One of the most common questions I get from readers is: “I bought a universal remote to control my TV and my Amazon Firestick. I found the code for the TV, but I can’t find a code for the Firestick anywhere. What is the code?”
Here is the hard truth that most manual booklets won’t tell you: There is no code.
If you are trying to use a standard, cheap universal remote (like an RCA, GE, or basic One For All) to control a streaming stick like an Amazon Firestick, Roku Stick, or Google Chromecast, it likely won’t work directly.
This isn’t because you are doing something wrong. It is because they speak two completely different languages.
The Core Problem: Infrared (IR) vs. Radio Frequency (RF)
To understand why your setup is failing, you have to look at the hardware.
1. Standard Universal Remotes use IR (Infrared)
Look at the front of your universal remote. Is there a small LED bulb or a shiny black plastic window? That emits Infrared Light.
- How it works: It flashes invisible light pulses at your TV.
- Limitation: It requires “Line of Sight.” You must point the remote directly at the device for it to work.
2. Streaming Sticks use RF (Radio Frequency) or Bluetooth
Look at where your Firestick or Roku Stick is plugged in. It is usually hidden behind the TV.
- How it works: Because it is hidden behind the plastic casing of your TV, infrared light cannot reach it. Therefore, these devices use Bluetooth or RF (Radio Frequency) signals, which can travel through solid objects (like your TV screen).
The Conflict: Your universal remote is shouting in “Light” (IR), but your Firestick is listening for “Radio” (RF). They physically cannot communicate directly.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Take a photo of a Firestick plugged into the back of a TV, clearly showing it is hidden from view. Caption: “Since Streaming Sticks hide behind the TV, standard IR remotes cannot reach them.”]
The Exception: Roku Express vs. Roku Stick
This is where it gets confusing.
- Roku Stick: Uses RF/Wi-Fi Direct. A standard universal remote will not work.
- Roku Express / Premiere: These are the little boxes that sit in front of your TV. These usually do have an IR receiver.
- Test: If you have a Roku box that sits on your TV stand, you can usually program a universal remote to it. Look for Roku codes in your manual (often under VCR or DVD/AUX sections).
The Solution: How to use “HDMI-CEC” (The Secret Fix)
Even though your universal remote can’t talk to the Firestick directly, there is a backdoor method called HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control).
This feature allows your TV to pass commands from its own remote down the HDMI cable to the streaming device.
How to set it up:
- Program your Universal Remote to your TV: Set up your remote so it controls your TV’s volume and power perfectly.
- Enable CEC on your TV: Go into your TV’s generic settings menu using your original remote. You need to turn on the CEC feature. Note that every brand calls it something different:
- Samsung: Anynet+
- Sony: BRAVIA Sync
- LG: SimpLink
- Vizio: CEC
- TDS / Bush / Grundig: usually just “HDMI Link” or “CEC”.
- Use the Remote: Once CEC is on, point your universal remote at the TV (not the stick). Use the arrow keys (Up, Down, Left, Right, Enter).
- Your TV receives the IR signal.
- Your TV sends that “Up” command through the HDMI cable to the Firestick.
- The Firestick moves up.
This allows you to control the Firestick menu using a remote that technically doesn’t support Firesticks!
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Take a photo of a TV screen showing the “CEC” or “Anynet+” menu option highlighted. This proves you are guiding them through the actual software.]
When Do You Need a “Smart” Hub?
If the HDMI-CEC method feels too clunky for you, or if your TV is too old to support it, you cannot use a $10 drugstore universal remote.
You will need to upgrade to a “Hub-based” remote, such as the Sofabaton or older Logitech Harmony models. These systems come with a separate “Hub” that blasts Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals, allowing them to talk directly to Firesticks and PS5s without needing the TV as a middleman.
Conclusion
If you are staring at a code list trying to find a code for “Amazon Fire TV” for a generic $15 remote, stop looking. It likely doesn’t exist.
Instead of buying a new remote, try enabling HDMI-CEC on your TV settings. It is a free feature that often solves the problem instantly.