Best (Free) FireStick Remote Apps: If your FireStick remote isn’t working or you’ve misplaced it, don’t worry—you can still control your FireStick using your smartphone or tablet. In this guide, I’ve listed the best FireStick remote apps that you can install on your mobile device. These apps are compatible with a wide range of Fire TV devices, including:
- FireStick 4K
- Fire TV Stick Lite
- Fire TV Cube
- New FireStick 4K
- New FireStick 4K Max
- Older Fire TV models
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Why Use a FireStick Remote App?
Using your mobile device as a FireStick remote offers several advantages:
- Control your FireStick even if your physical remote is lost or broken
- Type URLs and search queries quickly using your phone’s keyboard
- Navigate the interface more easily with touch controls
Top FireStick Remote Apps
After testing multiple options, I’ve narrowed it down to the two best FireStick remote apps that you can rely on:
-
Amazon Fire TV Remote App (Official): This is Amazon’s official app for controlling your Fire TV device. It’s reliable, easy to use, and supports voice input.
-
CetusPlay Universal Remote: A versatile remote app that supports multiple smart TV platforms. It comes with additional features like app management and file transfers. With either of these remote apps on your phone or tablet, you won’t need any other tools. Let’s dive into the details of each app in the full article. Let me know if you’d like this formatted as a blog post or want me to expand on the individual app descriptions.
Prerequisites for Using Fire TV Remote Apps
Before you can use FireStick remote apps on your mobile device, there are a few important steps you need to take. Let’s go over them quickly.
Enable ADB Debugging (Required for CetusPlay)
If you plan to use the CetusPlay app, ADB Debugging must be enabled on your Fire TV device. Here’s how to do it:
- From the FireStick Home Screen, go to Settings.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Click on Developer Options.
- Turn ADB Debugging to ON. (Also, enable Apps from Unknown Sources if you plan to sideload apps.)
Find the IP Address of Your FireStick
The CetusPlay app requires the IP address of your Fire TV to establish a connection. Here’s how you can find it:
- Go to Settings on your FireStick home screen and open My Fire TV.
- Select About.
- Click on Network.
- Your IP address will appear on the right side of the screen.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready to connect your Fire TV device to your mobile remote app. Let me know if you’d like a visual step-by-step guide or want to turn this into a checklist for easier reference.
Best FireStick Remote Apps
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1. Amazon Fire TV Remote App – Official
The Amazon Fire TV Remote App is the official remote control app developed by Amazon for Fire TV devices. It functions just like the physical remote and is a great backup when your actual remote isn’t working. Available for Android, iOS, and Kindle devices, you can easily download it from the respective app stores on your mobile or tablet. As a FireStick user, I highly recommend this app. Not only does it serve as a reliable replacement for the physical remote, but it also makes typing on your Fire TV Stick much easier using your phone’s keyboard. Typing long searches or URLs becomes quick and convenient. Make sure your Fire TV Stick and mobile device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for the app to work.
App Layout and Features:
The remote app replicates the layout of the physical FireStick remote with a few differences. Instead of the circular navigation ring, it features a touchpad that lets you swipe to navigate and tap to select.
If you prefer the traditional navigation buttons, you can switch to the Directional Pad:
- Tap the gear icon (top-left corner)
- Go to App Remote Settings
- Enable the Directional Pad
Once enabled, the swipe pad is replaced with directional buttons and a central select button, resembling the standard FireStick remote.
Additional Features
- Alexa Support: Use voice commands directly from the app.
- Quick Access: Open FireStick Settings or put the device to sleep with a tap.
- App Launcher: Instantly open any installed app on your Fire TV Stick through the remote app.
When the app is launched, it will automatically search for Fire TV/FireStick devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Simply tap your device when it appears on the list.
You’ll see a Sign In option at the bottom of the screen. While signing in with your Amazon account is optional, the app functions with or without it. The app doesn’t require the same Amazon account as the FireStick. You can control the Fire TV even if signed in to a different account. If you’re signed in to the Amazon shopping app, the remote app may automatically use that account.
