Most people use their Toshiba Fire Remote to turn on their Toshiba Fire TV.
See, I do the same, but the other week it wasn’t working anymore
I was about to buy a new one…
However, I found some easy fixes, saving me a few bucks.
Read on to find out:
- Most efficient ways to clean your remote.
- The best replacement remote controls for a Toshiba Fire TV.
- A step-by-step guide on how to use your phone as a controller for your television.
- And lots more…
Why is my Toshiba Fire TV remote not working?
Your Toshiba Fire TV remote isn’t working because of faulty batteries. Another reason could be that the IR sensor’s blocked. It’s also possible that built-up dirt is causing the remote to malfunction, and in other cases, the Toshiba Fire TV itself needs to be updated.
Toshiba Fire TV Remote Not Working: 9 Easy Fixes
#1: Check the batteries
The first step in troubleshooting a non-working Toshiba Fire TV remote is to check the batteries.
It may seem obvious, but the issue often lies with drained or improperly inserted batteries.
Start by removing the battery cover and inspecting the batteries.
Ensure they’re properly inserted with the correct polarity.
Meaning the plus symbol (+) of the battery should match the plus symbol (+) of the battery compartment. The same goes for the minus symbol (-).
If the batteries are low or dead, replace them with fresh ones.
Note: Don’t mix old with new ones.
It’s also worth cleaning the battery contacts with a dry cloth to remove dust or dirt.
Once you’ve taken these steps, test the remote to see if it functions properly.
#2: Restart Toshiba Fire TV
A simple restart of your Toshiba Fire TV can often solve multiple issues, including problems with the remote.
You can do this easily in 2 steps while the TV is on:
- Press and hold the Power button on the TV.
- Hold it until the Toshiba – Fire TV logo appears.
And here’s a helpful video that shows how to do it:
Restarting the TV clears temporary data and can remove any software conflicts that may be affecting the remote’s performance.
After the TV restarts, check if the remote functions as expected.
You might also want to know: 5 Steps To Reset A Toshiba TV In Seconds
#3: Update TV firmware
Outdated firmware can sometimes cause issues between your Toshiba Fire TV and its remote control.
To get the best out of your TV, keeping its firmware up to date is essential.
To do this, follow these 4 steps:
- Press the Settings button (gear icon) from your Toshiba Fire TV remote.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Choose About.
- Scroll down and select Check for updates.
If there’s an available update, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
When you’re done, check to see if the remote works.
If it didn’t solve the issue, we could step it up by trying to…
#4: Reset the remote
If updating the Toshiba Fire TV didn’t solve the problem, try resetting the remote.
This action will clear the remote’s settings and possibly resolve any software glitches causing the malfunction.
Here’s how to do it in 7 easy steps:
- Unplug your Toshiba Fire TV for 1 minute.
- Press and hold the Left button, Menu button, and Back button for 12 seconds.
- Release the buttons and then wait for 5 seconds.
- Open the battery compartment of the remote and remove the batteries.
- Plug the power back in your TV and wait 1 minute.
- Place the batteries back in the remote.
- Push the Home button on the remote.
Now, when the LED light of the remote blinks blue, it’s reset and paired successfully.
If the pairing fails, press the Home button for around 10 seconds.
After resetting the remote, test its functionality to see if the issue has been resolved.
#5: Remove obstacles that block the signal
Obstacles between the remote and the Toshiba Fire TV can mess up the signal, leading to a non-working remote.
Look around the room where you typically use the remote and identify potential obstructions.
Things that can block the signal are:
- Walls.
- Furniture.
- Other electronic devices.
If possible, rearrange your setup to ensure a clear line of sight between the remote and your Toshiba Fire TV.
By removing these obstacles, you can improve the remote’s range and increase its responsiveness.
You might also want to know: 7 Common Toshiba TV Problems And Solutions
#6: Clean the remote control
The following things can accumulate on the surface of the remote control, affecting its performance:
- Dirt.
- Dust.
- Debris.
- Spilled drinks.
- Hand lotion oils.
A good clean will fix this, and to do that, simply refer to the following 5 steps:
- Remove the batteries.
- Get a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Slightly dampen it with water or rubbing alcohol.
- Carefully wipe the surface of the remote.
- Wait until the remote is completely dry before placing the batteries back.
Pro tip: Pay extra attention to the buttons where the dirt may have accumulated.
Then try the remote out and see if it did the trick.
#7: Use the Toshiba Fire Remote TV app
If the physical remote continues to give you trouble, consider using the Fire TV app on your phone as an alternative.
This app allows you to control your Toshiba Fire TV with ease.
Just make sure your smartphone and TV are linked to the same Wi-Fi network.
Then the best app for your Toshiba Fire TV is the Fire TV app.
It’s compatible with Android and iOS devices.
The app provides similar functions to the physical remote like:
- Adjust settings.
- Control playback.
- Navigate through menus.
- Quick access to your apps and games.
While it may not be a permanent solution, the app can help you continue using your Toshiba Fire TV while troubleshooting the remote issue.
#8: Replace the remote
If the previous fixes didn’t resolve the issue, it may be time to consider replacing your Toshiba Fire TV remote.
Now, there are many replacement remotes out there.
But I made it easy for you and found a very good one.
Once you have the new remote, follow the steps to set it up with your Toshiba Fire TV.
This will restore your control over the TV.
#9: Contact support
If you have exhausted all the available fixes and your Toshiba Fire TV remote still refuses to work, it’s time to contact Toshiba’s customer support.
Tip: Write down the model number of your Toshiba Fire TV. They can ask for this.
Toshiba’s team of experts can provide further assistance and help troubleshoot any deeper issues with your remote.