How to Control FireStick With TV Remote-A Detailed Guide
By Robert Jones · 2022-06-02
Right, let's talk about ditching that extra remote. If you're like me, you're probably fed up with juggling a TV remote and a FireStick remote. Good news: with a bit of a fiddle in your TV settings, you can probably get one remote to rule them all. Saves a bit of faff, doesn't it?
Right, so you've just got yourself a new FireStick, or maybe you've had one knocking about for a while, and you're probably getting a bit fed up juggling two remotes. One for the gogglebox, another for the Amazon streamer. Bit of a faff, isn't it? Especially when all you want to do is kick back and watch a bit of telly without feeling like you're conducting an orchestra. I hear you. I've been there myself, fumbling in the sofa cushions for the right clicker, usually with a cuppa precariously balanced on my knee. Good news is, for most modern TVs, there's a pretty straightforward way to ditch one of those remotes. It’s all down to a bit of tech wizardry called HDMI-CEC, or Consumer Electronics Control. Sounds a bit fancy, but it just means your devices can chat to each other through the HDMI cable. Handy, eh? **Quick Verdict:** If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, you can probably ditch the FireStick remote for most basic functions. ### Why Bother with One Remote, Robert? Honestly, it's just convenience, isn't it? Simplicity. You power on your TV, the FireStick wakes up. You change the volume, it changes the volume. You press play, it plays. Less clutter on the coffee table, less chance of losing one down the back of the sofa. For me, anything that streamlines the home cinema experience gets a tick in my book. It's about making the technology work for you, not the other way around. ### Who This Is For: * Anyone with a FireStick and a reasonably modern TV (bought in the last 10-15 years). * Folks tired of having two remotes cluttering up the living room. * Those who mainly use their FireStick for basic streaming (play, pause, navigation). * People who like a bit of technical tinkering but aren't afraid of digging into a TV menu. * Anyone who appreciates a bit of simplified living. ### Who Should Skip This: * Those with very old TVs that predate HDMI-CEC (we're talking pre-2005 or so, generally). * Users who rely heavily on the FireStick voice search function (that needs the FireStick remote). * Anyone who often uses the advanced features or app-specific buttons on the FireStick remote. * If your TV's remote is already a bit clunky or unreliable for basic navigation. * If you've got a soundbar or AV receiver that complicates the CEC setup a bit too much.  *How to Control FireStick With TV Remote-A Detailed Guide — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Understanding HDMI-CEC: The Gaffer Tape of Home Entertainment Alright, let's get down to brass tacks about this HDMI-CEC business. Think of it like this: your various AV components – your TV, your Blu-ray player, your soundbar, your FireStick – they all have little brains, right? HDMI-CEC is the universal language they can all speak through that single HDMI cable. It lets them send basic commands to each other. "Hey TV, turn on!" or "Right soundbar, crank up the volume a bit!" Every TV manufacturer has their own fancy name for it, which can be a bit confusing. Sony calls it "Bravia Sync," Samsung has "Anynet+," LG prefers "SimpLink," Philips uses "EasyLink," and Panasonic goes with "VIERA Link." They're all the same underlying technology, just with different branding. It's a bit like buying a speaker cable; you can get fancy ones, but a decent standard one still gets the job done. ### What can HDMI-CEC actually do? * **Power On/Off:** Turn on your TV, and the FireStick might just wake up with it. Turn off the TV, and the FireStick might go to sleep too. Magic! * **Input Switching:** Select the FireStick input on your TV, and your TV automatically switches to that HDMI port. Saves a click or two. * **Volume Control:** Your TV remote's volume buttons can control the FireStick's output, or more commonly, the TV's main volume, which affects the FireStick's sound through the TV. Crucially, it means you're not hunting for the FireStick remote to just adjust how loud your programme is. * **Playback Control:** Play, pause, fast forward, rewind – the basic stuff. Your TV remote's directional pad and OK button usually handle these without a fuss. It's not