Learn how to sync your Firestick remote to Samsung TV in 5 minutes. Step-by-step guide covering HDMI-CEC setup, Equipment Control configuration, volume/power control, and troubleshooting for all Samsung TV models (2016-2026).
Quick Stats | Details |
|---|---|
Time Required | 5-10 minutes |
Difficulty Level | Beginner |
Tools Needed | Firestick remote, Samsung TV remote (for initial setup) |
Compatible With | Samsung TVs 2008 onwards with HDMI-CEC support |
Before you start, make sure you have:
Fresh batteries in your Firestick remote
Firestick connected to an HDMI port (HDMI 1 recommended)
Both devices powered on
An HDMI cable that supports CEC (most standard cables work fine)
To sync your Firestick remote to Samsung TV:
Enable Anynet+ on your Samsung TV: Navigate to Settings > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) > On
On your Firestick: Go to Settings > Equipment Control > Add Equipment > TV
Follow the on-screen prompts to test power and volume buttons, then confirm
Your Firestick remote should now control your Samsung TV's volume and power. The TV responds within a second or two when you press the volume buttons - if you're not seeing that immediate response, something needs adjustment.
If you're just completing your Samsung TV setup for the first time, I'd recommend finishing the initial configuration before attempting this sync process.
Need more detail on any of these steps? Keep reading for model-specific instructions and troubleshooting guidance.
Yes, Firestick remotes with TV control buttons can control Samsung TV volume and power. But here's the catch - not every Firestick remote has this capability.
The key differentiator sits right on the remote itself. Look at the right side of your remote. Do you see dedicated volume up, volume down, and mute buttons? What about a power button at the very top? If your remote has these buttons, you're good to go.
Remote Model | TV Control Buttons | Voice Control | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Basic Remote (1st Gen) | ❌ No | ❌ No | 2014-2016 |
Alexa Voice Remote (1st Gen) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 2016-2018 |
Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 2018-2020 |
Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 2021-2023 |
Alexa Voice Remote (2024 Release) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 2024+ |
Alexa Voice Remote Pro | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 2022+ |
The Alexa Voice Remote 2nd Generation and newer includes an infrared (IR) blaster built into the top of the remote. This IR blaster sends signals directly to your Samsung TV for power and volume control - it works independently from the Bluetooth connection that handles navigation on the Firestick itself.
That dual-technology approach matters. The remote uses Bluetooth to communicate with your Fire TV Stick for menu navigation, app launching, and voice commands. But for TV control, it switches to IR signals that your Samsung TV already understands.
If your Firestick isn't working on your Samsung TV at all, the remote sync process won't help until you resolve the underlying connection issue first.
For those comparing remote options, Samsung offers its own Samsung TV voice control features that work differently but can complement your streaming setup.
HDMI-CEC stands for Consumer Electronics Control. It's a feature built into the HDMI specification that allows connected devices to communicate with each other and share remote control functions.
Samsung calls their implementation "Anynet+" instead of HDMI-CEC. Same technology, different branding. You'll find it in the External Device Manager section of your Samsung TV's settings menu.
When you enable Anynet+ on your Samsung TV, several things become possible:
Power synchronization: Turn on your Firestick, and the TV can automatically power on and switch to the correct HDMI input
Volume control pass-through: Your Firestick remote's volume buttons control the TV speakers directly
Remote control sharing: The Samsung remote can navigate your Firestick interface, and vice versa
Automatic input switching: When you start streaming on Firestick, the TV switches to that HDMI input
The magic happens through the HDMI cable itself. CEC uses a dedicated pin in the HDMI connector to send control signals between devices. No extra cables, no complicated setup - just a single HDMI connection doing double duty for both video and device control.
I've tested this on Samsung Crystal UHD, QLED, and Neo QLED models. The functionality remains consistent across the lineup, though response times feel slightly faster on newer models. Budget Samsung TVs manufactured after 2008 generally support HDMI-CEC, though some earlier budget models have limited implementation.
