Have you lost the FireStick remote? Then worry not. This guide provides some tips and tricks for using FireStick TV even though you do not have the remote with you. Having the remote control helps you easily navigate through the FireStick TV interface.
The connectivity of FireStick depends upon WiFi. The FireStick remote controller is used to set up WiFi for the first time on the FireStick TV. Sometimes, you may travel somewhere and take your FireStick with you. Unfortunately, you forget to grab the remote. Then, you cannot even connect the FireStick streamer to WiFi.
In another possible situation, you may also be at home but the FireStick TV remote is malfunctioning. Then, you need to know a few ways to control the FireStick TV without a controller.
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By now, you must have understood that we need the FireStick TV for two purposes. The first one is to set up a WiFi connection that will help stream content on a smart TV. Second, the remote is a must to control the television’s interface, navigate around the options, and go to Settings.
1. Try Using a FireStick Remote from Previous Generation
If you have been using the previous generation of FireStick TV then you must have a corresponding FireStick Remote from the old FireTV streamer. Then grab that one, pop in a couple of new batteries and you will be good to go.
You may not know this, but FireStick TV supports remote controllers from older generations. While your streaming won’t be hindered, the previous-generation remote won’t have a few buttons. If you have the latest 4K Firestick, then you may find it tricky to stream with the previous-generation remote that doesn’t offer volume, mute, and power buttons.
If you are wondering how to pair the older remote with the new FireStick TV, follow these simple steps.
- Long press on the home button, back, and left-arrow keys.
- Now reboot the FireStick TV and the remote control should pair automatically.
2. Use an External Controller like a Mouse or Keyboard to Run the FireStick
If you like experimenting with streaming devices, here’s an interesting hack you may apply. If the FireStick remote is lost or not working, you can use a mouse or keyboard to control the FireStick TV.
Additionally, you need a coaxial cable splitter. As the name suggests, this gadget will bifurcate the singular cable line to the WiFi modem and an external device such as a mouse. You can easily find these nifty devices on Amazon for as little as $10 or $15.
3. Carrying the FireStick TV but Forgotten to Take the FireStick Remote?
In this troubleshooting, you must create a new WiFi hotspot for FireStick. This trick will help you out if you are traveling with your FireStick TV but forgot to carry along the FireStick remote.
You will need a smartphone to create the WiFi hotspot and another smartphone to use the virtual remote control on the Fire TV app.
- Install the Fire TV app and log into your account.
- You have to create a WiFi hotspot that bears the same name as the WiFi you have at your home.
- Connect the FireStick to the TV that is available in the room.
- Turn on the TV.
- The television should automatically connect to the WiFi.
- Also, ensure that the other smartphone that will act as the remote control is connected to the same Wi-Fi.
With everything ready, you can use the virtual remote control to navigate around the FireStick interface on the TV. With the WiFi connection intact, streaming your favorite content will be one click away. The only downside to this method is you need to have two smartphones with you.
4. Turn your Smartphone into FireStick Remote
After learning this trick to control your FireStick TV using a smartphone, you won’t need a dedicated remote control. All you need to do is connect your smartphone and the FireStick TV streamer to the same WiFi network. Let me explain this in detail.
- Visit the Play Store or App Store depending on whether you use an Android device or iOS.
- Download and install the Fire TV app.
- Open the app. [at this point both your smartphone and FireStick should be connected to the same WiFi]
- The Fire TV should discover the FireStick. It will be displayed on the phone screen.
- Tap on the FireStick model showing on the smartphone.
- You will be asked to enter a 4-digit pin on the Fire TV app to continue.
- Make sure the FireStick TV is connected to the smart TV. The pin code will show up on the TV screen.
- Use this code and enter it on the Fire TV app.
Now, you will see a virtual remote on the smartphone screen. To navigate around, swipe on the free space of the online remote of the Fire TV app. Tap once on the free area to execute a function or press OK. Everything you should be doing on FireStick using the actual remote controller can now be done using the virtual FireStick remote.
5. Use the Smart TV Remote to Stream from FireStick
Here is an interesting fact: The FireStick can be controlled using the remote controller of the Smart TV brand you are using. It is generally dubbed HDMI-CEC, where CEC means Consumer Electronics Control.
Most smart TVs usually have the HDMI Consumer Electronics Control enabled by default. However, you can still double-check and enable it from the settings. The exact name of this feature varies from one brand to another. I have mentioned a few examples of what this feature is named by some prominent electronics brands.
- Philips | EasyLink
- LG | SimpLink
- Sony | Bravia Sync
You can use the arrow keys of the smart TV remote to navigate around the FireStick interface on the TV. Though you may not enjoy a fluid experience as the functionalities of smart TV remotes vary from one brand to the other, until you find your lost FireStick remote, it should handle the job decently.
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Wrapping Up
When you have a smart TV with FireStick to stream your favorite content, the lack of a remote should not hinder your entertainment. If you lost your FireStick remote, instead of hastily buying a new one, try the various methods mentioned above. I’m sure that will solve the issue for you.
