In this article, I will guide you on how to control FireStick with the TV remote. Because handling a lot of remotes is a frustrating thing.
Fortunately, you can use a single remote to control multiple devices in your home theater.
Hence, you do not need to search for the relevant remote each time you want to adjust volume or change channels on your TV or FireStick.
I found it an amazing trick to pair my TV remote to the FireStick. Now, I can control both devices with a single remote.
I recommend you go for this. Surely, you are eager to learn how to control FireStick with the TV remote.
What is HDMI CEC
HDMI stands for ‘High-Definition MultiMedia Interface’. It is a port on your TV that connects other devices through HDMI cables.
Its function is to simultaneously transmit audio and video between your TV and other devices. HDMI has variations intended for different purposes.
CEC stands for ‘Consumer Electronic Control’ and is a feature of HDMI. It enables an electronic device to carry out two-way communication in the form of audio/video signals.
In simple words, HDMI CEC ensures mutual communication between two devices. It is one of the oldest connections found in electronic devices.
Does Your TV have HDMI CEC?
Your answer should be yes in this case. Because HDMI CEC is a must feature in your TV if you want to control FireStick with the TV remote.
All TVs do not have this function. Fortunately, my Samsung TV features HDMI CEC under the name of ‘Anynet+’. Your TV may have a different name for it.
Generally, the word ‘Link’ appears in its name. So, first, you need to confirm whether HDMI CEC is supported by your TV or not.
Kindly read the user manual of your TV and its specifications.
HDMI CEC Names by Brands
Mostly, HDMI CEC is called ‘ARC’ or ‘eARC’. However, there are various names for it. Following is the list of other names for HDMI CEC that are used by different TV brands.
LG: SimpLink
Samsung: Anynet+
Panasonic: EZ-Sync, HDAVI Control, or VIERA Link
Philips: EasyLink
Sony: BRAVIA Sync
Hitachi: HDMI-CEC
Mistubishi: Net Command
Onkyo: RIHD
Pioneer: Kuro Link
Roku: 1-Touch-Play
Toshiba: CE-Lin
Sharp: Aquos Link
Why HDMI CEC is Necessary to Control FireStick with a TV Remote?
As explained earlier, HDMI CEC is responsible for two-way communication between devices. If your TV does not support it, you cannot control FireStick and the TV with one remote.
However, if your TV has it, you can easily program its remote with the FireStick. This feature makes your life convenient.
Because you can control up to 15 devices with a single remote in your home theater. The good thing is that any of the remotes in your home theater system can be used to control all devices.
Currently, I am using this feature to control 5 devices including my TV, FireStick, projector, cable box, and soundbar. It has provided me with a seamless setup.
You do not need to lift up a separate remote each time to control your devices. However, it provides limited and basic control options.
For example, volume, mute, power ON/OFF, and channel change are the basic controls allowed by HDMI CEC.
How to Control FireStick with TV Remote?
It is a step-by-step process. However, the whole thing is very simple. Let us first know the sequence of events we need to perform;
- Enable HDMI CEC on your TV
- Connect FireStick with TV
- Pair the TV remote with FireStick
- Confirm the connection success
- Start operating your FireStick with the TV remote
Now, we will learn each step in detail so that you can learn correctly how to control FireStick with the TV remote. Kindly, perform each step as described below.
Step 1: Enable HDMI CEC on your TV
Till now, you should know well which specific name your TV brand gives to HDMI CEC. It is necessary to proceed smoothly. Generally, CEC can be enabled from the settings.
Some TVs enable it automatically during the initial setup process. It is easy to find this function on some TVs because they add it in the main settings menu.
While on other brands, you may need to scroll through various options. So, I am explaining a general method here;
- On your TV remote, press the ‘Home’ button.
- Choose ‘All Settings’ and then click the ‘General’ tab.
- Next, choose ‘Connection’ and then ‘External Device Manager’.
- Select HDMI-CEC (the specific name given by your TV brand) and enable it.
- If you do not find the CEC function in these tabs, scroll through other sub-menus.
Step 2: Connect FireStick to TV
- Once you have successfully enabled the CEC feature, connect the FireStick to your TV.
- First, locate the HDMI ports on your TV, they are usually present at the back.
- Find an HDMI port labeled as ARC or eARC.
- Using the USB cable provided with your FireStick, plug it into the HDMI port on your TV. Kindly avoid using any other cable.
- Now, connect the FireStick to the wall power outlet using the provided adapter.
