Picture this: you’re snuggled up on your couch, the latest episode of your go-to show awaits, and then—your Toshiba Fire TV remote decides to play hard-to-get.
This frustrating sequence, as common as it is, can make one feel like the universe is conspiring against their peace, particularly when the culprit is elusive.
I’ll guide you through some simple fixes and troubleshooting steps to get your Toshiba Fire TV remote back in action.
The Clever Fix:
Power cycle the remote by removing the batteries, holding the Home button for a minute, pressing all the buttons multiple times, and then popping the batteries back in.
If that didn’t work, do the same process (Home button + pressing all buttons) while the batteries are inserted.
Why is my Toshiba Fire TV remote not working?
Your Toshiba Fire TV remote might be unresponsive due to several reasons, such as dead batteries, a need for a reset, pairing issues with the TV, or a faulty IR sensor.
However, in some instances, the TV can be the real problem.
But the plot twist could be that the TV is the actual problem. If your TV has some software glitches, it might be ignoring the remote, making you think the remote’s at fault.
Do this first
Here are the three basic steps to try first before moving on to more advanced techniques.
1. Replace the remote batteries
Make sure you don’t gloss over this step!
It may sound like a no-brainer, but trust me, starting with the basics can be a lifesaver.
Having your remote run out of juice is a common problem, so swapping the old batteries with fresh ones keeps it simple and rules out this possibility from the get-go.
Before going any further, start with new batteries.
This way, you’ll know for sure that a lack of power isn’t throwing a wrench in your troubleshooting efforts.
2. Check the remote’s IR sensor
Did you know that a bit of dust can muddle up your remote’s infrared sensor?
Yep, it’s true! If dust or debris is hanging around the sensor, blocking its path, the remote won’t be able to send signals to the TV.
The IR sensor is that little thing on the top of your remote.
Try giving it a nice clean with a soft cloth to get rid of any dust bunnies that may have settled in.
Next, we want to make sure your remote’s IR sensor is doing its job. We are looking out for a red light on your IR sensor.
But here’s the kicker – you can’t see the beam of the IR sensor with your naked eyes, but a camera can.
Do this to check your remote’s IR sensor:
- Grab a smartphone with a camera and point the remote’s IR sensor toward the camera lens.
- Press any button on the remote and look at the phone’s screen.
If you see a flashing light on your phone screen, your sensor is good to go.
If you don’t see a light, it might mean the sensor is busted and needs repairing or replacing. If that’s the case, hold up on the other fixes—I’m afraid it’s curtains for your remote.
3. Remove potential IR signal obstacles
Finally, check for any obstacles between the remote and the TV that might be blocking the IR signal.
Even things like furniture or random knick-knacks in the line of sight between your remote and your TV’s IR receiver can cause problems.
Believe it or not, even a piece of paper lying around near the TV’s sensor has caused a ruckus, making the owner think that the remote or the TV is not working.
So, if there is anything blocking the signal, simply removing these obstacles should help the remote function properly.
When to move forward to the advanced solutions?
If nothing fixes your remote with any of these preliminary steps (battery replacement, checking the IR sensor, and clearing obstructions) then you have the green light to move forward to the advanced solutions.
Take a deep breath, go through these troubleshooting steps below, and before you know it, you’ll be back in control of your Toshiba Fire TV experience.
Advanced Solutions
1. Power cycle the remote
Power cycling the remote is one of the neat tricks that might just get your remote back in action.
You can pull off this trick whether your TV is plugged in or not — it works both ways.
Some folks had success starting with a TV that’s unplugged, while others found the real magic happened when the TV was on.
It’s your call how you want to roll with it. Feel free to try both methods if necessary.
Here’s how to do the trick:
- Remove the remote batteries.
- Press the Home button for a minute.
- Press all remote buttons one at a time for several times.
- Reinsert the batteries (and plug the TV back in if you unplugged it.)
If your remote is still unresponsive, do this next:
- While the batteries are reinserted, press the Home button for a minute.
- Press all remote buttons one at a time for multiple times.
Most of the time, this will do the trick.
If not, no worries — we’ve got a few more solutions in store.
2. Power Cycling the Toshiba Fire TV
If the previous fix didn’t do the job, then let’s move on to the most reliable fix you can do — power cycling.
Power cycling is like giving your TV a little nap, clearing any temporary data and glitches that might be throwing your remote out of whack.
Do a power cycle to give it a fresh start.
To power cycle your TV, follow these steps:
- Unplug your TV from the electrical outlet.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the TV back in and turn it on.
Take your remote for a spin and see if it’s working now.
If not, onwards to the next fix!
3. Reset the remote
There’s a possibility that the remote loses its connection from the TV, that’s why it’s not working.
There are three ways you can reset your remote and get it reconnected with your TV: using the Reset button, the Home button alone, or a combination of buttons.
Let’s break it down:
- Reset button only
Not all Toshiba Fire remotes have a Reset button under the battery cover.
If your remote has one, press the Reset button for 15 seconds, and that’s it!
- Home button only
If your remote doesn’t have the Reset button, here’s what you should do:
Hold down the Home button for 30 seconds while pointing the remote directly to the TV.
- Three button combination
If the two reset above didn’t work for you, here’s what you should do:
Simultaneously hold down the Back button, Left button, and Menu button for 30 seconds while pointing the remote directly to the TV.
