Compared with other streaming players like Roku, Apple TV, etc, there are universal or third-party remotes that are less compatible with the Amazon FireTV stick. You may need to spend more to buy the advanced smart remotes compatible with the FireTV. However, some smart controllers are less likely to work with the Amazon FireTV cube and the pendant models rather than the streaming stick. Now we have an option to make a universal remote to be compatible with any model FireTV devices. That’s why I am here to share the tips with you.
Use of plug-and-play IR receiver (IReTV)
IReTV is a plug-and-play IR device that is used to control your Streamers lacking an IR receiver. For FireTV, there is a lack of an IR receiver to make it compatible with the basic and traditional universal remote controls. So, we’ll use this cable connector to make it compatible. Rather than with the FireTV models, it can be used with other streaming devices like Kodi, Nvidia Shield, etc.
Set up guide
Requirements
- IReTV IR receiver
- USB Y cable (It must have a USB data and power connection from the single micro USB port)
- A power adapter
FireTV cube
In this section, I am going to explain how to set up the IReTV receiver to the Amazon FireTV cube.
Connect the FireTV cube with the Y cable. Then, with the Two USB connectors of this Y cable, with the first one, connect an ethernet adapter that should connect to the internet. Then, the second USB connection port should be connected to the IReTV receiver. The receiver should have an LED light that facilitates to give the signal that the IR signal is receiving or not.
The FireTV cube must have a connection cable for the power supply. I haven’t included that here in this diagram because we already know that there is a separate power cable for the FireTV cube. So use it accordingly.
FireTV pendant
Let’s look at how to set up the pendant model, which is a less-used device. Here we also use the Y cable to establish a connection between the IReTV and the device. Look at the connection diagram below.
The connection port should be connected to the pendant. The Micro-USB port should be connected to the power adapter and the other one to the IReTV receiver.
FireTV stick setup
Now let’s look at home the connection made with the Amazon FireTV setup with the IReTV receiver and the Y cable to make it universal remote compatible.
The micro USB port is connected to the Amazon Fire TV stick. we will not directly connect the Firestick to the TV. when we do that we lose the ability to lose to connect it to the IReTV receiver. Since we aim to make it third-party remote compatible, should use this connection diagram below.
In the two-way part of the cable, one post is connected to the IReTV receiver and the other one to the power adapter. We pass power through the cable rather than getting it from the TV connection port.
Compatible remotes
As of now, we can use two major universal remotes with the Amazon FireTV through the IReTV setup. They are
- Inteset IR remote (suggested INT-422 model)
- Logitech Harmony remotes
Inteset INT – 422 pairing
INT-422 should have A, B, C, and D keys that you can pair with it. Select or press any one of the keys out there. Now press and release the SET button until the LED light on the remote blinks twice. When you notice it blinks, release the SET button.
Enter the 5-digit code. fortunately, you won’t go for the set of codes that need to try while pairing. Here is the only code that works always. The code is 02042. Enter the code carefully. The LED will blink twice as the digit enters.
If the code is right, the LED blinks twice after entering all 5 numbers.
Logitech Harmony setup
Logitech Harmony remotes were discontinued by Logitech a few years ago. But still, the devices are available and are widely used because they have a long lifespan. Pairing the Logitech Harmony with the FireTV stick is the same as other devices since we are using the IReTV receiver.
If you have Logitech Harmony with the display, you can simply get the remote paid and in-mode feature. Once you pair the remote, you can use this mapping to find out what features are used with the keys. Look at the mapping table provided below.
| Remote button label | FireTV Version |
|---|---|
| Power ON/Off | Power long press |
| Menu | Menu |
| Info | Netflix Info |
| Red | Back |
| Yellow | Options |
| Blue | IReTV LED ON/OFF |
| Up arrow | Up arrow |
| Down Arrow | Down Arrow |
| Left Arrow | Left Arrow |
| Right Arrow | Right Arrow |
| OK | Enter |
| Rewind | Rewind long press |
| Skip back | Skip back |
| Play | Play/Pause |
| Pause | Pause/Play |
| Skip forward | Skip forward |
| Fast Forward | FF Long press |
| Stop | Stop |
| 1 - 9 | 1 - 9 |
Recommendations
- Always keep the IReTV receiver in front of the TV so that the remote control can easily send the IR signals and this makes communication simple.
- Make sure the LED on the IReTV blinks with brightness so that we can check the ability of the IR emitter.
- Always use good batteries on the remote control so that the IR signals from the remote are stronger.
- Ensure the connection between the IReTV, FireTV device, and the Y-cable is proper for the smooth functioning of the control system.
FAQ
What is the IReTV IR Receiver, and how does it work with Fire TV?
IReTV IR receiver is the controller device that gives the streaming players the ability to receive the IR control signals from the standard and traditional universal remote controls to use various controlling features like channel changing, volume control, settings, etc. Since many streaming devices like Amazon FireTV, Nvidia Shield, etc use Bluetooth/WiFi remotes, but while setting up an IReTV receiver, we can imply control with even third-party remotes.
Which Fire TV devices are compatible with the IReTV IR Receiver?
Three types of Amazon FireTV devices are compatible with the IReTV receivers like the FireTV cube, Pendant, and FireTV stick.
Is there a specific universal remote that works best with the IReTV IR Receiver?
Yes! The great old Logitech Harmony universal remotes, Inteset INT-422 universal remotes are great to work with the IReTV devices. Additionally, you can try other universal remotes like GE, RCA, etc. However, they are not providing the exact pairing code. Instead, apply the automatic code search method to program that third-party remote to Amazon FireTV.
Do I need to install any apps or drivers for the IReTV IR Receiver to work?
No! This is a simple plug-and-play controller device that does not require any driver to make it work. Simply make the connection properly and use it. All the connection diagrams are provided above. Check and go for it.
What should I do if my universal remote does not respond after setup?
Ensure the connections are okay. Then, program the universal remote to the FireTV streaming devices with the correct 4, or 5-digit code. Check the LED on the IReTV receiver is responding correctly when you try to pass the signals through the IR remote control. Hope this helps you.