How to Remove the Back Plate of the Amazon Fire Remote

At first glance, the Amazon Firestick looks like a regular TV remote. In fact, it might even appear to lack certain functionalities compared to your everyday remote. However, this device packs quite a punch and the new models contain some features that are pretty amazing. Although it’s a wireless device, the Firestick is powered like any other remote and will require a change of batteries after a while. That said, some users have found opening the back plate of the remote pretty confusing.

Here’s how to remove the back plate on the Firestick as well as how to deal with some other issues.

The Device Itself

While the old Amazon Fire TV Stick didn’t support 4K UHD resolution, the new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K comes with 4K HDR playback capabilities and offers improved features and specifications, such as an 802.11ac Wi-Fi chip, as well as a quad-core processor that works at 1.7GHz, which is more than satisfactory.

Unlike most remote controllers, the Firestick is equipped with a voice feature that can help you access the majority of typical apps. The Firestick offers a wide variety of great apps, but some simply aren’t there. For instance, Now TV, a major streaming service, is not included. The voice feature also doesn’t cover all the big services, which can be a bit unnerving. That said, as long as you stick to Amazon apps and services, the Firestick will give you full functionality.

Overall, the Amazon Firestick is a fantastic device that comes at a more than agreeable price and offers a wide array of functionalities and features.

Design-wise, it measures at 85.9 x 30.0 x 12.6mm, which is a very convenient size. It is significantly smaller than your regular TV remotes. It is black, sleek, and minimalistic, which will appeal to everyone. Its simplistic design and comfortable size make it one of the best-designed remotes currently available. If you mostly watch Amazon videos on your TV, there is no better device than the Amazon Firestick.

Removing the Back Plate

Although removing the back of the Firestick device to replace the batteries isn’t too complex, you’re better off following this tutorial carefully, rather than trying on your own, at the risk of causing harm to the device.

First of all, regardless of its version, you won’t need to open the back when you’ve bought the device. It comes packed with fully charged batteries and should connect to your TV and work, straight out of the box. However, after continued usage, the batteries will need changing. This is where the following tutorial comes in useful. Follow it carefully to avoid potential remote and battery issues.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 2017

This one is the first generation of Firestick. This model features batteries positioned in a side-by-side fashion. The entire back plate of the device is removable by simply pulling the cover off the device.

First, flip the Firestick and find the tiny arrow-shaped indent towards the bottom of the device. Turn the device so that the bottom side is facing you (hold it vertically). Now, apply gradual pressure on the arrow (don’t squeeze too hard) and start pushing the back cover upwards. You’ll hear a click. This means that you can remove the cover. Take out the batteries using your fingernails or a screwdriver, but be careful not to damage the electronics. Once removed, replace the batteries with new ones.

Now, put the cover back into place by following the opposite actions to those used to remove it.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K 2018

The 2018 model of the Firestick comes with a vast variety of improved features, but in terms of battery replacement, it isn’t hugely different from the 2017 model. Here, batteries aren’t aligned, side-by-side, but rather vertically.

To remove the cover, first flip the remote and find the tiny indent on the back. Hold the Firestick vertically, with its top side facing you. Take your thumb and apply an amount of pressure to the indent part of the device and slowly shift the pressure upwards. Keep on pushing and pressing until the back cover starts sliding out. When the cover is detached, take out the batteries using your fingernails or a screwdriver and insert the new AAAs.

Put the cover in alignment with the remote and slide it down until you hear a snap.

Other Issues

People have encountered a variety of small, easy-to-solve issues that may have put them off the device. Here are some of the more common ones, along with remedial advice.

Unsuccessful Pairing

Your regular TV remote uses the IR technology to connect to your TV and operate. The Amazon Firestick, on the other hand, is based on Bluetooth technology. This means that you first need to make sure that a solid connection is established with the Fire TV Stick before you start using it. Make sure that your Fire TV Stick is plugged into the HDMI port on your TV and that it is connected to the power source by the MicroUSB.

Now, bring the remote to the Fire TV (make sure that it’s close) and hold the Home button on the Firestick remote. It should take about ten seconds for the device to pair.

Poor Range

Although the Firestick is a Bluetooth-powered device, which means that it doesn’t need a clear line of sight in order to work, obstructions may still cause issues. If you’re using the Firestick in a large room, try shifting things around or moving some potential obstructions.

Interference

This is a rare occurrence, but some devices may cause interference with the Firestick, causing it to malfunction. Keep an eye out for microwave radiation, unshielded coaxial cables, and wireless speakers (especially Bluetooth) in the vicinity. These devices may cause problems for your Firestick’s functionality.

Firestick Is Not Complex

As you can see, Firestick is a fairly simple-to-use device. In the past, it has been known to cause certain issues, but all of these are easily solvable, even if you aren’t tech-savvy. Replacing the batteries on this device is a simple task and so is solving the other issues mentioned.

Are you experiencing any issues with the Amazon Firestick? Is there another issue that wasn’t listed here? Take look at our comments section to find a potential solution and don’t be afraid to ask for help.