- Sometimes, your TV may have a single HDMI port. In this case, you can use an HDMI splitter to get multiple interfaces.
Step 3: Pair TV Remote with FireStick
- Now, turn ON your TV and press the ‘Home’ button on the remote control.
- The TV screen will say FireStick is “searching” for the remote.
- Next, you have to follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
- Your TV remote is not programmed to control the FireStick.
Step 4: Confirm the connection success
It takes a few minutes to pair the TV remote with the FireStick. However, you should confirm the success of the connection.
Because sometimes, the devices cannot discover each other. The same thing happened to me when I was pairing my remote for the first time.
As I mentioned, I use a single remote to control multiple devices in my home theater. So, the initial setup was a trial and error sort of thing.
But, I managed to pair all the devices successfully. Therefore, I now remember each and every step in detail.
- On your TV set or remote control, press the ‘Input/Source’ button.
- Generally, on pressing this button, the TV screen provides a list including HDMI 1, HDMI2, HDMI 3, Optical, etc.
- But, now, your TV screen should say ‘Fire TV’ or ‘Fire TV Stick’ by pressing the Input or Source button.
- This notification indicates that your TV remote has been successfully programmed to control the FireStick.
Step 5: Start operating FireStick with the TV remote
Finally, you can operate your FireStick with the TV remote now. Try giving different commands to the device.
For instance, change channels, adjust volume, press the mute button, play/pause, or turn ON/OFF your device.
The FireStick should respond well to all these commands. But, remember this remote setup does not allow advanced controls.
Also read: 7 Ways to Control FireStick without a Remote
Problem: FireStick not Detected
If you follow all the steps correctly, pairing the TV remote with FireStick is not rocket science.
However, sometimes the connection is unsuccessful due to some unknown reasons. Hence, you should know how to fix this issue.
Solutions
As mentioned earlier, the TV screen says ‘FireStick’ on pressing the ‘Input/Source’ button. But if still your TV is saying ‘HDMI 1, 2, 3’, follow these steps;
- Make sure your TV remote is functioning. Try operating your TV with the remote.
- Check remote batteries and replace them with the new ones.
- Direct the remote towards the TV, press and hold the ‘Home’ button for 10 seconds.
- Release the button when the ‘Start’ command appears on the TV screen, click it.
- Follow the instructions given on the TV screen. The prompts will ask you to verify and connect to your Wifi network.
- Your FireStick should be connected to the internet network to work properly with the TV remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
There may be many other queries in your mind regarding the FireStick pairing. You can find the best answers to some of the most asked questions here.
Why My TV is not recognizing or discovering the FireStick?
Make sure you have plugged the FireStick firmly into the HDMI port on your TV. It should not be loosely plugged in.
Confirm that you have connected to the right port. Moreover, make sure that you are using the original USB cable provided with your FireStick.
The device may be running low on power. So, connect your FireStick to the power outlet using the provided adapter and cable.
Can I pair a universal remote to the FireStick?
Yes, you can program a universal remote to your FireStick. This remote can be programmed to other devices in your home theater.
However, do not forget to read the specifications and features of the universal remote before buying it. Because some remotes may not be compatible with the FireStick.
Is FireStick compatible with all TV brands?
Yes, Amazon FireStick is compatible with all TV brands. You can use it with any TV model including the older and newer versions.
However, your TV must have an HDMI port to connect with the FireStick. Even it is compatible with non-smart TVs and converts them into smart ones.
Can I control my TV through the FireStick remote?
You can control your TV through the FireStick remote just like the TV remote is used to control the FireStick.
However, the condition is the same your TV must be equipped with HDMI CEC. The remote control functions will be limited to basics only.
Can I control FireStick without a remote?
Amazingly you can control FireStick without a remote. It is possible by a smartphone app called Amazon Fire TV app.
Furthermore, you can use Amazon Echo Dot to control the FireStick through Alexa.
A wired or wireless mouse or keyboard can also be used to control the FireStick without a remote.
Final Words
As you observed it is pretty simple to connect the TV remote to FireStick. Alternately, you can also program your FireStick remote to control the TV.
Indeed, Amazon FireStick is a flexible device with advanced features. Hence, it allows you to control it through various means.
Hopefully, this article proved its worth for you. In addition to answering your basic question, I have also added frequently asked questions in this guide.
But, if you might have some other questions regarding the FireStick, feel free to ask me in the comment section. I’m keen to share my experiences with you.
Thank you for providing us the opportunity to teach you controlling the FireStick with a TV remote.
