How To Use FireStick Without A Remote (2022) - Fire Stick Tricks

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use FireStick without a remote. The methods covered here work across all Fire TV devices, including FireStick Lite, FireStick 3rd Gen, FireStick 4K, and FireStick 4K Max.

If the remote is not working, you may try fixing the problem by following easy troubleshooting steps. You can replace the batteries, repair the remote, or reset the FireStick.

However, if it still doesn’t work, there are ways to use your FireStick without a remote. You can use the Fire TV app on your smartphone as a virtual remote, connect a compatible Bluetooth controller, or even utilize Alexa voice commands.

Read before you continue.

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How to Use a Firestick without a Remote

Let’s find out how to use a FireStick without a remote.

1. Use Amazon Fire TV App on Your Smartphone

You can control your Fire TV Stick by downloading Amazon’s Fire TV app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS) on your phone.

The Fire TV app offers all the controls on a Fire TV Stick remote, including voice control. To install the app, follow the steps below:

Note: I demonstrate these steps using an Android smartphone, but the process is essentially the same for iOS smartphones. 

1. Open your smartphone’s Google Play Store or Apple App Store app and tap on the search field.

2. Now, type Amazon Fire TV. Select the app from the drop-down suggestions, or initiate the search and select the app from the results. Select the Amazon Fire TV app from the suggested results.

3.  Tap the Install button next to the Amazon Fire TV app.

Note: Before proceeding, your phone and Fire TV Stick must be connected to the same network.

4. The app will download in a few minutes.

5. Once the Fire TV app finishes downloading and installing, tap Open to launch it. On some devices, you might need to select Enable and then Open.

6. Select the name of your Fire TV Stick on the Available Devices screen.

7. A code will appear on your TV, along with a request to pair the FireStick with the app on your smartphone.

8. Type the activation code on the TV screen in the provided field on your Fire TV app.

9. You’ll see a notification that the connection was successful. Now, you can use the control keys on the Fire TV app to navigate your FireStick without a remote.

How to Use the Fire TV App

Similar to the FireStick remote, the Fire TV app is also a convenient way to navigate through Fire TV. You can use the directional and select buttons to navigate the device’s interface.

The app’s large and transparent buttons make them easy to use. In my experience, my FireStick responds well to app inputs with little to no latency.

Right under the navigational buttons are smaller buttons that perform other remote functions: back, home, options, rewind, play/pause, and fast forward.

In the top-right corner, you can quickly access the Your Apps and Games section, and right next to it is a keyboard that lets you enter text on your Fire TV.

The voice function is at the top of the screen, right in the middle. To use it, you need to pull down and hold the mic icon until you’re finished giving a command.

Pulling down and holding the mic icon is equivalent to having the voice button on the remote.

You can access settings by tapping the gear icon at the top left. In the settings, you can put your Fire TV to Sleep, access your Fire TV Settings, and tweak App Remote Settings.

Under App Remote Settings, there are two options: Directional Pad and Vibration. If you disable the Directional Pad option, it will be replaced by a touchpad that allows you to navigate the Fire TV by swiping. The choice is yours. 

2. Use Your TV Remote

Did you know you can control your Fire TV Stick with your TV remote if your TV supports HDMI-CEC? And no, it’s not as technical as it sounds.

Let me simplify it. HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) was designed so devices connected through HDMI can work together. It allows compatible HDMI devices to be controlled using a single remote.

In simple terms, you may be able to use your TV remote to control your Fire TV Stick. The key question is whether your TV supports this feature. You can usually check this in your TV’s manual or on the manufacturer’s official website.

Follow the following steps to use your TV remote to control your FireStick:

1. Locate the CEC feature on your TV. Different TV brands use different names for this feature. Check your TV manual or online resources to identify the name of the CEC feature on your TV. Popular names include HDMI-CEC Control, Fun-Link, and Anynet.
2. The CEC feature is turned on by default. Verify that it’s turned on and turn it on if it is off.
3. Select the HDMI port housing the FireStick.

That’s all. You’re set to navigate your FireStick using the TV remote.

Note: The TV remote capability doesn’t match that of a Fire TV remote. While you can’t access more specific functions like voice commands, the remote can launch apps, adjust the volume, and access settings.

3. Use Your Bluetooth Mouse

Amazon Fire TV Stick supports various Bluetooth accessories, like mouse and keyboards. To operate it, you can pair your FireStick with a Bluetooth mouse. Here’s how to do it.

1. From your Fire TV Stick home screen, navigate to settings.

2. Scroll down and select Controllers & Bluetooth Devices. 

3. Select Other Bluetooth Devices.

4. Click Add Bluetooth Devices. Initiate pairing on your Bluetooth device. When your FireStick detects your Bluetooth device, select it to pair them. 

4. Use Someone Else’s FireStick Remote (in an Emergency)

In an emergency, you can use some other Fire TV remote from any previous generation of the device.

Since the Fire TV remote works on Bluetooth, you can easily connect another remote to your device. However, you need to reset the remote before connecting it to your device. Follow these steps to reset the remote:

1. Unplug your FireStick and wait for a minute. Don’t plug it back in immediately.
2. Hold the remote’s left, options, and back buttons simultaneously for 12 seconds.
3. Release the buttons and wait for 5 seconds. Remove the batteries from your remote.
4. Plug your Fire TV Stick back in and wait for a minute again.
5. Put the batteries back in your remote and close the battery panel tightly. Make sure you hear the click sound.
6. Press any button on the remote to confirm that it’s successfully paired with your FireStick.

Wrapping Up

There are several ways to use a FireStick without a remote. You can install the Fire TV app on your smartphone to control and navigate the device. Other options include using your TV remote, a Bluetooth mouse, or even another Fire TV remote. Among these methods, the Fire TV app is generally the most convenient and reliable.

Have you tried any of the methods we’ve discussed? Which technique worked for you? Share your experience below in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you control an Amazon Fire TV Stick without a remote?

A: Yes, you can control an Amazon Fire TV Stick without a remote. Alternative ways include using the Amazon Fire TV app, your TV remote, and a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard.

Q: What do I do if I lose my Fire TV remote?

A: If you've lost the remote, the simplest way to continue using your Fire TV device is to download the Amazon Fire TV app on your smartphone. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms and replicates the functions of the physical Fire TV remote, including voice control.

Q: Can I use my phone as a remote for my FireStick?

A: Yes, you can use your phone as a remote for your FireStick. Your phone and Fire TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for this to work. Once that's set up, download the Amazon Fire TV app from Google Play or Apple App Store and set it up to control your FireStick.

Q: Can I play games using the Amazon Fire TV app?

A: Yes, you can play games, but you may witness performance issues. Also, not all games will be compatible with the mobile Fire TV app. This is because the app is not designed to play games. If you intend to play games often, you are better off getting a new Fire TV remote.

Q: Can I control my FireStick with Bluetooth devices?

A: Yes, the FireStick supports Bluetooth devices. You can pair a Bluetooth device like a keyboard or mouse by navigating to your Fire TV’s Settings, then to Controllers & Bluetooth Devices. Initiate Bluetooth pairing on your device, then add that device to your Fire TV.

Q: Can I use a TV remote to control my FireStick?

A: Yes, you can. If your TV supports HDMI-CEC technology, you can tweak a few settings to let your TV remote control the FireStick.

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