Are FireStick Remotes Universal & Interchangeable?

two fire tv stick remotes with their boxes on a table

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What To Know

  • Many Firestick remotes are interchangeable, with each generation designed to be compatible with specific models of Fire Stick or Fire TV devices.
  • The latest and only available remotes for purchase are the Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen), Alexa Voice Remote Pro, and Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced.
  • The Amazon Fire TV app lets you use your smartphone as a remote, making it easy to control your Fire TV without needing a physical remote.

In this guide, we’ll explore whether Firestick remotes are universal and interchangeable. 

Along with that, I will teach you how to pair the remote with your Fire Stick device and Fire TV, as well as an alternative to the physical remote: the Amazon Fire TV app.

Let’s dive in!

Are Firestick Remotes Interchangeable?

Firestick remotes come with the flexibility to work with more than one device, making it easier for users to switch between them without needing a different remote for each.

However, it’s important to note that while many Firestick remotes are interchangeable, not all of them will work with every device. 

This variation in compatibility is due to the existence of several types of Fire Stick remotes and devices.

Currently, users can find three main types of Fire Stick remotes on the market: 

  • The first type is the Alexa Voice Remote, which is designed to work with most Fire TV streaming media players. 
  • The second type, known as the Alexa Voice Remote Pro, not only works with the majority of Fire TV streaming media players but is also compatible with Amazon Fire TV smart TVs and smart TVs that have Fire TV built-in.
  • Lastly, the Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced is made to pair with the Fire TV 2-Series, Fire TV 4-Series, Fire TV Omni Series, Fire TV Omni QLED Series smart TVs, and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen).
Amazon Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) with TV controls, Requires compatible Fire TV device, 2021 release
  • Compatible with Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen and later), Fire TV Stick 4K (1st Gen and...
  • Not compatible with Fire TV (1st and 2nd Gen), Fire TV Stick (1st Gen), or Fire TV Edition smart...
  • Just press and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content.

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Paid Link.

Amazon Alexa Voice Remote Pro, includes remote finder, TV controls, backlit buttons, requires compatible Fire TV device
  • “Alexa, find my remote.” - Use a device with Alexa, the Alexa app or Fire TV app and Alexa Voice...
  • Backlit for your convenience - Navigate movie night with a motion-activated backlight that...
  • Two customizable buttons - Create your own shortcuts to favorite channels, apps, or any Alexa...

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Paid Link.

Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced, requires compatible Amazon Fire TV Device
  • Only compatible with Fire TV Omni Series, Fire TV Omni QLED Series, Fire TV 4-Series, and Fire TV...
  • Not compatible with most Fire TV streaming media players, other smart TVs, or Echo Show 15.
  • Press and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control your content. You can even ask Alexa to...

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Paid Link.

To help you quickly determine which Amazon Firestick remote can be used with different streaming devices or Fire TVs, I’ve put together a table as a handy guide

This reference makes it simple to see at a glance which remotes and devices are compatible with each other.

Types of Amazon Firestick Remotes Compatible Fire TV Stick streaming devices and Fire TVs
Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen)
  • Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation)
  • Fire TV Cube (2nd Generation)
  • Fire TV Cube (1st Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick 4K Max (1st Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick 4K (1st Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick (3rd Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick (2nd Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick Lite
  • Fire TV (3rd Generation, Pendant Design)
Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen)
  • Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen)
  • Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen)
  • Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube (1st Gen)
  • Amazon Fire TV (3rd Gen, Pendant Design)
Alexa Voice Remote (1st Gen )
  • Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen)
  • Fire TV Stick 4K and Amazon Fire TV (3rd Gen, Pendant Design)
Alexa Voice Remote Pro
  • Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation)
  • Fire TV Cube (2nd Generation)
  • Fire TV Cube (1st Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick 4K Max (1st Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick 4K (1st Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick (3rd Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick (2nd Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick Lite
  • Fire TV (3rd Generation, Pendant Design)
  • Fire TV Omni QLED Series
  • Fire TV Omni Series
  • Fire TV 4-Series
  • Fire TV 2-Series
  • Toshiba Smart 4K UHD TV – Fire TV
  • Toshiba Smart HD 1080p TV – Fire TV
  • Toshiba Smart 4K UHD with Dolby Vision – Fire TV
  • Insignia Smart 4K UHD TV – Fire TV
  • Insignia Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p – Fire TV
Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced
  • Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation)
  • Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation)
  • Fire TV Omni QLED Series
  • Fire TV Omni Series
  • Fire TV 4-Series
  • Fire TV 2-Series

The Alexa Voice Remote has gone through three different versions since it was first introduced, each designed to work with certain versions of the Fire Stick or Fire TV.

If you’re trying to make sure your Fire Stick or Fire TV will work with a new remote, it’s really important to know which version you have.

For those wondering how to determine the generation of their Fire Stick or Fire TV, don’t worry – I’ll guide you through the process in the section “How to Check Your Fire Stick or Fire TV Generation” below.

It’s worth mentioning that the first and second versions of the Alexa Voice Remote are no longer made.

So, if you’re looking to buy a new remote, you’ll want to consider the latest models available, which are the Alexa Voice Remote (third-generation), Alexa Voice Remote Pro, and Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced

These are the newest models on the market and the only ones you can buy now.