perfect, mind. It doesn't always work flawlessly across different brands, and sometimes things get a bit confused. But for the basic stuff, it's a real boon. ## Getting Started: The Setup Steps (Don't Panic, It's Easy Enough) First things first, make sure your FireStick is actually plugged into an HDMI port on your TV. Obvious, I know, but you'd be surprised. Then, we need to activate CEC on your TV. ### Step 1: Enable HDMI-CEC on Your TV This is the most crucial bit. You'll need your TV's original remote for this. Dive into your TV's settings menu. The exact path will vary, but you're usually looking for something like "System," "Settings," "External Inputs," or "Connection." Here are some common names you're looking for in the menu: * **Sony:** Bravia Sync, Sync Menu * **Samsung:** Anynet+ * **LG:** SimpLink, HDMI CEC * **Philips:** EasyLink * **Panasonic:** VIERA Link, HDAVI Control * **Toshiba:** Regza Link, CE-Link * **Hisense:** HDMI Control, CEC Function * **TCL:** T-Link, CEC Once you find it, make sure it's switched to "On" or "Enabled." You might also see options for specific CEC functions like "Auto Power On" or "One-Touch Play." I usually recommend enabling everything related to CEC initially. You can always turn bits off later if they cause issues. *A quick note from my workshop:* I've seen some older TVs where CEC is enabled by default on *some* HDMI ports but not others. If it's not working, try a different HDMI port. Sometimes it's HDMI 1 or 2 that's the "master" CEC port. Worth a try if you're scratching your head. ### Step 2: Configure Your FireStick Settings Now, for the FireStick itself. Grab its remote for a moment. 1. Go to the FireStick's **Home Screen**. 2. Navigate to **Settings** (that little cog icon). 3. Scroll down and select **Display & Sound**. 4. Find **HDMI CEC Device Control**. 5. Make sure this is set to **On**. There might also be an option here called "One-Touch Play" or similar. This lets the FireStick tell the TV to switch to its input when you press a button on the FireStick remote. Sometimes this plays nicely, sometimes it causes a bit of a squabble with other devices. Play around with it if you have problems. Once both the TV and FireStick have CEC enabled, you should be able to pick up your TV remote and try controlling the FireStick. Use the directional pad (up, down, left, right) to navigate, the "OK" or "Enter" button to select, and the "Back" button to go back. Volume should work too. ## Troubleshooting Common Headaches (Because Nothing's Ever Straightforward, Is It?) Ah, the joys of consumer electronics! Sometimes, despite ticking all the boxes, it just doesn't play ball. Don't chuck your remotes out the window just yet. Here are a few things I've come across in my 20-odd years of messing about with this stuff. ### Issue 1: It Just Doesn't Work at All! * **Double-Check CEC on Both Devices:** Seriously, go back and re-read the steps. It's easy to miss a setting or misunderstand the label in your TV's menu. Some menus are truly baffling. * **Try a Different HDMI Port:** As I mentioned, some TVs are finicky about which port supports CEC fully. Try moving the FireStick to HDMI 1 or 2. * **Check Your HDMI Cable:** Believe it or not, a really old or cheap HDMI cable might not fully support CEC. It's rare these days, but if you're still using a cable from the early 2000s, it might be worth swapping it out for a newer, higher-speed one. You don't need anything daftly expensive, just a decent modern one. * **Power Cycle Everything:** Unplug the TV *and* the FireStick from the wall for a minute. Plug them back in. Sometimes a complete refresh sorts out these communication glitches. It's the digital equivalent of "turn it off and on again." * **Update Software:** Make sure your FireStick and, if possible, your TV have the latest software updates. Bugs get ironed out. ### Issue 2: Volume Control Is Weird or Doesn't Work This is a common one. Often, the TV remote is controlling the TV's *internal* volume, not directly the FireStick's audio output. If you have a soundbar or AV receiver, this gets even more complex. If you're running the FireStick through an AV receiver, you'll want to ensure the receiver's CEC settings are also correct. Generally, the receiver should be controlling the volume, and your TV remote should ideally be able to talk to the receiver. A bit of a daisy chain, that. * **Check FireStick Volume Setting:** On the FireStick, go to **Settings > Display & Sound > Audio > Volume Control** and make sure it's set to something like "Auto" or "Fixed." If it's set to "Variable," your TV remote might be fighting with the FireStick's own volume control. * **Soundbar/Receiver Setup:** If you have one, ensure its CEC settings (often called "HDMI Control" or similar) are enabled. The best scenario is for your TV to pass the volume command to the soundbar/receiver via ARC/eARC, and then that controls the actual sound level. ### Issue 3: Devices Are Turning On/Off Randomly or Switching Inputs This can be annoying. CEC is designed to simplify things, but sometimes it gets a bit overzealous and starts doing things you don't want. I've had cases where switching to my Xbox input would randomly wake up the FireStick and switch the TV to that, then back again. Frustrating! * **Disable Specific CEC Features:** Go back into your TV's CEC settings. You might see options like "Auto Power On," "Device Auto Power Off," or "Input Auto Change." Try disabling one or two of these at a time to see which one is causing the mischief. It's a bit of trial and error. * **Limit Connected Devices:** If you have a lot of HDMI-CEC devices (Blu-ray, console, soundbar, FireStick, Sky box), they can sometimes get into a communication loop. Try disconnecting non-essential devices temporarily to see if it improves stability. * **Use a CEC Blocker:** Yes, they exist! These are little adapters you put on an HDMI cable (usually for the device that's causing the problems) that block the CEC pin, while still allowing video and audio. They're a last resort, but they can save your sanity if one particular device is constantly misbehaving. You can pick one up for about a tenner online. ### Issue 4: My TV Remote Only Does *Some* Things This is pretty normal, actually. CEC is for basic commands. Things like voice search, app-specific buttons (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+), or the menu button for FireStick-specific settings generally *won't* work with your TV remote. You'll still need the FireStick remote for those functions. Think of your TV remote as the basic driver's licence, and the FireStick remote as the advanced pilot's licence for your streaming machine. ## Advanced Scenarios & Other Considerations ### FireStick and AV Receivers/Soundbars If you're running your FireStick through an AV receiver or soundbar for better sound, the CEC chain gets a bit longer. Ideally, your setup should look like this: * FireStick -> HDMI -> AV Receiver/Soundbar -> HDMI (ARC/eARC port) -> TV In this scenario, you'll need to enable CEC on your AV receiver/soundbar as well. The TV remote should then be able to send volume commands to the TV, which passes them via ARC/eARC to the receiver, which then adjusts the sound. It can be a bit fragile, as each link in the chain has to be working perfectly. Sometimes you might find it simpler to use the receiver's remote for volume and the TV remote for FireStick navigation. My advice here: start simple. Get the FireStick talking directly to the TV first. Once that works, introduce the receiver and see how it behaves. If it all goes Pete Tong, you know where the problem likely lies. ### Universal Remotes: A Different Path to Single Remote Bliss If CEC just isn't cutting the mustard for you, or your TV is too old, don't despair. A good universal remote can be your saviour. Brands like Logitech Harmony (though sadly discontinued, you can still find them used) or even some of the newer, simpler universal remotes can learn commands from both your TV and FireStick remotes. They can also often control soundbars, Blu-ray players, and more. It takes a bit more setup initially – teaching the remote all the different codes – but once it's done, you truly have one remote for everything. For a proper home cinema setup with multiple components, a decent universal remote is often the better, more reliable solution than relying solely on CEC. ### Battery Life: A Small But Worthwhile Benefit Another minor win for using your TV remote is battery life. The FireStick remote, especially if you use voice commands a lot, tends to munch through its AAAs a bit quicker than your average TV remote. If you're using the TV remote for the bulk of navigation, your FireStick remote batteries will last a good deal longer. Small thing, but every little helps, right? ## Comparison: TV Remote (CEC) vs. FireStick Remote vs. Universal Remote | Feature | TV Remote (via CEC) | FireStick Remote | Universal Remote (e.g., Harmony) | | :------------------ | :------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- | | **Cost** | £0 (uses existing remote) | Included with FireStick | £30 - £150+ (varies greatly) | | **Voice Control** | No | Yes (Alexa built-in) | Sometimes (if programmed/model specific) | | **App Shortcuts** | No | Yes (Netflix, Prime, Disney+, etc.) | Programmable, often customisable | | **Basic Navigation**| Yes (play, pause, directional, OK) | Yes | Yes | | **Volume Control** | Yes (usually TV or AV receiver) | Yes (for FireStick, or TV via IR) | Yes (for TV, AV receiver, soundbar) | | **Power On/Off** | Yes (for TV, often FireStick too) | Yes (for FireStick, can wake TV via CEC)| Yes (for multiple devices) | | **Setup Difficulty**| Easy to Medium (TV menu navigation) | Very Easy (pre-paired) | Medium to Hard (learning codes) | | **Reliability** | Good, but can be finicky with CEC | Excellent | Very Good (once programmed correctly) | | **Number of Devices**| Controls TV & FireStick (sometimes more)| Controls FireStick only | Controls many devices | | **Best For** | Basic, simplified streaming | Full FireStick functionality | Complex home cinema setups | ## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered (Hopefully!) ### Q: Does this work with *any* FireStick? A: Yes, absolutely. It doesn't matter if you've got the older FireStick Lite, the 4K Max, or the latest Cube. As long as your TV supports HDMI-CEC and the FireStick has the "HDMI CEC Device Control" setting, you're in business. ### Q: Can I use my TV remote to type text in search fields on the FireStick? A: No, generally not. Your TV remote's directional buttons will let you move around an on-screen keyboard, but it's a bit like trying to write a novel with a single pencil and a lot of patience. For typing, you're better off using the FireStick remote's voice search or the Amazon Fire TV app on your phone, which has a proper keyboard. ### Q: My TV remote controls the FireStick, but also my Blu-ray player. How do I stop that? A: This is a classic CEC multi-device squabble. Go into your TV's CEC settings again. You might find an option to disable CEC for specific HDMI inputs, or to manage connected devices individually. If not, and it's really bothering you, a CEC blocker on the Blu-ray player's HDMI cable (or whichever device is being overly responsive) is your best bet. ### Q: What if my TV is ancient and doesn't have HDMI-CEC? A: If your TV is pre-HDMI-CEC (generally pre-2005 or so, though some budget models even later), then this method won't work for you, I'm afraid. Your options are to stick with two remotes, get a universal remote that can learn IR codes from both, or consider upgrading your TV. Modern TVs offer so much more in terms of picture quality and connectivity anyway, so it might be time for an upgrade if you can swing it. ### Q: I've got a different brand of streaming stick (Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV). Does this CEC trick work for them too? A: In principle, yes. Most modern streaming devices, like Roku, Chromecast with Google TV, and Apple TV, also support HDMI-CEC. The specific settings might be called something different in their menus, but the underlying technology is the same. Just look for something like "CEC," "HDMI Control," or "One-Touch Play" in their display or system settings. ## Final Word from Robert Jones Look, nobody likes a cluttered coffee table, especially when you're trying to relax after a long day. Getting your TV remote to control your FireStick is one of those small wins that just makes life a little bit easier. It might take a bit of poking about in your TV's menus – some of them are a right labyrinth, I'll give you that – but it's usually worth the effort. Just remember, it's not a complete replacement for the FireStick remote, especially if you love your voice commands or those handy app buttons. But for everyday browsing, playing, and pausing, it does the job perfectly well. Give it a go; you might just find yourself wondering how you ever managed with two remotes before. If it all goes wrong, or you've got a really complex setup, don't beat yourself up. That's when a decent universal remote can step in and truly bring harmony (pun intended) to your home entertainment. Either way, the goal is the same: simplify, streamline, and get back to enjoying your telly without the remote juggling act. Cheers!