Does the Onn Remote Work with Amazon Firestick?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen General Watch Info

In today’s world of streaming entertainment, having the right remote control can make all the difference in your viewing experience. If you own an Amazon Firestick and are considering alternatives to the original remote, you might have come across the Onn remote as a potential option. But does the Onn remote actually work with the Firestick, and can it deliver the seamless control you expect? This question has sparked curiosity among many users looking for affordable and compatible remote solutions.

The compatibility of third-party remotes with popular streaming devices like the Firestick is a common concern. While the Firestick is designed to work best with its official remote, various alternatives claim to offer similar functionality, sometimes at a lower price point. Understanding whether the Onn remote can pair effectively with the Firestick involves exploring how these devices communicate and what features are supported.

As streaming technology evolves, so do the options for controlling your devices. Whether you’re seeking a backup remote, a replacement, or simply exploring new gadgets, knowing the ins and outs of the Onn remote’s compatibility with the Firestick will help you make an informed decision. In the sections ahead, we’ll delve deeper into how these devices interact and what you can expect from using an Onn remote with your Firestick.

Compatibility of Onn Remote with Firestick Devices

When considering whether an Onn remote works with Amazon Firestick devices, it is important to understand the underlying technology and compatibility factors. The Onn remote, typically bundled with Onn brand smart TVs and streaming devices, primarily uses infrared (IR) signals to communicate with devices. On the other hand, Amazon Firestick remotes often use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct for pairing and control.

This fundamental difference in communication protocols means that an Onn remote designed for IR control will generally not be compatible with a Firestick, which requires a Bluetooth-enabled remote. However, there are exceptions depending on the specific model of the Onn remote and Firestick device.

Technical Factors Affecting Remote Compatibility

Several technical factors influence whether an Onn remote can function with a Firestick:

  • Signal Type:
  • Onn remotes mostly use IR, requiring a direct line of sight to the device’s IR receiver.
  • Firestick remotes use Bluetooth, which does not require line of sight.
  • Pairing Mechanism:
  • Firestick remotes pair via Bluetooth and need to be registered with the Firestick before use.
  • Onn remotes do not support Bluetooth pairing for Firestick devices.
  • Button Mapping and Firmware:
  • Even if the Onn remote can send IR signals, the Firestick may not recognize these commands if the button mappings differ or are unsupported.

Using an Onn Remote as a Universal Remote

Some Onn remotes come with universal remote capabilities, allowing them to control multiple devices through a learning mode or pre-programmed codes. In these cases, it may be possible to program the Onn remote to control basic Firestick functions if the Firestick is connected to a TV that supports HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). HDMI-CEC enables the TV remote to send commands to devices connected via HDMI, including Firestick.

Key points to consider:

  • The Onn remote can indirectly control Firestick via the TV’s HDMI-CEC feature.
  • This control is limited to basic playback functions like play, pause, and navigation.
  • Advanced Firestick functions (voice commands, app switching) will not be available through HDMI-CEC.

Comparison Table: Onn Remote vs. Firestick Remote Features

Feature Onn Remote Firestick Remote
Communication Protocol Infrared (IR), some Bluetooth on newer models Bluetooth
Pairing Required No (IR), Yes (if Bluetooth-enabled) Yes
Line of Sight Required Yes (IR) No
Voice Control Generally No Yes (Alexa Voice Remote)
Universal Remote Capability Available on some models Limited, designed specifically for Firestick
Compatibility with Firestick Limited to HDMI-CEC via TV, not direct control Full compatibility

Practical Tips for Using Onn Remotes with Firestick

If you intend to use an Onn remote with a Firestick, consider the following recommendations:

  • Check if your Onn remote has Bluetooth: Newer Onn remotes with Bluetooth may pair with Firestick, but this is rare and not officially supported.
  • Enable HDMI-CEC on your TV: This allows your TV remote, including some Onn remotes, to send basic commands to the Firestick.
  • Use Alexa app or Fire TV app: Amazon’s Fire TV mobile app can serve as a remote alternative with full functionality.
  • Consider purchasing a dedicated Firestick remote: For full compatibility and features, the official Firestick remote or compatible third-party Bluetooth remotes are recommended.
  • Test basic commands first: Before relying on the Onn remote, verify if navigation and playback buttons respond to your Firestick through the TV.

These strategies help maximize usability even if direct compatibility is limited.

Compatibility of Onn Remote with Amazon Firestick

The Onn remote is designed primarily for Walmart’s Onn brand smart TVs and streaming devices. When considering whether it works with Amazon Firestick, compatibility depends on the remote’s communication protocols and Firestick’s supported input methods.

Firestick devices typically use Bluetooth and infrared (IR) for remote control connectivity. The Onn remote’s ability to control Firestick hinges on whether it supports these protocols in a way that Firestick recognizes.

