Is your Toshiba Fire TV stuck on “searching for remote” screen, feeling annoyed and unable to figure out how to bypass it?
This issue affects a lot of users and it is not limited to Toshiba Fire TVs. Insignia Fire TVs, JVC, and other TVs using Amazon Fire TV OS are also affected.
In general, this error occurs during the initial setup of the TV. Once you get past the language screen, the TV starts searching for the remote and stays like that for hours.
In other words, if you are setting up your Fire TV for the first time, or if you have just hard reset it or restored the settings to factory default, the initial setup gets triggered and the TV gets stuck on Searching For Remote.
In case you are in the same situation, don’t worry, I’ll guide you to get it sorted. I’ve also researched it and included all the working methods and other information which you might find helpful.
Without further ado, let’s begin troubleshooting.
Note: This Guide Works On All Fire TV Edition TVs (Toshiba, Insignia, JVC, etc)
How To Bypass Searching For Remote on Toshiba Fire TV (All Fire TVs)?
Firstly, make sure the remote you are using is Bluetooth rather than infrared before beginning troubleshooting.
The problem with infrared remotes is that they control some functions like switching the TV on/off or changing the volume, but not others and that’s why you will be greeted by searching for remote messages on your Fire TV screen for hours.
Note: It is important to note that Toshiba and Insignia Fire Edition TVs do not come with Amazon Fire TV remotes but it is required for those steps during the startup configuration during the reset process.
Change Batteries
The second thing that you need to remember is to make sure your Fire TV remote has enough juice after you have made sure it is a Bluetooth remote rather than an infrared remote.
Though it may seem that it controls the TV, the remote requires fresh batteries for initial setup and configuration to make sure it pairs up properly and functions properly.
Hence, if your Fire TV is stuck on “Searching for remote screen” try replacing the remote batteries with fresh ones and try the process again.
Reset Remote
Resetting the remote on your Toshiba Fire TV Edition TV is also required if you are getting a “searching for the remote” message and it is not responding to button presses.
To reset, make sure the TV is off and then press and hold down the Menu button, Back button, and left side of the navigation ring all at once for 10 seconds.
You may have to repeat this step a few times as sometimes resetting can take up to three attempts before it works properly.
After that, try using your remote again to see if it has been successfully reset and you can bypass the “searching for remote” screen.
Use Amazon Fire TV App
I have seen people who got themselves used Fire TVs (Toshiba and Insignia) but without the original remotes. They either get generic remotes or sometimes get only TVs without any of the remotes.
In such cases when they initially set up their Fire TV, they get stuck on the “searching for remote” screen and are not able to bypass it.
In those cases using the Fire TV App is the best alternative to complete the initial setup and bypass the “searching for remote” message easily.
Here’s how to do it:
Connect the TV to your router with an ethernet wire. Use the Amazon app on your iOS or Android device to navigate through the configuration process.
Once the TV has been set up, you can pair your “replacement non-OEM remote” to the TV, or a universal Infrared Remote set to Insignia codes can also work for just about everything.
Get Replacement Remote
If you have exhausted all other options to get your Toshiba Fire TV remote working, the last resort is to get a replacement.
Fortunately, ordering a new remote for your Fire TV is easy and quick. Depending on where you order from, it can usually be shipped out within 24 hours or less but make sure that you go for Bluetooth remote instead of a universal or infrared remote.
Replacement Remote Part Numbers that Do work for Insignia and Toshiba Fire TV Edition TVs:
- NS-RCFNA-19
- NS-RCFNA-21
- CT-RC1US-19
- CT-RC1US-21
Can’t Pair Toshiba Fire TV Remote?
If you are not able to pair your Toshiba Fire TV remote with your TV, don’t worry, simply follow the below process which I outlined and it includes the correct process to pair as well as troubleshooting.
How to troubleshoot and pair the remote with Fire TV:
- Press and hold the Home button on the remote for 10 seconds, the remote should pair with the device within one minute.
- If that doesn’t work, unplug the power adapter from the Fire TV device or from the wall outlet.
- While the Fire TV device is off, reset the Fire TV remote by pressing the Menu button, the Back button, and the left side of the navigation ring at the same time. Hold all of these buttons for 10 seconds.
- Remove the batteries from the Fire TV remote and plug in the Fire TV device. Wait for the Home screen to appear.
- Put the batteries back in the Fire TV remote and wait for one minute.
- If the remote still hasn’t paired, press and hold the Home button on the remote for 10 seconds.
Conclusion
Getting the “searching for remote” screen stuck on your Toshiba Fire TV is frustrating. The good news is that you can easily bypass it with the methods that I have covered above.
Moreover, The best option is to use the Fire TV App on your iOS or Android device. This will allow you to bypass the “searching for remote” message and complete the initial setup process.
If all else fails, ordering a replacement Bluetooth remote can help get your Toshiba Fire TV back up and running in no time.
