Equipment Control Unavailable on Firestick: How to Fix It
If you’re a Fire TV user, you might have come across the frustrating problem of equipment control not being available.
This happens when you try to access the equipment control settings on your Firestick, which normally allows you to use your remote to manage other devices connected to your TV.
With equipment control, you can do things like turning the device on or off, adjusting the volume, and muting it.
So, it can be really annoying when this function suddenly stops working. But fear not, there are a few potential solutions to tackle this issue.
One common reason for equipment control not being available is that HDMI CEC Device Control is turned off.
To fix this, go to your Fire TV settings and make sure that HDMI CEC Device Control is turned on.
If it’s already on and the feature is still not working, try power cycling your devices.
Power cycle the TV and ensure to disconnect the power source for the Firestick as well.
But that’s not all! There are more fixes to explore.
Causes of Equipment Control Unavailable on Firestick
Am sure you must be wondering why your Firestick equipment control is not available.
Apparently, there could be several reasons why this feature is not available.
Here are some common reasons why you may be experiencing this problem:
Outdated Software
The first and most common reason why equipment control may not be available is outdated software.
Fire TV equipment control requires the latest software updates to work correctly.
If your device’s software is not up-to-date, you may face issues with equipment control.
Connection Issues
Connection issues can also cause problems with equipment control.
If your devices are not connected correctly, you may not be able to use equipment control.
Ensure that your devices are connected together and are within range of each other.
Disabled HDMI CEC
HDMI CEC is a feature that allows you to control your TV and other devices using a single remote.
If HDMI CEC is disabled on your TV, you won’t be able to use equipment control. To enable HDMI CEC, go to your TV’s settings and turn this on manually.
TV with Fire TV Built-In
If you have a TV with Fire TV built-in, you may not be able to use equipment control.
Fire TV equipment control works with external devices like A/V receivers and soundbars.
If you are trying to use equipment control with a TV that has Fire TV built-in, while some works well, you may not be able to do so.
How to Fix Equipment Control Unavailable on Firestick
Check Your Connected Network
To begin with, If you’re experiencing the “Equipment Control not available” error on your Fire TV, the first place to look is your device network connection.
Here are some steps you can take to check your Fire TV network:
Check your internet connection
Make sure your Fire TV is still connected to the internet. Go to Settings >> Network and check if your network is listed.
If it’s not, try reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network.
Check your internet speed
If your internet connection is weak or slow, it could be causing problems with your Fire TV’s equipment control.
To check your internet speed, you can use a site like Speedtest.net or Fast.com.
Check for interference
If your Fire TV is still having trouble connecting to your network, it could be due to interference from other devices.
Try moving your Fire TV closer to your router or away from other electronics that could be causing interference.
Move the Router Closer to the TV
One way to improve the signal strength is to move the router closer to the TV.
This will reduce any potential interference from walls, furniture, or other obstacles.
Before you move the router, it’s important to check the signal strength in the room where the TV is located.
You can do this by going to Settings >> Network >> Wi-Fi on your Fire TV and selecting your network.
If the signal strength is weak, moving the router closer to the TV may help.
If moving the router isn’t possible, you can consider using a Wi-Fi extender to rebroadcast the signal.
This can help improve the signal strength and reduce interference.
There are many different types of Wi-Fi extenders available, so be sure to choose the right one for you.
When moving the router or using a Wi-Fi extender, make sure there are no obstructions blocking the signal.
Since walls, furniture, and other objects can interfere with the signal and reduce the strength, try placing the router or extender in a clear, open space for the best results.
Enable HDMI CEC for Your Fire TV
Another thing you can try if your facing this issue is to enable HDMI CEC option on your device.
HDMI CEC is a feature that allows devices connected via HDMI to communicate with each other, enabling you to control multiple devices with a single remote.
Enabling HDMI CEC could be the solution you need.
Here’s how to enable HDMI CEC on your Fire TV:
- Grab your Fire TV remote.
- Locate and press the Settings.
- You can also navigate to the top right corner and click on the gear icon.
- Scroll way down and click on Display & Audio.
- Go through the options and select HDMI CEC Device Control.