How to Check Your Fire Stick or Fire TV Generation

To figure out which generation your Fire Stick or Fire TV belongs to, simply follow these steps:

Step 1: First, make sure your Fire Stick is powered on and connected to your TV, or if you have a Fire TV, just turn it on.

Step 2: Next, navigate to the app store on your device and search for the “Informer” app. 

App Store of Fire Stick

search for the Informer app on the Fire Stick app store

select the Informer app on the Fire Stick app store

Step 3: Once you find it, go ahead and download it, then open the app.

download the Informer app to the Fire Stick

Inside the app, there’s a section labeled Device that will provide you with the information you’re looking for.

For instance, when I checked, my device was shown as a “Fire TV Stick 4K – 1st Gen.”

Device information shown on the Fire Stick's Informer app

This simple process makes it easy to learn more about your Fire Stick or Fire TV.

How to Pair a Firestick Remote with Your Fire Stick Streaming Device or Fire TV

Pairing a new Firestick remote with your Fire Stick streaming device or Fire TV is a simple process that you can do in just a few steps.

Let’s go through how you can make sure your new remote is ready to control your entertainment:

Step 1: To start, if you’re using a Fire Stick streaming device, you should first unplug it from its power source.

On the other hand, if you have a Fire TV, you’ll need to turn it off. 

Step 2: After that, check if your new remote has batteries installed. 

If not, go ahead and insert them.

insert the batteries into the Fire Stick remote

Step 3: Next, it’s time to reconnect your Fire Stick to its power source and make sure it’s hooked up to your TV’s HDMI port. 

If you’re setting up a remote for a Fire TV, just turn your TV back on.

plug the Fire Stick into a TV's HDMI port

Step 4: Once everything is powered up, press and hold the Home button on your new remote. 

Wait for the light on the remote to start blinking, then you can release the button.

press the Home button on the Fire Stick remote until the Indicator flashing

Step 5: After a short wait, your Fire Stick should show the Home Menu screen, and you’ll see a message near the lower right-hand corner of the screen confirming that your remote has been successfully paired.

Remote connected notification is shown on the Fire Stick screen

Try using your remote to navigate around and make sure it’s working correctly.

If you want to pair another remote to your Fire TV, the steps are slightly different:

Step 1: Start by going to the Settings menu on your Fire Stick.

select the Settings icon on the Fire Stick screen

Step 2: From there, choose Controllers & Bluetooth Devices.

select the Controller & Bluetooth Devices setting on the Fire Stick

Step 3: Then select Amazon Fire TV Remotes.

select the Amazon Fire TV Remote setting on the Fire Stick

Step 4: Choose Add New Remote

select the Add New Remote setting on the Fire Stick

Step 5: Press and hold the Home button on your new remote for about 10 seconds.

This will make your Fire Stick discover the remote.

press the Home button on the Fire Stick remote in front of the Fire Stick

Step 6: To finish, press the OK button on the remote you were using before to complete the pairing of your new remote.

press the OK button on the current Fire Stick remote to pair the new remote

Alternative Method for Remote Control: Amazon Fire TV App

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the variety of remote controls and figuring out which one works with your Fire TV or Fire Stick, you’re not alone. 

Many of us have been there, trying to find that perfect remote that just clicks with our device.

But there’s good news! You don’t always need a physical remote to navigate your Fire TV devices. 

Indeed, controlling your Fire Stick or Fire TV can be much simpler than you think.

The Amazon Fire TV app is a fantastic alternative that lets you manage your device right from your smartphone.

This app transforms your phone into a remote, allowing you to browse through your Fire TV with no trouble at all. 

To start using this handy feature, you’ll need to download the Amazon Fire TV app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, based on the type of smartphone you have.

Amazon Fire TV app on the iPhone App Store

Once the app is installed on your phone, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: First, make sure your smartphone and Fire TV Stick or Fire TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Then, open the Amazon Fire TV app on your phone. 

open the Amazon Fire TV on the iPhone

Step 3: The app will ask you to select your Fire Stick or Fire TV from a list of devices.

select the Fire Stick in the device list shown on the Fire TV app

Step 4: After choosing your device, you’ll see a four-digit code on your TV screen. 

Fire TV app pairing code shown on the Fire Stick screen

Just enter this code into the app on your phone, and you’re all set!

input the pairing code into the Fire TV app on the iPhone

Once connected, your phone will offer you a full range of controls, including an on-screen navigation pad, a keyboard for typing, and quick access to various menu options. 

Fire TV app's virtual remote layout

This setup not only simplifies controlling your Fire TV Stick or Fire TV but also puts an end to the frustrations of lost remotes or compatibility troubles. 

With the Amazon Fire TV app, you’ll always have control right at your fingertips, ready to enjoy your favorite shows and movies without any hassle.

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One Comment

  1. I have a fire stick in my living room and purchased one for my bedroom and now when I turn the bedroom TV on the one in the living room doesn’t work, bedroom remote does though does turn on the living room TV. The Living Room TV has no problem until I turn the bedroom TV on. I’ve taken batteries out of both remotes and I have factory reset the new remote and I’m still having the same problem.

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