If you've experienced HDMI port issues on your Samsung TV, resolving those first will make the Anynet+ configuration process much smoother.
A wired internet connection for your Samsung TV isn't required for HDMI-CEC to work, but stable network connectivity does help when setting up Equipment Control on the Firestick side.
The menu path to Anynet+ varies depending on when your Samsung TV was manufactured. I've documented the exact paths for each generation based on hands-on testing.
Before starting, if you're unsure which year your TV was made, you can find your Samsung TV model number on a sticker behind the TV or in Settings > Support > About This TV. The first two numbers after the screen size typically indicate the year (e.g., "UN55TU8000" was made in 2020).
Press the Home button on your Samsung remote
Navigate to Settings (gear icon)
Select All Settings
Choose General & Privacy
Select External Device Manager
Find Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) and turn it On
Press Home on your Samsung remote
Go to Settings
Select All Settings
Choose Connection
Select External Device Manager
Toggle Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) to On
Press Home on your Samsung remote
Navigate to Settings
Select General & Privacy
Choose External Device Manager
Turn on Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)
Press Home or Menu on your remote
Go to Settings
Select General
Choose External Device Manager
Enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)
Press Menu on your remote
Navigate to System
Select Expert Settings
Turn on Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)
TV Model Year | Menu Path |
|---|---|
2025-2026 | Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > External Device Manager > Anynet+ |
2023-2024 | Settings > All Settings > Connection > External Device Manager > Anynet+ |
2022 | Settings > General & Privacy > External Device Manager > Anynet+ |
2017-2021 | Settings > General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ |
2016 | Menu > System > Expert Settings > Anynet+ |
After enabling Anynet+, you should see your connected devices appear in a device list. If your Firestick shows up automatically, you're halfway done.
If Anynet+ doesn't appear in your menu at all, your Samsung TV model might predate HDMI-CEC support, or the feature could be hidden behind a software update. Check for Samsung TV firmware updates before concluding the feature isn't available.
For general configuration questions, the Samsung TV troubleshooting guide covers additional setup scenarios.
With Anynet+ enabled on your Samsung TV, you're ready to configure the Firestick side. Equipment Control is Amazon's built-in feature for programming your Firestick remote to control external devices.
Before proceeding, verify these items:
Anynet+ is enabled on your Samsung TV (completed in previous section)
Your Firestick is connected to an HDMI port (HDMI 1 provides the most reliable CEC performance in my testing)
Fresh batteries are installed in your Firestick remote
Your TV is set to the correct HDMI input showing the Firestick home screen
Step 1: Press the Home button on your Firestick remote and navigate to the Settings icon (gear symbol on the right side of the screen).
Step 2: Scroll down and select Equipment Control.
Step 3: Choose Add Equipment. If your Samsung TV was auto-detected, you'll see "Manage Equipment" instead - skip to Step 6.
Step 4: Select TV from the list of device types.
Step 5: Wait while the Firestick searches for your TV. This typically takes 15-30 seconds. When detection completes, your Samsung TV should appear on screen. Select Yes to confirm, then choose OK.
Step 6: The Power Button Test begins. Press the power button on your Firestick remote and wait 10 seconds. Your Samsung TV should turn off. Press the power button again - the TV should turn back on. If both actions worked, select Yes.
Step 7: The Volume Button Test starts automatically. Press volume up on your Firestick remote. You should see the volume indicator appear on your Samsung TV screen. Press volume down. If both directions work correctly, select Yes.
Step 8: Select Done to save your configuration.
Sometimes the Firestick doesn't auto-detect your Samsung TV brand. When this happens:
Select Change TV during setup
Choose Samsung from the brand list manually
The Firestick will cycle through different IR profiles until it finds one that works
Test power and volume when prompted
Select the profile that worked correctly
If the power test works but volume doesn't respond, try this: go to Settings > Equipment Control > Advanced Settings > Volume Control Device. Make sure it's set to TV rather than another device like a soundbar.
When setup seems slow or the Samsung TV becomes unresponsive, try closing background apps on your Samsung TV before restarting the Equipment Control process.