Wait for the remote to re-establish its connection with the TV and see if it works.
4. Use the Toshiba Fire TV App
If your Toshiba Fire TV remote still isn’t working, you can try using the Toshiba Fire TV App on your smartphone as a temporary solution.
This app allows you to control your TV without using the physical remote, providing an easy alternative if you’re facing issues with your remote.
Simply download the app from the Play Store (Android) or App store (iOS), log in with your Amazon account, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your TV.
Just a heads up: Make sure your TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network, or else they won’t be able to connect.
The TV is not connected to the Wi-Fi – what to do?
I’ve come across this scenario multiple times.
There are times when the TV isn’t hooked up to Wi-Fi.
Whether it’s because it’s a recently purchased second hand TV and the new owner receives a damaged remote, that’s why he’s aiming for the app. Or the TV mysteriously disconnects from Wi-Fi on the very day the remote stops cooperating.
Now, here’s a quick trick you can do:
Use an ethernet cable to connect the TV to the network, and voila! The TV and app are running on the same network.
Using ethernet skips the step of entering the Wi-Fi credentials on the TV. It automatically connects the TV to the network.
Once you’re connected, you can use the app to key in the Wi-Fi details.
5. Factory reset the Toshiba Fire TV
Of course, relying on the Toshiba Fire TV app every time you want to chill out in front of the TV isn’t ideal.
There’s nothing like having an actual remote in your hand for a hassle-free TV experience.
Some folks found that a factory reset brought their remote back from the dead, or should I say restored its connection to the TV again.
Believe it or not, someone had an unresponsive remote for a year. But after a TV factory reset, her completely useless remote has become functional again and back in the game!
Consider this as your last step, of course, because this will return your TV to its out-of-the-box setting. It will wipe out your current settings, and data.
The good thing is you’ll have a clean slate with your TV!
Here’s how to do it:
- Unplug the TV.
- Hold the TV’s Power button, and don’t let go.
- After a few seconds, plug the TV back in while still pressing the Power button.
- Continue holding the Power button until Toshiba’s logo appears on the screen.
When the Recovery Menu appears, that’s when we’ll start the factory reset.
- On the recovery menu, tap the Power button to go to wipe data/factory reset.
- Select wipe data/factory reset by pressing and holding the Power button.
- Another tap the Power button to go to Yes.
- Confirm selection by holding the Power button until the Recovery Menu appears.
- Hold the Power button again to select the reboot system now.
Wait for a minute or two until the TV restarts.
Once it restarts, that’s when your remote comes in.
Pair it to the TV by pressing the remote’s Home button for 10 seconds.
Try the remote after it re-establish its connection with the TV.
Nothing works?
When you’ve tried all the troubleshooting solutions to fix your Toshiba Fire TV remote not working and still can’t resolve the problem, it’s time to contact support.
Reach out to the remote manufacturer, which in this case is Toshiba, for assistance.
Their customer service team can help you identify any issues your remote may have that you might have missed.
Ring them up at 1-888-407-0396 for immediate assistance. They are available from Monday – Friday, 9AM – 9PM EST and Saturday – Sunday 9AM – 6PM EST.
If you prefer sending your concern via email, send them a message at [email protected].
Keep your remote’s make and model handy, as well as the date of purchase if possible, to provide accurate information to the support team.
When to buy a new remote?
If the support team determines that your current remote is beyond repair or if it’s not covered by warranty, consider purchasing a new remote for your Toshiba Fire TV.
You have a couple of options here – you can either buy a replacement remote directly from Toshiba, Amazon or other reliable retailers to ensure compatibility, or you can find a compatible universal remote.
However, universal remotes may not have all the specific functions that a dedicated Toshiba Fire TV remote offers.
Reminder: Before purchasing a new remote, double-check that it is compatible with your TV model.
Investing in a new remote ensures that you can go back to enjoying your Toshiba Fire TV properly.
Don’t forget, you always have the option to use the Fire TV App on your smartphone as a temporary solution while waiting for your new physical remote.
How to maintain the remote in good condition
By taking these simple precautions and following these tips, your Toshiba Fire TV remote should stay in excellent working condition, ensuring that you can comfortably control your TV and enjoy your favorite shows and movies.
1. Keep the remote clean and free of dust
Over time, dirt and grime can build up on buttons, potentially causing them to stick or lose functionality.
Regularly wiping down your remote with a soft, dry cloth can help prevent these issues.
2. Proper storage
Remember that proper storage also goes a long way in maintaining a functional remote.
Avoid exposing your remote to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or excessive moisture.
Additionally, try to keep it away from heavy objects that could potentially damage it.
3. Keep spare batteries
It’s also a good idea to always have a fresh set of batteries on hand, so you’re never stuck without your remote.
Wrapping up
Keeping your Toshiba Fire TV remote working smoothly can greatly enhance your TV viewing experience.
Start by replacing the battery, cleaning and checking the IR sensor, and removing physical obstruction. These simple steps can actually solve many common problems with your remote.
However, if your remote needs more than just a simple cleaning or battery replacement, here are the advanced solutions you can do:
- Power cycle the remote
- Power cycle the Toshiba Fire TV
- Reset the remote (Reset button only, Home button only, or the three button combination)
- Use the Toshiba Fire TV
