[Updated] Amazon Fire TV 'remote battery drain' issue still affecting some users (workarounds inside)

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on November 28, 2022) follows:

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is one of the most affordable devices that gives an upgraded TV viewing experience by streaming tons of movies and shows.

One can instantly convert their TV into a smart one by simply plugging it into an HDMI port of the TV. Moreover, the device receives regular updates that bring several performance tweaks.

Amazon Fire TV ‘remote battery drain’ issue

However, some Amazon Fire TV users have been reporting an issue where the remote battery is draining at a remarkable rate.

My batteries on my fire tv devices are not lasting more than a few weeks. I am putting brand new batteries and even installed expensive energizer ones (which lasted 2 months compared to 3 weeks for normal alkaline). Happens on both my 2 Amazon device remotes.
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The remote doesn’t even offer a battery life that can last for a couple of days. And surprisingly enough, it seems that the issue is quite common.

Some reports suggest that the draining issue occurred after the recent update and also displays a ‘low batteries‘ sign on the display screen.

Do note that a similar issue occurred in the past too and is still affecting some users. And if it makes you feel any better, Roku owners have also reported similar issues with excessive remote battery drain.

Potential workarounds

We have come across some workarounds that can help resolve the issue related to remote battery drain on Amazon Fire TV. It involves replacing the remote with the phone using the Fire TV app.

Firetv app. It’s so much better than having to deal with the OG remote the tv comes with
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EDIT: FOUND A SOLUTION – DOWNLOADED THE FIRETV APP AND THE REMOTE IS MY IPHONE NOW ✨✨
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Those who want to keep using the remote can try a factory reset of the same. You can follow the following steps in order to do the same:

• Unplug your Fire TV and wait 60 seconds.
• Press and hold the Left button, Menu button, and Back button at the same time. Hold them for 12 seconds.
• Release the buttons and wait 5 seconds.
• Remove the batteries from your remote.
• Plug in your Fire TV and wait for 60 seconds.
• Put the batteries back in your remote.
• Press the Home button on the remote.

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Affected users can also check the updates section to ensure that the remote is not stuck in the installation process.

If the above-mentioned workarounds or tips don’t work, users can try to contact Amazon support for replacing faulty units.

I had a fire tv cube remote start eating a set of batteries every 12-24 hrs! I chatted with support for a while and they shipped.me a replacement remote for free.
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Unfortunately, Amazon is yet to say anything on the matter, so it still remains unknown how long users will have to wait before the issue is resolved.

As always, we will be keeping an eye out for the issue and update this space as and when required so make sure you stay tuned.

11:16 am (IST): A member of the Amazon staff responds to a user, stating that battery drain issues usually occur if there is a software update pending and requesting that the users check for pending updates. Check out the steps below:

Steps to check the update for the Fire TV:

1. Select “Settings” from the Fire TV menu.

2. Open “My Fire TV,” and then select “About.”

3. Select “Check for Updates.” If an update is available, it downloads automatically.

4. After the download is complete, select “Install System Update.”

Steps to check the update for remote:

1. Select “Settings” from the Fire TV menu.

2. Select “Controllers & Bluetooth Devices,” and then “Amazon Fire TV Remotes.”

3. Select your remote. If an update is available, press the “Select” button on your remote when prompted.

4. Select “Continue” to install the software update.
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03:19 pm (IST): The problem has not yet been resolved, as reports of the remote battery drain continue to come in. An Amazon staff member responded to one user and shared generic troubleshooting steps. Check out the steps below:

Featured image source: Amazon

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