First-Time Connection
The first time you connect the app to your FireStick, a 4-digit code will appear on your TV screen. Enter this code on your phone to establish the connection.
Once connected, you can:
- Tap the Apps button in the remote app
- Launch any installed FireStick app directly from your mobile
The Amazon Fire TV Remote App is highly functional and user-friendly, making it one of the best remote apps available for FireStick users.
2. Cetus Play Universal Remote
Cetus Play is a versatile remote control app that works seamlessly with Fire TV Stick and other Android TV devices. It’s compatible with a range of mobile platforms, including Android, iOS, Kindle, and tablets. You might also find it under names like Fire TV Universal Remote, Android TV, Kodi, or CetusPlay.
How to Use Cetus Play with FireStick
- Step 1: Install Cetus Play: Download the Cetus Play app from your device’s app store (Google Play, Apple App Store, etc.).
- Step 2: Launch the App & Grant Permissions: Open the app and grant any requested permissions. Tap Allow where necessary.
- Step 3: Get Started: If prompted, tap Get Started to continue.
- Step 4: Scan for Devices: Cetus Play will automatically scan your Wi-Fi network for compatible devices. Your Fire TV/FireStick should appear in the list. Identify your device by its IP address if multiple options appear.
- Step 5: Enable USB Debugging: When prompted on your TV, allow USB debugging. Select “Always allow from this computer” and click OK.
- Step 6: Install Cetus Play on FireStick: To function correctly, Cetus Play needs to be installed both on your mobile device and FireStick. The app pushes the installation file to your Fire TV over Wi-Fi.
- Step 7: Connect to FireStick: Once the app is successfully installed on your FireStick, a Connecting screen will briefly appear, followed by a Connected status on your mobile device.
- Step 8: Access Remote Panel: Tap the Remote Panel icon in the top-left corner of the app.
- Step 9: Enter the 4-Digit Code: When connecting for the first time, Cetus Play will display a 4-digit code on your TV. Enter this code into the app on your mobile device to establish the connection.
- Step 10: Control Your FireStick: Once connected, you’ll see the Cetus Play remote interface on your phone or tablet.
- Step 11: Switch Remote Modes: By default, the app uses D-pad Mode. To change the layout, tap the four-square icon in the top-right corner. You can choose from multiple remote control modes based on your preference. Cetus Play offers a feature-rich alternative to the official Fire TV app, especially useful if you also use Android TV devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are FireStick remote apps?
FireStick remote apps are mobile applications that allow you to control your Amazon Fire TV or FireStick device using your smartphone or tablet. They replicate the physical remote’s functions and often add features like a virtual keyboard, voice commands, and touch navigation. These apps are especially useful if your original remote is lost or not working.
How do I connect a FireStick remote app to my Fire TV device?
Install the app on your phone, ensure it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your FireStick, and launch the app. It should automatically detect your FireStick and prompt you to enter a code shown on your TV screen.
Do I need to change any settings on FireStick for the remote app to work?
Ensure that “ADB Debugging” and “Apps from Unknown Sources” are enabled if you’re using third-party apps, though for official apps like Amazon’s, no special settings are needed. Network discovery must be active for the app to find your FireStick.
What should I do if the remote app is not detecting my FireStick?
Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, restart your FireStick, and close/reopen the app. If the problem persists, restarting your router can help reset the connection.
Are there privacy risks with using third-party FireStick remote apps? .
Yes, third-party apps from unknown developers can pose privacy risks if they request excessive permissions or contain ads/tracking software. Stick to well-reviewed apps from official stores to minimize these risks.
Wrapping Up
So, this is our list of the best FireStick remote apps. You can download these apps on your mobile devices (Android, iOS, Kindle) and easily control your Amazon FireStick. These apps work with any Fire TV device you use. I have been using these remote apps for a while and recommend you do the same.
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