5 Reasons Your Fireplace Remote Control Is Not Working—and How to Fix It

Getting up from your cozy couch to fuss with the fireplace can feel like a Herculean task on a chilly winter night. So, when your fireplace remote control is not working, you want it fixed in a flash. Here’s why your fireplace remote isn’t working, plus some tips on how to fix it.

1. Old Batteries in Remote

When was the last time you changed the batteries in your fireplace remote? If the remote has been idle all summer and fall, the batteries may be well past their prime. Just like with a TV remote, fireplace remote batteries need replacements at least every six months.

The Solution

Remove the old batteries from the remote and replace them with compatible ones. Ensure that the positive and negative ends are properly aligned, as indicated by the labels inside the remote. In the future, plan to swap the remote batteries every six months—or at least at the start of winter when you use your fireplace most often.

2. Old Batteries in the Receiver

The remote control isn’t the only part of the fireplace that requires batteries. You’ll also need to check that the batteries in the receiver on the fireplace are in good shape. These batteries don’t need to be changed as often—aim for about once per year.

The Solution

Check your fireplace user manual for the receiver’s location. The receiver is a small black box located inside the fireplace, behind the access panel, or mounted near the fireplace on a wall. Turn off the gas supply to the fireplace, then take out the receiver to replace the batteries. Then, turn the gas supply back on and test that the receiver batteries are working. Be sure to add changing the receiving battery annually to your fireplace maintenance checklist.

3. Remote and Receiver Are Out of Sync

The types of fireplaces with remote controls use radio frequencies or infrared signals to work properly, but the remote and receiver can fall out of sync from time to time. If fresh batteries don’t do the trick, you may need to move closer to the fireplace (within 20 feet) or reset the receiver.

The Solution

First, make sure you aren’t too far for the remote signals to reach the receiver. If moving closer doesn’t work, follow the fireplace manual for model-specific instructions on resetting the receiver. Or, turn off the remote and the fireplace, unplug it, wait a few minutes, then plug it back in.

4. Pilot Light Is Off

Did you remember to turn the pilot light back on? The pilot light is a major factor in a working fireplace if you have a gas versus an electric fireplace. If the pilot light is off, the gas valve is also shut, so no amount of clicking the remote will bring a fire roaring to life.

The Solution

Go to the pilot light and make sure it is on. There is usually a valve or knob to switch on, but you can find specific instructions for lighting your fireplace’s pilot light in the user manual.

5. The Remote Is Old

Sometimes, the remote is just too old to function properly anymore, and that could be a sign it’s time to remove the fireplace and replace it with a newer model, too. 

The Solution

If the remote is older than 5 years, check with the manufacturer about ordering a replacement. A remote-controlled fireplace, whether gas or electric, typically lasts between 7 and 15 years. If your model is older, it may be time for a new one. If that’s the case, consider hiring a fireplace pro to remove and replace it, especially because this project means handling gas lines or electric wiring.

When to Call a Pro

Sometimes, if it seems like the fireplace remote control isn’t working, but you’ve checked the batteries, reset the receiver, or even replaced the remote, the issue could be with the fireplace itself. Hire a fireplace repair pro near you to inspect it. 

A pro can check if the ignition and all other fireplace parts are working properly, and inspect for any faulty or damaged wiring. The pro will make any repairs or replace broken parts as soon as possible, so you can get back to snuggling on the couch with the warmth of a fire just a click away.