· 3 min read · The Remofy Team
Fire TV App Changed? A Simpler Fire TV Remote for Your Phone
If the Fire TV app's new layout moved the buttons you use, here's a simpler phone remote: pair with the code on your Fire TV, no Amazon account needed.
Many recent reviews of Amazon's Fire TV app say the same thing: after an update, the layout changed and the buttons people used every day moved. If you just want a remote on your phone that looks like a remote, you have options.
Here's a simple alternative, how to set it up in a minute, and what it can and can't do.
Is there another Fire TV remote app?
Yes. Your Fire TV accepts a phone remote the same way it accepts Amazon's app: you pair once with a code shown on the TV. Remofy is a free Android remote that does this, with a classic remote layout, no Amazon account and no subscription.
How do I set it up?
- Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your Fire TV.
- Install Remofy and open it.
- Your Fire TV shows up in the list after a few seconds. Tap it.
- A 4-digit code appears on the TV. Type it in the app.
That's it: recent Fire TV models need no developer options and no settings change. On some older models the code step isn't there; the app then walks you through turning on one setting on the Fire TV instead.
What can I control?
- Arrows, OK, Back, Home and Menu
- Play, pause, rewind and fast-forward
- Sleep and wake the Fire TV
- Volume and mute, on Fire TVs that control the TV's volume (many sticks leave volume to the TV's own remote)
The same app also controls Samsung, LG, Roku, Vizio, Sony and other Android TVs, so one app covers every screen in the house.
Why not just use Amazon's app?
Amazon's app is free and official, and if you like the new layout, keep it. The reasons people look elsewhere are usually these:
- they want a remote that looks like a remote, with buttons always in the same place;
- they don't want to sign in to an Amazon account just to change the channel;
- they have other TVs in the house and want one app for all of them.
The code doesn't appear on my Fire TV. What now?
- Wake the Fire TV first. Press a button on the TV's own remote, or turn the TV on, before you tap it in the app.
- Same Wi-Fi. The phone must be on the same network, not a guest network, and with any VPN off.
- Try again in a few seconds. The code screen times out if you wait too long; tapping the TV again shows a new code.
More fixes are in our guide to using a Firestick without a remote.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need developer options or ADB?
Not on recent Fire TV models: they pair with the on-screen code. Only some older models need a setting turned on, and the app shows you where.
Does it need my Amazon account?
No. Pairing happens between your phone and the Fire TV on your Wi-Fi.
Is it free?
Yes, with every button available. It shows ads to stay free.
Related guides
Try it with your TV — free
Remofy works with Samsung, LG, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV and more. No subscription.
