I can't seem to figure out which voice commands should I use to search for content on Netflix, specifically on Fire TV Stick using Alexa.
For example:
When I say: "Alexa, open Netflix."
Alexa responds: "Netflix doesn't support that."
When I say: "Alexa play Friends (or any movie or show) on Netflix."
Alexa shows me only Amazon Prime content for buying or renting.
So far, the ONLY voice command that seems to work regarding Netflix on my Fire TV Stick is "Alexa, go to Netflix". It opens the Netflix App, but that's it.
I own a Fire TV Stick 4K (latest version), have the Netflix App already installed on it and I'm logged in to it. Other than the voice commands failing, Netflix works normally when navigated using the controller buttons.
I have read online that you CAN in fact search and play content from Netflix on the Fire TV Stick using only voice commands from the remote as well as from linked Echos.
Does anyone know the correct voice commands?
Have I been misinformed and this is not supported?
I can't seem to figure out which voice commands should I use to search for content on Netflix, specifically on Fire TV Stick using Alexa.
For example:
When I say: "Alexa, open Netflix."
Alexa responds: "Netflix doesn't support that."
When I say: "Alexa play Friends (or any movie or show) on Netflix."
Alexa shows me only Amazon Prime content for buying or renting.
So far, the ONLY voice command that seems to work regarding Netflix on my Fire TV Stick is "Alexa, go to Netflix". It opens the Netflix App, but that's it.
I own a Fire TV Stick 4K (latest version), have the Netflix App already installed on it and I'm logged in to it. Other than the voice commands failing, Netflix works normally when navigated using the controller buttons.
I have read online that you CAN in fact search and play content from Netflix on the Fire TV Stick using only voice commands from the remote as well as from linked Echos.
Does anyone know the correct voice commands?
Have I been misinformed and this is not supported?
Hi untitled_user!
I'm sorry that you have this problem. Did you try to uninstall and reinstall the Netflix App on your device to see if it works? If not i found a Help page from Netflix about how to use your Fire TV device with Netflix.
Doreen, Is there any link to a page for available voice commands for the Fire devices as well was which commands work on which devices (e..g. Are there different commands for the Cube 2.0, Cube 1.0, Echo, 4K and non 4K sticks?)
I'm sorry that you have this problem. Did you try to uninstall and reinstall the Netflix App on your device to see if it works? If not i found a Help page from Netflix about how to use your Fire TV device with Netflix.
I hope this helps! Thank you.
Thanks for your input, Doreen.
Unfortunately, I had already found that page and it doesn't answer my questions.
I will try reinstalling Netflix tonight and I'll let you know, although I doubt this will fix it.
Also, I just remembered that I have both a Broadlink Scene and an Alexa Routine under the name "NETFLIX". Maybe disabling/deleting them may fix the issue as they may be conflicting with the Fire TV voice commands that include the word "Netflix" on them, making Alexa think that I'm trying to summon either one.
Unfortunately, I had already found that page and it doesn't answer my questions.
I will try reinstalling Netflix tonight and I'll let you know, although I doubt this will fix it.
Also, I just remembered that I have both a Broadlink Scene and an Alexa Routine under the name "NETFLIX". Maybe disabling/deleting them may fix the issue as they may be conflicting with the Fire TV voice commands that include the word "Netflix" on them, making Alexa think that I'm trying to summon either one.
Doreen, Is there any link to a page for available voice commands for the Fire devices as well was which commands work on which devices (e..g. Are there different commands for the Cube 2.0, Cube 1.0, Echo, 4K and non 4K sticks?)
Hi winrose46. I'm sorry, but we do not have a specific list about the comments. However, i would recommend you leave a feedback about such list. Below are some commands that i was able to find.
Power on and Switch to Fire TV
These commands power on the TV and switch to Fire TV only when Settings > Equipment Control > Equipment Control is set to Automatic and Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > TV > Power Controls> Power Command is set to Discrete On/Off.
They only power on the A/V receiver or sound bar when Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > AV Receiver/Soundbar > Power Controls > Power Command is set to Discrete On/Off. This setting is not available for all audio devices.
"[Alexa,] turn on the TV."
TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) power on.
Also switches to the Fire TV input if Settings Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > Advanced Settings > Power On Input is set to Fire TV.
"[Alexa,] turn on Fire TV."
TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) turn on and switch to the Fire TV input.
"[Alexa,] play [movie or TV show]."
