You can connect Fire TV to WiFi using the Fire TV app on your phone, a USB keyboard, or by plugging in a USB cable to a computer
If you've lost your Fire TV remote or it's not working, you have three practical ways to get your device online. The fastest method is the Fire TV app on your phone — it acts as a replacement remote and lets you navigate to WiFi settings. If you don't have the app, a USB keyboard plugged into your Fire TV will let you type your WiFi password directly. A third option is connecting your Fire TV to a computer with a USB cable, which gives you access to developer tools that can configure the network.
Each method works on Fire TV Stick (all generations), Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV devices connected to a television. The phone app method is fastest if you already have it installed; the USB keyboard method is most reliable if you have one on hand.
Key Takeaways
- The Fire TV app on your phone can control your Fire TV and navigate to WiFi settings without needing the physical remote.
- A USB keyboard plugged into your Fire TV's USB port lets you type your WiFi password and connect to networks.
- If you have a computer, you can connect your Fire TV via USB cable and use developer tools to set up WiFi from your computer.
- All three methods require you to know your WiFi network name and password before you start.
Using the Fire TV app on your phone
Download the Fire TV app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iPhone). Open the app and sign in with the same Amazon account you used to set up your Fire TV device. The app will search for your Fire TV on the same network — but since your Fire TV isn't online yet, you'll need to use the app's manual connection option.
In the Fire TV app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select Settings, then Equipment Control or Devices. Choose your Fire TV device from the list. Once connected, use the app's remote interface to navigate: press the up and down arrows to highlight Settings on your Fire TV home screen, then press select. Navigate to Network and choose your WiFi network. The app will let you type your password using your phone's keyboard.
This method works best if your Fire TV and phone are on the same network or if your phone can connect to your Fire TV's temporary hotspot. If the app can't find your device, try restarting both your phone and Fire TV, then opening the app again.
Connecting a USB keyboard to your Fire TV
Plug a USB keyboard into the USB port on your Fire TV device. Most Fire TV Sticks have a USB port on the side; Fire TV Cubes have one on the back. Your Fire TV will recognize the keyboard automatically — you don't need to pair it or install drivers.
Use the keyboard arrow keys to navigate to Settings on the Fire TV home screen and press Enter. Go to Network and select your WiFi network from the list. When prompted for your password, the keyboard will let you type it directly. Press Enter to connect.
Any standard USB keyboard works — wired or wireless (if the wireless keyboard has a USB receiver). Bluetooth keyboards do not work with Fire TV unless they came with a USB adapter. If your keyboard isn't responding, unplug it, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in.
Using a computer and USB cable
Connect your Fire TV to a computer using a USB-C or Micro-USB cable (depending on your Fire TV model). On your computer, you'll need to install the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tools, which are free and available from Google's developer website.
Once ADB is installed and your Fire TV is connected, open a command prompt or terminal on your computer and type the command to list connected devices. Your Fire TV will appear in the list. From there, you can send commands to your Fire TV to connect to WiFi — the exact command depends on your Fire TV model and the network you're connecting to.
This method is more technical than the other two and requires some comfort with command-line tools. It's most useful if you're already familiar with ADB or if the other methods aren't working. Many online guides walk through the exact commands for your specific Fire TV model.
What to do if your Fire TV won't connect to WiFi
If you've entered your password correctly but your Fire TV still won't connect, restart both your Fire TV and your WiFi router. Unplug your Fire TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then restart your router the same way. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent devices from seeing the network.
Check that you're entering your WiFi password exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive, and spaces or special characters matter. If you're not sure of your password, log into your router's settings from a computer or phone to see or reset it. Your router's login information is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself.
If your Fire TV connects but then drops the connection, move it closer to your router or remove obstacles between them. Fire TV devices have built-in WiFi but can struggle with distance or thick walls. If the problem persists, your router may be having issues — try connecting another device to confirm the network is stable.
Getting your remote working again
Once your Fire TV is online, you can order a replacement remote from Amazon if yours is lost or broken. In the meantime, the Fire TV app on your phone will continue to work as a remote. You can also use any compatible Bluetooth remote — many third-party remotes work with Fire TV, and some are cheaper than Amazon's official remote.
If your remote stopped responding but you still have it, try replacing the batteries first. If that doesn't work, unpair the remote from your Fire TV and pair it again. Without a remote, you can do this through the Fire TV app by navigating to Settings > Remotes and Bluetooth Devices > Other Bluetooth Devices, then holding down the pairing button on your remote until it reconnects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the Fire TV app to connect to WiFi without a remote?
No. The Fire TV app is the easiest method, but a USB keyboard works just as well and doesn't require your phone. If you have a keyboard on hand, that's often faster than downloading and setting up the app.
Can I use any USB keyboard with Fire TV?
Yes, any wired USB keyboard will work. Wireless keyboards with USB receivers also work. Bluetooth-only keyboards do not work unless they came with a USB adapter that plugs into your Fire TV's USB port.
What if I don't know my WiFi password?
Log into your router from a computer or phone using the login information on the router itself (usually a sticker with an IP address, username, and password). Once logged in, you can view or reset your WiFi password. Write it down before you try to connect your Fire TV.
Will the Fire TV app work if my Fire TV isn't connected to WiFi yet?
The app works best if both devices are on the same network, but most versions have a manual connection option that lets you add your Fire TV even if it's offline. Check the app's settings or help section for the manual pairing steps for your specific model.
Can I use a phone charger cable to connect Fire TV to a computer?
Only if it's a USB-C or Micro-USB cable that supports data transfer, not just power. Many phone chargers are power-only and won't let your computer communicate with your Fire TV. If you're unsure, try it — your computer will tell you if the connection isn't working.