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Can You Control Your Roku TV With a Firestick Remote?

As an owner of a Roku TV, I know the frustration of trying to navigate and control it with the standard remote. I recently set out to see if there was a way to use my Firestick remote to control my Roku TV and, to my surprise, I found that it was possible! In this blog post, I’ll share how I was able to get it working and some other solutions I discovered along the way.

Tips
You can use a Firestick remote to control your Roku TV.
The Firestick remote must first be powered on using the power button.
Common causes of an unresponsive Firestick remote include low batteries, poor pairing, distance, obstructions, interference, and compatibility issues.
To pair an unresponsive Firestick remote, press and hold the home button for about ten seconds.
To play content from a Firestick on a Roku TV, download the Amazon Fire TV app and set up a 4-digit pin.
You cannot use a Roku remote as an alternative to a Firestick remote since they are only connected via HDMI.

Can You Control Your Roku TV With a Firestick Remote?

An excellent firestick remote should comfortably work with your Roku TV. However, you must insert the firestick into the TV’s HDMI port.

Setting up the firestick is a straightforward process, requiring no additional expertise or resources.

This firestick rede signals from the firestick and not the TV. For this reason, you do not expect the firestick remote to control your TV fully.

What Ways Are There to Control Roku TV?

You can control your Roku TV using a remote or an app on your phone. Controlling your Roku TV using a firestick remote first requires you to connect the two devices.

This process starts by plugging the Amazon firestick into a free HDMI port on your Roku TV.

You will then power up your firestick, usually by connecting to the power cable and plugging it into the wall.

Once set up, you will access multiple streaming services, from Amazon and Netflix to Disney+ and other apps.

The firestick remote allows you to select your preferred app or streaming service, controlling it effortlessly.

However, this firestick remote will not control the built-in features of your Roku TV.

How to Use a Firestick Remote

Using a firestick remote can be daunting, thanks to its hidden features and laborious menus.

However, once you understand how to use it, you will effortlessly use it to stream live TV and binge-watch shows. You will follow these steps when using the firestick remote.

  • Press the power button at the top of the remote to power it on. This power button has a circular impression similar to other power buttons.
  • Press the button with a circle or a microphone to use the voice command.
  • Its large ring allows you to navigate the firestick operating system, including browsing the apps and streaming services.
  • You’ll press the center of the large ring to accept a selection, as it acts as the OK button.
  • Suppose you want to go back to the homepage. In that case, you will press the button highlighting a house.
  • On the other hand, the button with three lines or dots leads you to an additional menu when pressed.
  • You will use the arrow button, often to the left of the Home button, to return to the previous menu.

Firestick remotes operate slightly differently, depending on the operating system and brand. Yet, the steps above suffice for all.

Why Won’t My Firestick Work With Roku

For your firestick remote to work seamlessly, you must understand how to pair it. Ordinarily, an out-of-box firestick remote should automatically pair with your firestick.

However, in some cases, this connection will not last. For this reason, you will have to repair or reset it. The following insights suffice.

How to Reset a Firestick Remote

Resetting your firestick remote should be the first consideration if it loses connection.

It ensures that the remote reverts to its initial setting, making it easier to get a seamless link. You’ll follow these steps during this reset:

  • Remove the firestick from the TV for approximately one minute. You could also unplug it from the power source.
  • Simultaneously press and hold the back, left directional, and menu buttons. Do this for approximately 12 to 15 seconds.
  • Wait for about five to ten seconds before removing the batteries from your firestick remote.
  • You will then plug your firestick into its power source to power it on. Wait for approximately one minute.
  • Return the batteries to the remote
  • Press and hold the power button for about ten seconds to power your firestick on. It will take about one minute for the two devices to pair.

You might need to pair your firestick with a replacement remote in some cases. This process could be a little different from the previous one.

In this case, you will first press the home button on the remote and open the settings.

You will then select Controllers and Bluetooth, Amazon firesticks, then add a new remote. After that, press the home button on your new remote and wait for ten seconds.

Can You Pair an Unresponsive Firestick Remote?

You can pair your firestick with an unresponsive remote. It is a straightforward process that requires pressing and holding the home button for about ten seconds.

It would be best to do this until the light at the top of your remote starts blinking rapidly and continuously.

A message will appear on the screen to show that the firestick remote has finally been paired.

However, this method can only work if you have paired the two devices previously. Suppose it does not work. In that case, you could consider resetting the remote.

What Causes an Unresponsive Firestick Remote?

Low batteries and poor pairing are the most significant causes of an unresponsive firestick remote.

Distance, obstructions, interference, and compatibility issues are also among the top reasons.  

Ensure that you check that the batteries have been installed properly before troubleshooting the problem.

Improperly inserted batteries and a low battery charge are common issues. Depending on the situation, you can either insert them accordingly or replace them.

You will also check whether the remote is paired with the firestick. Unless it is adequately paired, the remote will remain unresponsive.

You’ll also need to check that the distance between the remote and the firestick is reasonable.

Experts recommend that the space remains below 30 feet. You will also remove any obstructions between these two devices to improve efficiency.

In addition, you need to eliminate or switch off any apparatus that can affect Bluetooth connections.

A damaged remote will not function, whether the damage is internal or external. Check whether any components in the remote have failed before proceeding.

Firestick compatibility is yet another problem you could face. Some firestick remotes will not pair with your device, meaning you’ll be forced to replace them.

Alternatively, check the description and review before purchasing any remote. This move will cushion you against various inconveniences in the long run.

Can a Roku TV Play Content From a Firestick?

A Roku TV can play content from a firestick. However, you must install the firestick accordingly to get the best experience in the long run.

You can also use your phone to control the firestick’s operating system, particularly if you cannot access your original firestick remote. You’ll follow these steps in this pursuit:

  • Log into your Play Store or Apple App Store, depending on your phone’s operating system.
  • Download the Amazon Fire TV app, then install it.
  • After that, open the app and choose your Fire TV device. It will automatically connect to it.
  • Tap on Set Up New Device, then select the Remote tab at the bottom.
  • Input your 4-digit pin on your Roku TV
  • Once you set up the pin, you can use the phone as a remote.

Yet, using a remote control is the most effective way to play content on a firestick.

Can a Roku Remote Substitute for a Firestick?

No. You cannot use a Roku remote as an alternative to a firestick. That is because they are only connected via HDMI.

Final Thoughts

You deserve an immersive and fulfilling watching experience, and the firestick experience is all you need.

Yet, you can only achieve this if you have a properly functional remote. The insights above show how to use your firestick and firestick remote.

However, you must get the right device from the onset.

Read more: How to turn up the volume on Roku TV without a remote

Pros of Fire TV with a Firestick remote

  • You can access multiple streaming services.
  • It is easy to set up and use.
  • You can control your Roku TV using a firestick remote.
  • It allows you to use voice commands.
  • You can reset and pair an unresponsive firestick remote.

Cons of Fire TV with a Firestick remote

  • It will not control the built-in features of your Roku TV.
  • It can be difficult to use if you don’t understand the features.
  • You cannot use a Roku remote as an alternative.
  • It can be affected by low batteries, poor pairing, distance, obstructions, interference, and compatibility issues.