Three things happen:
Powers on the TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) when these devices are off and Settings > Equipment Control is set to Automatic and Settings Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > TV > Power Controls > Power Command is set to Discrete On/Off.
Switches to Fire TV input.
Starts playing the requested content or shows the content detail page if there are purchase options.
"[Alexa,] search for [content]."
Three things happen:
Powers on the TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) when these devices are off and Settings > Equipment Control > Equipment Control is set to Automatic and Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > TV > Power Controls > Power Command is set to Discrete On/Off.
Switches to Fire TV input.
Displays search results onscreen.
Power On and Switch to Fire TV
"[Alexa,] tune to [channel name or number] on [Cable/Satellite]."
If not on, TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) turn on and switch to the channel on cable or satellite.* If TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) are on, switch to the channel on cable or satellite. Changes inputs if needed.
"[Alexa,] switch to [Cable/Satellite]."
Switches inputs to cable or satellite.
"[Alexa,] turn on [Cable/Satellite]."
Turns on cable box or satellite receiver.
"[Alexa,] turn off [Cable/Satellite]."
Turns off cable box or satellite receiver, if it supports this.
Note: Customers choose whether they name their equipment "Cable" or "Satellite." If they set up their satellite receiver as "Cable" they need to say "Cable."
These commands power on the TV only when Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > Cable/Satellite > Power Controls > Power Control is set to ON and Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment> Cable/Satellite > Power Controls > Power Command is set to Discrete On/Off. Customers don't see the setting if it's not supported for their device. If you change this, test powering the TV off and on. If it doesn't work, change back to Power Toggle.
Volume
"[Alexa,] volume up/down."
Increases the volume of the TV, A/V receiver, or sound bar. Decreases the volume of the TV, A/V receiver, or sound bar.
"[Alexa,] mute." "[Alexa,] mute on/off"
Mutes/unmutes the sound of the TV, A/V receiver, or sound bar.
You can adjust the how much the volume changes at Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > TV/AV Receiver/Soundbar > Volume Increments.
To see which device controls the volume, go to Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > Advanced Settings > Volume Control Device. This setting is only available if a customer has both a TV and an audio device.
Other Commands
"[Alexa,] turn on/off the receiver."
Powers on/off the A/V receiver (if set up with equipment control).
"[Alexa,] turn on/off the sound bar."
Powers on/off the sound bar (if set up with equipment control).
"[Alexa,] go Home."
Goes to the Fire TV Home screen. Switches inputs, if needed.
"[Alexa,] switch to HDMI [1/2/3/4]."
Switches inputs to HDMI [1/2/3/4]. Only for the TV, not A/V receivers. Not all TVs support this.
"[Alexa,] switch inputs."
Flips to the next input one by one or brings up the input menu. Not all TVs support this.
"[Alexa,] switch to [device]."
Switches inputs to a device set up at Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > Add Equipment
"[Alexa,] turn off the TV."
TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) turn off.
I can't seem to figure out which voice commands should I use to search for content on Netflix, specifically on Fire TV Stick using Alexa.
For example:
When I say: "Alexa, open Netflix."
Alexa responds: "Netflix doesn't support that."
When I say: "Alexa play Friends (or any movie or show) on Netflix."
Alexa shows me only Amazon Prime content for buying or renting.
So far, the ONLY voice command that seems to work regarding Netflix on my Fire TV Stick is "Alexa, go to Netflix". It opens the Netflix App, but that's it.
I own a Fire TV Stick 4K (latest version), have the Netflix App already installed on it and I'm logged in to it. Other than the voice commands failing, Netflix works normally when navigated using the controller buttons.
I have read online that you CAN in fact search and play content from Netflix on the Fire TV Stick using only voice commands from the remote as well as from linked Echos.
Does anyone know the correct voice commands?
Have I been misinformed and this is not supported?
Make sure that the Netflix app is up to date. Voice control was added a year ago and it should be supporting all basic commands. If it is supported and up to date all the usual commands should work. Things like “Alexa, pause”, “Alexa, skip ahead 30 seconds”, “Alexa, next episode”, "Alexa play Friends", etc. When you asked it "Alexa play Friends on Netflix." it should have opened Netflix and played it there. And if you had said "Alexa play Friends" it should have asked you where to play it (Prime Video or Netflix).
The following are the commands that Netflix supported back when the feature launched last year.
