Toshiba TV Stuck On Searching For Remote – Easy Fix

Become too much frustrated to bypass “searching for remote” prompt on your Toshiba Fire TV?

Many users are facing this problem, which is not specific to Toshiba Fire TVs. Other TVs running the Amazon Fire TV OS, like JVC and Insignia Fire TVs, are also impacted.

This problem typically happens when a TV is set up (First time). The TV starts looking for the remote as soon as you pass the language selection screen and continues doing so for hours.

To put it another way, the initial setup is triggered when you first set up your Fire TV or when you have recently performed a hard reset or restored the settings to their factory defaults, and the TV becomes stuck on the Looking For Remote screen.

If you find yourself in a similar scenario, don’t worry; I’ll show you how to resolve it. Also, I did research on it and included all of the operational procedures and other data that you could find useful.

Let’s get started troubleshooting right now.

Note: This Guide Works On All Fire TV Edition TVs (Toshiba, Insignia, JVC, etc)

Problem -1 Toshiba TV Stuck on Searching For Remote

How to Bypass Toshiba TV Searching For Remote?

Before start fixing, first make sure that the remote you are using is Bluetooth and not infrared.

Because infrared remotes can only operate selected features, such as turning the TV on or off or altering the volume, you will be rewarded by hours of looking for remote messages on your Fire TV screen.

The Amazon Fire TV remote is not included with the Toshiba and Insignia Fire Edition TVs, it is necessary for those steps during startup configuration and reset.

How to Fix it:

Replace batteries

After making sure it is a Bluetooth remote rather than an infrared remote, the second thing you need to keep in mind is to make sure your Fire TV remote has sufficient battery life.

The remote needs fresh batteries for initial setup and configuration to ensure appropriate pairing and operation, despite the fact that it may appear to operate the TV.

Try changing the remote batteries with new ones and repeating the process if your Fire TV is stuck on the “Searching for remote screen” screen.

Reset Remote

If a Toshiba Fire TV Edition TV’s remote displays the message “looking for the remote” and is not responding to button presses, it needs to be reset.

Make sure the TV is off before attempting to reset it by simultaneously pressing and holding down the Menu, Back, and left side of the navigation ring for 10 seconds.

This step might need to be repeated several times because resetting occasionally needs to be tried three times before it is successful.

If your remote has been successfully reset and you can skip the “looking for remote” screen after that, try using it again.

Re-Pair Remote

In case power cycling the remote does not work, it is possible that your remote un-paired itself from your Toshiba Fire TV!

Process for re-pairing your remote will differ depending on the type of remote you have. When you remove the battery cover on the improved Toshiba Fire TV, you’ll find a pairing button on the back of the remote.

Simply hold down this pairing button for 15 seconds to connect.

If your remote does not include a pairing button, press and hold the home button for 30 seconds while pointing the remote squarely at the TV.

After 30 seconds, the remote should begin to blink. If it does not blink, try stopping and restarting the process.

Wait about 30 seconds after the remote begins to blink before attempting to use it.

This should reestablish Bluetooth contact between the remote and your TV.

If it doesn’t work, try pressing and holding the back, left, and menu buttons simultaneously for 30 seconds while pointing the remote at the TV.

Use the Amazon Fire TV app

Without the original remotes, I’ve seen folks purchase old Fire TVs (Toshiba and Insignia). They either receive universal remote controls or, on sometimes, just TVs without any remote controls.

In some situations, when customers first set up their Fire TV, they are unable to move past the “looking for remote” screen and become trapped there.

The best alternative in certain circumstances to finish the basic setup and quickly get past the “looking for remote” prompt is to use the Fire TV App.

Here’s how to do it:

Use an Ethernet cable to connect the TV to your router. To manage the setup process, use the Amazon app on your iOS or Android device.

Once the TV is configured, you can link a “replacement non-OEM remote” with it, or you can use a universal infrared remote programmed with Insignia codes to operate almost anything.

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

Problem -2 Toshiba Fire TV Remote Not Pairing After Factory Reset

Here is what you do:

• Disconnect your Fire TV Stick from the power adapter and the television.
• Reset the Fire TV remote by immediately pressing the Home, Back, and left side of the navigation ring with the Fire TV device turned off and unplugged. Hold each button down for 25 seconds. The Fire TV device will not be factory reset by performing this step. The Fire TV settings on the remote are gone.
• Plug in the Fire TV device after removing the batteries from the remote control. Hold off until the Home screen appears.
• Reinstall the batteries in the Fire TV remote control, then wait a minute.
• Press and hold the Home button on the remote for 10 seconds if the remote hasn’t paired by then.

Other Reasons:

Change Battery

A dead or failing battery is one of the frequent causes of Fire TV Stick remote not pairing before or after factory reset. I advised you to put some new batteries in the remote.

Clean Battery Compartment

Often, the battery compartment’s corrosion or dirt prevent the remote from properly activating. The batteries must be taken out before you clean the two metal connectors with a tissue or a fresh piece of clothing. Insert the batteries next, then unplug the Fire TV Stick to restart it. Try pairing it with your remote after that.

Contact Support

Please get in touch with their Customer Care department directly if this doesn’t work. They can assist you in real time in this way.

Problem – 3 Toshiba TV Stuck On Remote Update

The most likely cause of this problem is internal hardware defect, meaning a main/control board. Likely its due to defect of the material used and/or often the cause of a power event. This could also be the result of just usage of the device

The most likely source of this issue is an internal hardware fault, which might be a main/control board. It is most likely due to a material defect and/or the source of a power event.

This could also be the result of just usage of the device.

Here is what you do:

2 Method: I would recommend hopefully it will fix this problem:

1^st Method

1. Unplug the TV power cord from the electrical outlet and all other sources connect (Roku, Cable Box, etc)
2. Let the television remain without power for 5 minutes.
3. Plug the power cord back into the electrical outlet for all the devices.
4. Note: If your TV was previously plugged into a power strip or surge protector, plug it directly into the wall outlet instead in case the power strip or surge protector was causing a problem.
5. Turn on the TV by pressing the power button for 5 seconds.

2^nd Method

1. Unplug the power cord from the outlet
2. Wait at least 30 minutes
3. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds if possible.

If this does not work then most probably the hardware issue and you need to contact service support center if your TV under warranty or get assistance from Professional Technician.

Problem -4 Toshiba Fire TV remote not working only power button works

What are the reasons for this?

• Remote hasn’t properly paired
• Batteries are Weak
• Too much dirt and Dust stop the Remote function Buttons

Here is what you do:

Remote hasn’t properly paired

When the remote is not properly associated with your device, the buttons normally do not work. To pair it again, hold down the Home button on the remote for at least 10 seconds.

Batteries are Weak

Remote batteries could be old and in need of replacement. Putting new batteries in the remote could very likely solve your problem.

You’d be shocked how often this is the source of the problem!

Too Much Dirt and Dust Stop the Remote Function Buttons

First Remove the back panel, remove the batteries, and hold down the power button on the remote for 30 seconds if your Toshiba Fire TV remote is not working. Then, mash all of the buttons and pat the remote against your palm a few times.  Clean the buttons with cloth to make sure free of dust and replace the batteries.

You might want to see this:

• Insignia Fire Tv Remote Not Working – Reasons – How to fix it?
• Firestick Remote Troubleshooting
• Resetting Amazon Fire Remote