don't have to stop watching. There are several ways to control a Fire TV Stick without a remote, and the best one is already in your pocket. This guide covers every method, including the trick for when you've also changed your Wi-Fi.
Quick answer
- Install the free Amazon Fire TV app on your phone, connect to the same Wi-Fi as your Fire TV, and enter the PIN shown on the TV.
- No Wi-Fi match? Create a phone hotspot with your old Wi-Fi name and password, then connect the app.
- You can also use your TV remote (HDMI-CEC), an Echo speaker, or a Bluetooth keyboard or game controller.
All the Ways to Control Fire TV Without a Remote
| Fire TV phone app | Best option. Full remote, keyboard and voice search. Needs the same Wi-Fi. |
| TV remote (HDMI-CEC) | Your normal TV remote controls the Fire TV if HDMI-CEC is on. |
| Echo / Alexa speaker | Control playback and open apps by voice once linked. |
| Bluetooth keyboard, mouse or game controller | Pair it to move around menus. |
| Replacement remote | Pair a new or universal Fire TV remote. |
Method 1: Use the Amazon Fire TV App (Recommended)
- Install the free Amazon Fire TV app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your Fire TV Stick.
- Open the app and sign in with the same Amazon account used on the Fire TV.
- Tap your Fire TV device in the list.
- Enter the 4-digit PIN that appears on your TV screen.
- Done. Swipe on the touchpad to move, tap to select, and use the keyboard button for fast typing.
Bonus: typing passwords and search terms with your phone keyboard is much faster than with the real remote.
Method 2: Changed Your Wi-Fi? Use the Hotspot Trick
The Fire TV app only works on the same network as the Fire TV. If you changed your router or Wi-Fi password, your Fire TV is offline and you can't reach its settings without a remote. The fix:
- On a second phone, turn on a mobile hotspot.
- Name the hotspot exactly the same as your old Wi-Fi network, with the same password.
- Your Fire TV connects to it automatically, thinking it's the old network.
- Connect your first phone to that hotspot and open the Fire TV app to take control.
- Go to Settings > Network on the Fire TV and connect it to your new Wi-Fi.
Method 3: Use Your TV Remote (HDMI-CEC)
Most modern TVs support HDMI-CEC, which lets your TV remote send basic commands (arrows, select, back, play/pause) to the Fire TV. It goes by different names:
| Samsung | Anynet+ |
| LG | SimpLink |
| Sony | Bravia Sync |
| Hisense / TCL | CEC or HDMI Control |
| Philips | EasyLink |
Turn it on in your TV's settings menu. On the Fire TV, HDMI CEC Device Control is usually on by default.
Method 4: Use an Echo or Alexa Speaker
If you have an Echo speaker, link it to your Fire TV in the Alexa app (Devices > your Echo > TV & video). Then say things like "Alexa, open Netflix on Fire TV" or "Alexa, pause". It's great for playback, but not for typing.
Method 5: Bluetooth Keyboard, Mouse or Game Controller
Fire TV supports many Bluetooth keyboards and game controllers. To pair one, you go to Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices, so you'll need the phone app or HDMI-CEC first to get there.
Method 6: Get a Replacement Remote
Original Alexa Voice Remotes are cheap and easy to pair: hold the Home button for about 10 seconds until it connects. Universal remotes that support Fire TV work too.
Troubleshooting
| Fire TV not showing in the app | Make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi, restart the Fire TV (unplug it for 30 seconds) and reopen the app. |
| App connects but doesn't respond | Close the app fully, turn your phone's Wi-Fi off and on, then reconnect. |
| HDMI-CEC not working | Turn CEC on in your TV's settings and try a different HDMI port. |
| Real remote stopped working | Replace the batteries, then hold Home for 10 seconds to re-pair. |
FAQs
Can I control Fire TV with my phone?
Yes. The free Amazon Fire TV app turns your phone into a full remote with a keyboard and voice search.
Does the Fire TV app work without Wi-Fi?
No. Your phone and Fire TV must be on the same network. A phone hotspot works as that network.
Can I use my TV remote for Fire TV?
Yes, if your TV supports HDMI-CEC and it's turned on.
How do I pair a new Fire TV remote?
Hold the Home button for about 10 seconds near the Fire TV until it connects.
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Image credits (Wikimedia Commons): "Amazon Fire TV Stick" and "Amazon Fire TV Stick HDMI" by ubahnverleih (CC0). Fire TV is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc.
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