“Alexa, open / start Netflix” “Alexa, watch [movie title] on Netflix” “Alexa, fast forward [#] minutes” “Alexa, rewind [#] seconds” “Alexa, next / next episode” “Alexa, previous episode” “Alexa, move right” “Alexa, move left” “Alexa, move down” “Alexa, move up” “Alexa, scroll right” “Alexa, scroll left” “Alexa, play” “Alexa, pause” “Alexa, stop” “Alexa, start over” “Alexa, play from the beginning” “Alexa, skip ahead [#] minutes/seconds” “Alexa, jump back [#] minutes/seconds” “Alexa, search for [name] movies”
Thank you, Doreen K., and @Thomas P, for listing all those commands.
I'm afraid to say that I tried re-installing Netflix to no avail, searched both Netflix's and the Fire TV's settings for anything that could help, then went as far as factory resetting the Fire TV Stick 4K going through all the setup, TV pairing, receiver pairing, and re-installing all the apps again.
Experimented with different languages, locations, time zones.
Nothing.
Still, the ONLY command that works from the Home Screen is "Alexa, go to Netflix".
I have asked her:
"Play (movie or show) on Netflix"
"Search (movie or show) on Netflix"
"Search for (movie or show) on Netflix"
"Open (movie or show) on Netflix"
"Open Netflix"
It either responds with: "Netflix doesn't support that" or shows me related content from Amazon and displays other apps to search for what I asked, like YouTube; etc. But NOT Neflix. It's like Alexa is acting as if Netflix is not installed on the Fire TV Stick 4K.
The play/pause/skip commands do work, although I don't use them as it is faster and more reliable to use the controller rather than yell commands to your Echo over a loud movie. I'm guessing they work because they are general system commands rather than Netflix-specific.
But the goal here is to be able to search by voice on Netflix and save us all the hassle it is to grab the controller, open the app, go to search, type with the controller letter by letter (which is painfully slow) and then scroll to the content I want to watch.
This was one of the main reasons I chose a Fire TV instead of the competitors. It is SO frustrating that it's not working for me and others.
By the way. I deleted my routine and scene, both named "NETFLIX" before doing all of the above. This was to make sure they weren't conflicting with the Fire TV commands for Netflix. Still no luck.
Other than "Open Netflix" and "Play (movie) on Netflix" I've not seen any of the commands you tried as being reported as should be working. The commands I listed are the only commands that I could find that are reported to work within Netflix, and only when the app is already open.
For Voice Search:
Fire Home screen - As of May Amazon had only added Netflix to the Fire TV home screen search in India. I haven't seen any reports of it being added in the US.
Within the app - Does the app still have the mic button on the search screen? That was how you used to start voice search in the Netflix app.
As stated before, not even those commands work for me. I don't know where one could find the "official" supported voice commands for Netflix on the Fire TV Stick Home Screen. Would be glad to know.
However, I've seen people on YouTube—and all over the internet—just ask for Alexa to play content on Netflix from the home screen. They get exactly what they ask for without any issues. Like the guy on this video, for example:
My Alexa will launch Netflix. That is all. I ask it to pause or play or resume. Nothing happens or I get some response that it isn’t supported or hmm, I can’t do that.
I am having the same issue. I have had alexa for awhile with a Fire TV stick, as well as a Toshiba Fire TV. I have had no issues saying "Alexa, turn on The Office from Netflix" and without skipping a beat, it works. In the past 2 weeks, this has failed and i have received the same issues as untitled_user. Nothing has changed in my setup whatsoever. I believe this might have been a small software update that has bugged Netflix alone? I am still able to run music, prime video, turn on and off my tvs, but Netflix is not working properly.
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Hello!
I can't seem to figure out which voice commands should I use to search for content on Netflix, specifically on Fire TV Stick using Alexa.
For example:
When I say: "Alexa, open Netflix."
Alexa responds: "Netflix doesn't support that."
When I say: "Alexa play Friends (or any movie or show) on Netflix."
Alexa shows me only Amazon Prime content for buying or renting.
So far, the ONLY voice command that seems to work regarding Netflix on my Fire TV Stick is "Alexa, go to Netflix". It opens the Netflix App, but that's it.
I own a Fire TV Stick 4K (latest version), have the Netflix App already installed on it and I'm logged in to it. Other than the voice commands failing, Netflix works normally when navigated using the controller buttons.
I have read online that you CAN in fact search and play content from Netflix on the Fire TV Stick using only voice commands from the remote as well as from linked Echos.
Does anyone know the correct voice commands?
Have I been misinformed and this is not supported?
