FireStick, Amazon’s most popular and affordable streaming service, typically requires a learning curve. Still, the pay-off is well worth it. Once you master your FireStick remote, you can use it to play a wide range of quality content or control your smart home. Of course, the first step is turning on your device.
Turning on a TV usually requires a push of a single button. However, depending on the generation of the Fire TV Stick you own, it might not be that simple.
Keep reading to learn how to turn on your FireStick with or without a remote.
FireStick How to Turn On
The quickest and most convenient method of turning on your FireStick requires using its remote. However, if you can’t find the remote or yours isn’t working, we’ll also show you how to control your Fire TV Stick without a remote.
FireStick Remote to Turn On TV
FireStick remote controllers of newer generations have a “Power” button located in the top-left corner. If you own one of these gadgets, you’re in luck. You can simply press the “Power” button to turn your TV on.
The newer iterations of Amazon FireStick also come with Alexa Voice Remote function. Alexa is built into the remote, so you only need to hold down the microphone button and issue your command.
A simple “Alexa, turn on the TV” voice command should open up the world of possibilities a FireStick offers.
But, for Alexa to be able to power it on and off, your smart TV must support HDMI-CEC. CEC is short for Consumer Electronics Control, and this feature lets a device connected via HDMI control aspects of your television.
The advantage of using Alexa over other options is that you can also use it to set the mood for watching your favorite content. Also, you can use it to control volume and have access to all playback options without using a remote.
Even if your FireStick remote doesn’t have a power button, you can still use it to turn on your TV. Simply press the “Home” button (a house icon) located directly below the navigation keys.
If your TV is CEC-compliant, it should turn on in a few seconds. After that, FireTV will take over.
Use Someone Else’s FireStick Remote to Turn On TV
If your FireStick remote isn’t working, or you’ve misplaced it somewhere, you can still turn on your FireStick using a remote, just not your own.
Since FireStick remote works on Bluetooth technology, you can easily use someone else’s FireStick remote, regardless of the device’s generation.
Note that you must reset the remote before connecting it to your device:
- Unplug your FireStick and wait for a couple of minutes.
- Press and hold the “Left,” “Options,” and “Back” buttons simultaneously for about 12 seconds.
- Wait for about five seconds, then remove the batteries from the back of the remote.
- Reconnect the FireStick device back in and wait for another couple of minutes.
- Put the batteries back into the remote and click the battery cover in place.
- Press the “Home” button on the remote to pair it with your FireStick.
Use Your TV Remote to Turn On TV
Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) is an HDMI feature developed to allow one remote to control all devices connected to HDMI ports. As a result, you should be able to use your regular TV remote controller to turn on FireStick, provided your TV supports HDMI-CEC.
Furthermore, this should allow you to adjust the volume levels and switch between channels and inputs.
You can quickly check if your TV supports this valuable feature by looking at the TV user manual or the brand’s official website.
Use Amazon Fire TV App to Turn On TV
No FireStick remote? No problem! All you need to successfully turn on and control your FireStick is your smartphone or the Fire TV app, to be exact.
Before downloading the app, ensure that your phone and Fire TV Stick are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. After that, follow these steps to set up this helpful app on your smartphone:
- Download the app on Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Launch the app.
- Tap “Sure” to grant the app Local Network Permission.
- Click on your FireStick once it appears on the “Available Devices” screen.
- Enter the four-digit code from your TV screen into your app to pair the devices.
If the Fire TV App doesn’t display your FireStick in the “Available Devices” list, try the following:
- Disconnect and reconnect both devices to the internet.
- Tap the “Set Up New Device” option and log in to your Amazon account.
Once you’ve set up the app properly, it will offer the same controls a FireStick remote does, including voice control. So you can turn on your FireStick the same way you would using a remote controller.
- Tap the “Home” button.
- Use the Alexa Voice Remote function.
Is There a Power Button on a FireStick?
There isn’t a “Power” button on the FireStick device itself. The Home button (the one that looks like a house) is used to turn on the device.
However, the FireStick remotes of the newer generation come with a “Power” button in the top-left corner. The button allows you to turn your TV on and off, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the FireStick itself.
So, if you use it to turn off your TV, the FireStick will still be running. The good news is that your FireStick will turn off automatically when left idle for 20 minutes after the TV is shut down.
Why My FireStick Won’t Turn On
Suppose you’ve gone through all the methods outlined in this article, but your FireStick still won’t turn on. If that’s the case, several possible causes might be preventing you from enjoying FireStick’s exciting content.
Poor Internet Connection
Poor internet connection is the most common reason your FireStick won’t turn on. The problem can be caused either by a faulty router or your internet service provider.
To ensure this is the reason you’re looking for, check if you can connect to the internet using another device. If you can’t, try restarting your router.
If this doesn’t fix the issue, the best option is to contact your internet provider and have them check your connection and the router.
Physical Connection Issues
Whenever you have issues with a tech device, checking the cables is always prudent, and FireStick is no different.
Your FireStick device uses a USB Micro cable that goes into the power adapter on one side and the Fire TV Stick on the other. Check if both ends are plugged in properly. Also, check the cable’s condition. If you spot any breakage, it’s time to replace the cable.
Apart from the cable, check if the FireStick device is securely plugged into your TV’s HDMI port.
FireStick Remote Issues
If you’re adamant about using your FireStick remote for turning on the device, there are several methods you can use to fix an unresponsive remote:
- Hold down the Home button for 20 seconds to reset your FireStick remote.
- Take out the batteries and put them back in.
- Replace the batteries.
If you still can’t turn on your FireStick using that remote, it’s probably broken. You can order a new one on Amazon and use your smartphone until it arrives.
Fire Up Your TV
Owning a FireStick offers multiple benefits. This compact device can make your stay anywhere more enjoyable provided you have a TV there. Adding to its practicality, you can turn this device on with or without a remote. Find a method that best works for you, sit back, and enjoy the available sea of content.
Have you had difficulties turning on your FireStick? How did you resolve the issue? Let us know in the comments section below.
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