If the sync fails completely, you can still change volume on your Samsung TV without a remote using the physical buttons on the TV itself while troubleshooting.
After successful setup, your Firestick remote gains three new capabilities for Samsung TV control.
The power button at the top of your Firestick remote acts as a toggle. Press once to turn the TV off, press again to turn it on. There's typically a 1-2 second delay as the IR signal travels to your Samsung TV.
When you power on using the Firestick remote, the TV should automatically switch to the correct HDMI input (assuming Anynet+ is working properly). If your TV powers on but shows a different input, the auto-switching feature might need configuration in External Device Manager.
Button | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Volume Up | Increases TV speaker volume | Press and hold for continuous adjustment |
Volume Down | Decreases TV speaker volume | Press and hold for continuous adjustment |
Mute | Silences TV audio instantly | Press again to unmute |
The volume buttons control whatever audio device is configured in Equipment Control. For most users with just a TV, this means the TV's built-in speakers.
If you have a soundbar connected to your Samsung TV via HDMI ARC or optical cable, your Firestick remote might control the soundbar volume instead of the TV speakers. This happens because HDMI-CEC routes volume commands to whatever device handles audio output.
To control this behavior:
On your Firestick, go to Settings > Equipment Control > Advanced Settings
Find Volume Control Device
Select either TV (for TV speakers) or Receiver/Soundbar (for external audio)
For those setting up a soundbar, the guide on how to hook up a soundbar to Samsung TV covers the audio connection in detail. If you're using a Sonos system, check the instructions for connecting Sonos to Samsung TV.
When volume seems off after setup, adjusting your Samsung TV sound settings can resolve the issue.
Here's something most guides don't mention: Anynet+ works in both directions. Your Samsung remote can navigate your Firestick interface without any additional setup.
Once Anynet+ is enabled and your Firestick is connected via HDMI, your Samsung OneRemote or Smart Remote can:
Navigate the Firestick menu using the directional pad
Select items with the center/enter button
Go back in menus using the return/back button
Play and pause content using playback controls
The Home button creates friction. Pressing Home on your Samsung remote opens Samsung's Smart Hub instead of the Firestick home screen. This is by design - Samsung prioritizes its own interface.
Workarounds for the Home button limitation:
Press the Back button repeatedly until you return to the Firestick home screen
Press the Tools button on your Samsung remote, then select Fire TV Stick MENU
Simply use the Firestick remote when you need to access Home
Some users also configure Samsung's Universal Remote feature for enhanced control. You can learn more about how to use Samsung TV remote functions for connected devices.
If your Samsung remote stops responding to the Firestick entirely, you may need to pair your Samsung TV remote again or check that Anynet+ hasn't been accidentally disabled.
For those who want full universal remote functionality with all their devices, the guide on how to sync a universal remote to Samsung TV provides comprehensive setup instructions.
When the sync process fails or stops working after initial setup, systematic troubleshooting usually resolves the issue. I've organized these solutions by symptom to help you find the right fix faster.
Symptoms: Remote doesn't control Firestick navigation, LED doesn't blink when pressing buttons
Solutions (try in order):
Flip or replace batteries - Remove batteries, wait 10 seconds, reinsert with correct polarity. Try fresh batteries if available.
Re-pair the remote - Hold the Home button for 10+ seconds until the LED flashes rapidly. The remote should reconnect automatically.
Factory reset the remote - Hold Back + right side of navigation ring simultaneously for 10 seconds until LED flashes amber. You'll need to pair again after this reset.
Check for interference - Move other Bluetooth devices away from your TV area. Wireless speakers and gaming controllers can interfere.
Symptoms: Navigation works, but volume buttons don't affect TV volume
Solutions:
Verify Equipment Control setup - Go to Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > TV and confirm Samsung is selected.
Check Volume Control Device setting - Navigate to Settings > Equipment Control > Advanced Settings > Volume Control Device and ensure it's set to TV.