- Now ensure this feature is turned on before going back to the home screen.
Go back to the equipment control settings to see if the problem has been resolved.
If you’re still experiencing the issues after enabling HDMI CEC, try restarting your Fire TV or your TV with the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Restart Your Fire TV
Restarting your device is often an excellent and simple way to fix software-related issues.
Many times, a quick restart works wonders, especially when the problem is caused by a software glitch or bugs.
So, as you’re experiencing the equipment control not available on your Firestick, try performing a quick restart as well – it might be all you need to resolve the issue.
Here’s a simply steps you can adapt to do it:
- Unplug your device: This is the simplest way to restart your Fire TV. Just unplug the power cord or adapter for three seconds, and then plug it back in.
- Restart from the menu: If you prefer to restart your device from the menu, follow these steps:
- a. Go to Settings on your Fire TV.
- b. Select My Fire TV.
- c. Select Restart.
Use the remote control button combination: If you’re unable to access the menu,
you can still restart your Fire TV by using the remote control button combination. Here’s how:
- Hold down the Back button and the Right button on your Fire TV remote for 10 seconds.
- Wait for the reset screen to pop up.
- Select Reset.
Restarting your Fire TV should help fix any minor glitches and give your system a fresh start.
However, if you’re still experiencing issues with your equipment control still saying not available, there are still few fixes you can try below.
Update Your Fire TV
Installing software updates is essential for TVs to ensure they have the latest features, improvements, and security patches.
This ensure they runs the last operating system and have the recent features.
As the issue persist, updating your Fire TV software may help fix the issue.
Here are the steps to update your Firestick:
- Go to Settings on your Fire TV.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Select About.
- Select Check for System Update.
- If there is an update available, your device will download and install it automatically. Once the update is complete, check if the equipment control is available again.
Reset Your Fire TV
On a final note, the last effective solution you can try out is to reset your Fire TV.
Resetting the device can help resolve various software-related problems, including connectivity issues with equipment control.
Here’s how you can reset your Fire TV:
- Navigate to the home screen on your Fire TV by pressing the Home button on your remote.
- Using the remote, select Settings from the menu.
- In the Settings menu, scroll right and choose My Fire TV (or Device & Software in some older versions).
- Select Reset to Factory Defaults or Reset (depending on your device’s software version).
- You may be prompted to enter your Amazon account password or PIN to proceed with the reset.
- After confirming the reset, your Fire TV will begin the process, and it may take a few minutes to complete.
- Once the reset is finished, your Fire TV will reboot, and it will be restored to its original factory settings.
Please note that performing a factory reset will erase all your settings, preferences, and installed apps.
Therefore, it’s essential to back up any important data or settings before proceeding with the reset.
After the reset, you can set up your Fire TV again and check if the equipment control not available issue has been resolved.
Contact Amazon Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and still cannot access equipment control on your Fire TV, the next step is to contact Amazon Support.
They have a team of experts who can help you resolve the issue.
Here are some ways to contact Amazon Support:
Contact Amazon via Phone
You can call Amazon support at 1-888-280-4331. This is a toll-free number, so you won’t be charged for the call.
Make sure you have your Fire TV serial number handy when you call.
Contact Amazon via Live Chat
You can also contact Amazon support via live chat.
To do this, go to the Amazon website and click on the “Contact Us” button at the bottom of the page.
Then, select the “Chat” option and follow the prompts.
Contact Amazon via Email
If you prefer to email Amazon support, you can do so by logging into your Amazon account and going to the “Contact Us” page.
Then, select the “Email” option and fill out the form.
When you contact Amazon support, make sure you explain the issue in detail and provide any relevant information.
The support team will then work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Remember, Amazon support is there to help you, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, resolving the issue of Fire TV equipment control not available is achievable with a few straightforward steps.
Start by ensuring that your Fire TV is correctly connected to a wireless network.
Check for any software updates and install them to ensure your Fire TV is running the latest version.
If the problem persists, try resetting your Fire TV to its factory defaults, as this can often fix software-related issues.
Remember to back up important data before performing the reset.
By following these steps and troubleshooting methods, you can restore equipment control functionality to your Fire TV in no time.
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