Hi untitled_user!
I'm sorry that you have this problem. Did you try to uninstall and reinstall the Netflix App on your device to see if it works? If not i found a Help page from Netflix about how to use your Fire TV device with Netflix.
I hope this helps! Thank you.
Doreen, Is there any link to a page for available voice commands for the Fire devices as well was which commands work on which devices (e..g. Are there different commands for the Cube 2.0, Cube 1.0, Echo, 4K and non 4K sticks?)
You may contact Amazon using the url below:
https://www.amazon.com/contact-us
Thanks for your input, Doreen.
Unfortunately, I had already found that page and it doesn't answer my questions.
I will try reinstalling Netflix tonight and I'll let you know, although I doubt this will fix it.
Also, I just remembered that I have both a Broadlink Scene and an Alexa Routine under the name "NETFLIX". Maybe disabling/deleting them may fix the issue as they may be conflicting with the Fire TV voice commands that include the word "Netflix" on them, making Alexa think that I'm trying to summon either one.
I'll try it tonight and keep you posted.
Hi untitled_user, keep us posted! Thank you.
Hi winrose46. I'm sorry, but we do not have a specific list about the comments. However, i would recommend you leave a feedback about such list. Below are some commands that i was able to find.
Power on and Switch to Fire TV
These commands power on the TV and switch to Fire TV only when Settings > Equipment Control > Equipment Control is set to Automatic and Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > TV > Power Controls> Power Command is set to Discrete On/Off.
They only power on the A/V receiver or sound bar when Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > AV Receiver/Soundbar > Power Controls > Power Command is set to Discrete On/Off. This setting is not available for all audio devices.
"[Alexa,] turn on the TV."
TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) power on.
Also switches to the Fire TV input if Settings Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > Advanced Settings > Power On Input is set to Fire TV.
"[Alexa,] turn on Fire TV."
TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) turn on and switch to the Fire TV input.
"[Alexa,] play [movie or TV show]."
Three things happen:
"[Alexa,] search for [content]."
Three things happen:
Power On and Switch to Fire TV
"[Alexa,] tune to [channel name or number] on [Cable/Satellite]."
If not on, TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) turn on and switch to the channel on cable or satellite.* If TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) are on, switch to the channel on cable or satellite. Changes inputs if needed.
"[Alexa,] switch to [Cable/Satellite]."
Switches inputs to cable or satellite.
"[Alexa,] turn on [Cable/Satellite]."
Turns on cable box or satellite receiver.
"[Alexa,] turn off [Cable/Satellite]."
Turns off cable box or satellite receiver, if it supports this.
These commands power on the TV only when Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > Cable/Satellite > Power Controls > Power Control is set to ON and Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment> Cable/Satellite > Power Controls > Power Command is set to Discrete On/Off. Customers don't see the setting if it's not supported for their device. If you change this, test powering the TV off and on. If it doesn't work, change back to Power Toggle.
Volume
"[Alexa,] volume up/down."
Increases the volume of the TV, A/V receiver, or sound bar. Decreases the volume of the TV, A/V receiver, or sound bar.
"[Alexa,] mute." "[Alexa,] mute on/off"
Mutes/unmutes the sound of the TV, A/V receiver, or sound bar.
You can adjust the how much the volume changes at Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > TV/AV Receiver/Soundbar > Volume Increments.
To see which device controls the volume, go to Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > Advanced Settings > Volume Control Device. This setting is only available if a customer has both a TV and an audio device.
Other Commands
"[Alexa,] turn on/off the receiver."
Powers on/off the A/V receiver (if set up with equipment control).
"[Alexa,] turn on/off the sound bar."
Powers on/off the sound bar (if set up with equipment control).
"[Alexa,] go Home."
Goes to the Fire TV Home screen. Switches inputs, if needed.
"[Alexa,] switch to HDMI [1/2/3/4]."
Switches inputs to HDMI [1/2/3/4]. Only for the TV, not A/V receivers. Not all TVs support this.
"[Alexa,] switch inputs."
Flips to the next input one by one or brings up the input menu. Not all TVs support this.
"[Alexa,] switch to [device]."
Switches inputs to a device set up at Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > Add Equipment
"[Alexa,] turn off the TV."
TV and A/V receiver or sound bar (if they have one) turn off.
I hope this helps for now. Thank you!
Thank you for those commands.