Try a different HDMI port - HDMI 1 typically provides the best CEC performance. Move your Firestick if it's currently in another port.
Reconfigure IR profile - Go to Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > TV > Change TV and walk through the setup again.
If your Samsung TV volume seems too low even after setup, the issue might be with TV audio settings rather than the Firestick remote.
Symptoms: Volume buttons work, but power button doesn't turn TV on/off
Solutions:
Confirm Anynet+ is enabled - Check your Samsung TV's External Device Manager settings.
Enable CEC auto-power options - In External Device Manager, look for options like "Auto Turn Off" and "Auto Turn On" and enable them.
Re-run Equipment Control setup - Sometimes the power IR code doesn't get programmed correctly on the first attempt.
Symptoms: Firestick works but doesn't appear in Equipment Control detection or Samsung's device list
Solutions:
Try all HDMI ports - Some Samsung TV models have better CEC support on specific ports.
Replace HDMI cable - Not all HDMI cables support CEC properly. Try a different cable, preferably a certified High-Speed HDMI cable.
Run Anynet+ device scan - Go to External Device Manager > Device List and initiate a new scan.
Toggle Anynet+ off and on - Disable Anynet+, restart both devices, then re-enable.
When your TV shows no signal from the Firestick, you have a more fundamental connection issue to resolve first.
Symptoms: Setup works initially but control stops working randomly
Solutions:
Update Firestick firmware - Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates
Update Samsung TV firmware - Navigate to Settings > Support > Software Update
Check for wireless interference - Crowded Wi-Fi channels can affect Bluetooth stability
Perform HDMI-CEC reset - Disable Anynet+, unplug both devices for 30 seconds, reconnect, and re-enable
If your Samsung TV keeps freezing during these operations, the underlying TV performance issue needs attention.
Problem | Most Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
Remote completely dead | Dead batteries | Replace batteries |
Volume doesn't work | Equipment Control not configured | Re-run setup |
Power doesn't work | Anynet+ disabled | Enable in External Device Manager |
TV not detected | Bad HDMI port/cable | Try HDMI 1 with new cable |
Intermittent issues | Firmware outdated | Update both devices |
Some users report their Samsung TV turns on by itself after enabling HDMI-CEC. This happens when other CEC-enabled devices send wake signals - you can disable "Auto Turn On" in External Device Manager if this becomes annoying.
For Samsung TV input source problems affecting Firestick detection, checking HDMI port assignments often resolves the issue.
When your Firestick remote is lost, broken, or just not cooperating, you have several backup options.
The official Fire TV app from Amazon provides complete remote functionality through your smartphone.
Setup process:
Download the Amazon Fire TV app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
Ensure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Firestick
Open the app and sign in with your Amazon account
Select your Fire TV device from the list
Enter the 4-digit PIN displayed on your TV screen
Use the virtual remote interface for full control
The app includes a keyboard feature that makes typing search queries and passwords much faster than using the physical remote. Amazon recently updated the Fire TV app in early 2026 with content browsing features - you can now find and start shows directly from your phone.
If you have an Echo device or the Alexa app on your phone, voice commands can control basic Firestick functions:
"Alexa, play Stranger Things on Fire TV"
"Alexa, pause Fire TV"
"Alexa, go home on Fire TV"
"Alexa, turn up the volume on Fire TV"
Voice control works best for launching apps and controlling playback but becomes tedious for detailed navigation.
For TV control when your Firestick remote fails, the SmartThings app turns your phone into a Samsung TV remote. Download SmartThings, connect your Samsung TV, and access remote control features. This won't control the Firestick directly, but it keeps your TV functional.
For users exploring this option, the complete guide on how to set up Samsung TV without a remote explains SmartThings configuration in detail.
If you need temporary internet connectivity for app setup, you can connect your Samsung TV to a mobile hotspot from your phone.