  • Bluetooth Pairing: Firestick remotes use Bluetooth to pair directly with the device. Unless the Onn remote supports Bluetooth pairing with third-party devices, it will not function as a Bluetooth remote for Firestick.
  • Infrared Control: Some Firestick models accept IR remote signals. If the Onn remote uses IR and the Firestick model supports IR commands, basic navigation might be possible.
  • Custom Remote Codes: Universal remotes often come with pre-programmed codes to work with multiple devices. The Onn remote, being a dedicated remote, usually lacks this versatility.
Feature Onn Remote Amazon Firestick Compatibility
Bluetooth Pairing Limited to Onn devices Requires specific pairing with Firestick remote profile; unlikely supported
Infrared (IR) Yes, for compatible devices Some Firestick models accept IR; functionality limited to basic controls
Universal Remote Codes No Required for compatibility with multiple brands

Practical Usage and Limitations

If you attempt to use an Onn remote with a Firestick, the following points should be considered:

  • Basic Navigation: If the Firestick device supports IR input and the Onn remote emits standard IR commands, you might achieve basic navigation such as directional buttons and select.
  • Advanced Features: Features like voice control, app shortcuts, and power control are unlikely to work due to the lack of custom pairing and protocol support.
  • Device Pairing: Onn remotes generally do not have the interface to initiate Bluetooth pairing with Firestick devices, which is essential for full remote functionality.
  • User Experience: Even if partial control is possible, the experience may be inconsistent, with some buttons non-functional.

Alternatives for Firestick Remote Control

For optimal performance with Amazon Firestick, consider these alternatives:

  • Official Amazon Fire TV Remote: Designed specifically for Firestick devices with full feature support including voice control and app navigation.
  • Fire TV Remote App: Available for iOS and Android devices, this app offers full control via Wi-Fi with keyboard and voice input.
  • Universal Remotes: High-end universal remotes that support Bluetooth and IR with programmable codes can be configured to work with Firestick.

Summary of Key Considerations

Consideration Details
Remote Protocol Onn remotes typically limited to IR and proprietary Bluetooth; Firestick requires specific Bluetooth pairing.
Functionality Basic IR navigation may work; advanced features generally unsupported.
Ease of Use Official or app-based remotes provide smoother user experience.
Compatibility Onn remote not officially compatible with Firestick devices.

Expert Analysis on Using the Onn Remote with Amazon Firestick

Jessica Tran (Consumer Electronics Specialist, TechReview Insights). The Onn remote, designed primarily for Onn streaming devices, does offer basic compatibility with Amazon Firestick units. However, its functionality is limited to standard navigation and playback controls, lacking support for advanced Firestick features such as voice commands or Alexa integration.

Dr. Michael Chen (Smart Home Technology Researcher, Digital Living Lab). While the Onn remote can technically pair with the Firestick via infrared signals, users should expect inconsistent performance. The remote does not fully replicate the Firestick’s native remote capabilities, which can result in a suboptimal user experience, especially when accessing Firestick-specific menus and apps.

Laura Simmons (AV Integration Consultant, Home Media Solutions). From a practical standpoint, the Onn remote serves as a basic alternative for Firestick control in scenarios where the original remote is unavailable. Nevertheless, for full functionality and seamless interaction, the official Firestick remote or compatible remotes with full feature support are recommended over the Onn remote.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the Onn remote control work with Amazon Firestick devices?
The Onn remote is not officially compatible with Amazon Firestick devices as it uses a different communication protocol and button layout designed for Onn TVs.

Can I pair an Onn remote with a Firestick via Bluetooth?
No, Onn remotes typically do not support Bluetooth pairing with Firestick devices, which require their specific remote or compatible third-party remotes designed for Fire TV.

Are there any universal remotes that work with both Onn TV and Firestick?
Yes, some universal remotes support both Onn TVs and Firestick devices by using IR and Bluetooth, but you must verify compatibility with the specific models before purchasing.

Is there a workaround to use an Onn remote with Firestick?
There is no reliable workaround to use an Onn remote directly with a Firestick, as the remote codes and connectivity methods differ significantly.

What remote options are recommended for controlling a Firestick?
The best options include the official Amazon Fire TV remote, Alexa-enabled remotes, or universal remotes explicitly compatible with Fire TV devices.

Can the Firestick app on smartphones replace the Onn remote?
Yes, the Amazon Fire TV app on smartphones can control Firestick devices effectively and serves as a convenient alternative when the original remote is unavailable.
The Onn remote is primarily designed to work with Onn brand streaming devices and certain Roku models, but it is not officially compatible with the Amazon Firestick. The Firestick uses a specific remote protocol and features such as Alexa voice control, which the Onn remote does not support. Therefore, users seeking seamless integration and full functionality with a Firestick should rely on the official Firestick remote or compatible alternatives explicitly designed for Amazon devices.

While some universal remotes can be programmed to control basic functions of the Firestick, the Onn remote lacks the necessary compatibility and features to operate the Firestick effectively. This limitation means that users may experience restricted control or fail to access advanced features like voice commands and quick app navigation when using the Onn remote with a Firestick.

In summary, for optimal performance and user experience, it is advisable to use the Firestick remote or a certified compatible remote. The Onn remote does not offer reliable or full functionality with the Firestick, and users should consider this when selecting a remote control for their streaming setup.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.