You may contact Amazon using the url below:
https://www.amazon.com/contact-us
Make sure that the Netflix app is up to date. Voice control was added a year ago and it should be supporting all basic commands. If it is supported and up to date all the usual commands should work. Things like “Alexa, pause”, “Alexa, skip ahead 30 seconds”, “Alexa, next episode”, "Alexa play Friends", etc. When you asked it "Alexa play Friends on Netflix." it should have opened Netflix and played it there. And if you had said "Alexa play Friends" it should have asked you where to play it (Prime Video or Netflix).
The following are the commands that Netflix supported back when the feature launched last year.
“Alexa, open / start Netflix”
“Alexa, watch [movie title] on Netflix”
“Alexa, fast forward [#] minutes”
“Alexa, rewind [#] seconds”
“Alexa, next / next episode”
“Alexa, previous episode”
“Alexa, move right”
“Alexa, move left”
“Alexa, move down”
“Alexa, move up”
“Alexa, scroll right”
“Alexa, scroll left”
“Alexa, play”
“Alexa, pause”
“Alexa, stop”
“Alexa, start over”
“Alexa, play from the beginning”
“Alexa, skip ahead [#] minutes/seconds”
“Alexa, jump back [#] minutes/seconds”
“Alexa, search for [name] movies”
Bad Wolf
You are very welcome!
Thank you, Doreen K., and @Thomas P, for listing all those commands.
I'm afraid to say that I tried re-installing Netflix to no avail, searched both Netflix's and the Fire TV's settings for anything that could help, then went as far as factory resetting the Fire TV Stick 4K going through all the setup, TV pairing, receiver pairing, and re-installing all the apps again.
Experimented with different languages, locations, time zones.
Nothing.
Still, the ONLY command that works from the Home Screen is "Alexa, go to Netflix".
I have asked her:
It either responds with: "Netflix doesn't support that" or shows me related content from Amazon and displays other apps to search for what I asked, like YouTube; etc. But NOT Neflix. It's like Alexa is acting as if Netflix is not installed on the Fire TV Stick 4K.
The play/pause/skip commands do work, although I don't use them as it is faster and more reliable to use the controller rather than yell commands to your Echo over a loud movie. I'm guessing they work because they are general system commands rather than Netflix-specific.
But the goal here is to be able to search by voice on Netflix and save us all the hassle it is to grab the controller, open the app, go to search, type with the controller letter by letter (which is painfully slow) and then scroll to the content I want to watch.
This was one of the main reasons I chose a Fire TV instead of the competitors. It is SO frustrating that it's not working for me and others.
By the way. I deleted my routine and scene, both named "NETFLIX" before doing all of the above. This was to make sure they weren't conflicting with the Fire TV commands for Netflix. Still no luck.
Other than "Open Netflix" and "Play (movie) on Netflix" I've not seen any of the commands you tried as being reported as should be working. The commands I listed are the only commands that I could find that are reported to work within Netflix, and only when the app is already open.
For Voice Search:
Fire Home screen - As of May Amazon had only added Netflix to the Fire TV home screen search in India. I haven't seen any reports of it being added in the US.
Within the app - Does the app still have the mic button on the search screen? That was how you used to start voice search in the Netflix app.
Bad Wolf
Thanks for your input, @Thomas P.
As stated before, not even those commands work for me. I don't know where one could find the "official" supported voice commands for Netflix on the Fire TV Stick Home Screen. Would be glad to know.
However, I've seen people on YouTube—and all over the internet—just ask for Alexa to play content on Netflix from the home screen. They get exactly what they ask for without any issues. Like the guy on this video, for example:
https://youtu.be/ZOeOu95p-PA?t=110
Being able to do that would be great and would give me the user experience I expected when buying this device :(
My Alexa will launch Netflix. That is all. I ask it to pause or play or resume. Nothing happens or I get some response that it isn’t supported or hmm, I can’t do that.
Which "Alexa"? Are you using the FireTV Stick controller or are you trying from a separate Echo?
If it is from another Echo, you would have to pair it from your Alexa app in: Settings > TV & Video
I am having the same issue. I have had alexa for awhile with a Fire TV stick, as well as a Toshiba Fire TV. I have had no issues saying "Alexa, turn on The Office from Netflix" and without skipping a beat, it works. In the past 2 weeks, this has failed and i have received the same issues as untitled_user. Nothing has changed in my setup whatsoever. I believe this might have been a small software update that has bugged Netflix alone? I am still able to run music, prime video, turn on and off my tvs, but Netflix is not working properly.