Method | Best For | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Fire TV App | Full Firestick control | Same Wi-Fi network |
Alexa Voice | Hands-free basic control | Echo device or Alexa app |
SmartThings | TV control when Firestick fails | Samsung account |
No. Only Alexa Voice Remotes (2nd Generation and newer) include TV control buttons. The basic Fire TV Stick Lite remote and original basic remotes lack power and volume controls entirely. Check for dedicated volume buttons on the right side of your remote - if they're not there, your remote cannot control TV functions regardless of setup.
Firestick remotes work with Samsung TVs manufactured after 2008 that support HDMI-CEC (Anynet+). Very old Samsung TVs predating HDMI-CEC won't respond to the Firestick remote's TV control features, though basic IR control might still work. If your TV's menu doesn't include any Anynet+ or HDMI-CEC options, TV control capabilities will be limited or unavailable.
The Equipment Control volume setting is likely configured for a different device. Go to Settings > Equipment Control > Advanced Settings > Volume Control Device and select your Samsung TV. If you have a soundbar connected via HDMI ARC, the system might be routing volume commands there instead. You can also try reconfiguring Equipment Control completely by selecting Manage Equipment > TV > Change TV and running through setup again.
Yes. In Equipment Control, select Add Equipment and choose Sound System to configure your Firestick remote for soundbar volume control. The remote can control one audio device at a time - either your TV speakers or your soundbar, not both simultaneously. Many users prefer controlling the soundbar directly since that's where their audio actually comes from.
Hold the Back button and right side of the navigation ring simultaneously for 10+ seconds until the LED flashes amber. This unpairs the remote completely - you'll need to pair it again by holding the Home button for 10 seconds while near your Firestick. A factory reset often resolves persistent pairing issues and clears any corrupted IR profile configurations.
Both. The remote connects to your Fire TV Stick via Bluetooth for navigation, voice commands, and app control. For TV power and volume functions, it uses IR (infrared) signals sent from a blaster at the top of the remote. That's why you need a clear line of sight between the remote and your TV for volume and power - IR requires direct visibility, unlike Bluetooth.
No. A Firestick remote can only be configured for one TV at a time through Equipment Control. If you have multiple TVs with Fire TV Sticks, each needs its own remote paired and configured. The IR profile stored in Equipment Control doesn't support multiple TV configurations.
Minor delays of 0.5-1 second are normal due to IR signal transmission and processing time. If you're experiencing longer delays (2+ seconds), check for obstructions between the remote and TV, ensure batteries are fresh, and verify that HDMI-CEC communication is working properly. Sometimes moving the Firestick to HDMI 1 improves response times due to better CEC implementation on that port.
If you notice audio sync delays between video and sound while streaming, that's a separate issue from remote control lag and requires different troubleshooting.
When sound cuts out intermittently on your Samsung TV, HDMI-CEC communication issues could be the cause.
If your Samsung TV volume changes on its own, CEC signals from connected devices might be responsible.
For channel-related issues on your Samsung TV, those typically stem from tuner or antenna problems rather than Firestick configuration.
Getting your Firestick remote to control your Samsung TV comes down to two essential configurations: enabling Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) on the TV side and running Equipment Control setup on the Firestick side. When both are properly configured, you gain single-remote convenience for everyday streaming.
Key takeaways from this guide:
Your success depends on having the right remote (Alexa Voice Remote 2nd Gen or newer), a compatible Samsung TV (2008 onwards with HDMI-CEC), and proper configuration of both devices. Most setup failures trace back to Anynet+ being disabled on the Samsung TV or Equipment Control not completing its IR profile configuration.
When troubleshooting, always start with the basics: fresh batteries, trying HDMI port 1, and verifying Anynet+ is enabled. These three steps resolve the majority of pairing issues.
Keep both devices updated - Samsung and Amazon regularly release firmware updates that improve HDMI-CEC compatibility. Bookmark this guide for reference when troubleshooting, and remember that the Fire TV app provides a reliable backup when your physical remote isn't cooperating.
For optimizing your viewing experience beyond remote control, consider exploring Samsung TV picture settings for the best display quality. Families with children might also want to configure Samsung TV parental controls for appropriate content filtering.