If you want to know how to fix a Roku remote that isn’t working, the good news is that there may be an easy solution. With the advice below, you’ll be able to stream your regularly aired shows, movies, Twitch or YouTube channels, or anything else in no time.
With its small profile and relatively few buttons, Roku remotes are simple and straightforward. This is a major reason why the Roku Streaming Stick 4K holds the throne atop our list of the best streaming devices. However, occasionally Roku may not work, and if the problem is your remote, here’s how to fix it.
If your Roku remote stops syncing, your first troubleshooting step is to replace new batteries. If that doesn’t work, there are a few other methods you can try before giving up. And if these tips don’t work, you can replace it with another from Roku — or turn a device you already own into your new Roku remote. Read on to find out how to do all of these things.
Fixing a Roku Remote: Pair Your Roku Remote
Let’s assume you have already tried to replace the batteries. (Almost every troubleshooting guide has these in-depth details about replacing batteries, but let’s face it: if you’re here, you’ve almost certainly already tried that.)
Instead, let’s take a look at the second most common cause of remote Roku issues: pairing. When you first set up a Roku player, it should automatically pair with your remote. Newer models will even pair your remote directly with your TV, allowing you to control the volume and power settings as well.
The problem is, various factors can interfere with this pairing, from shaky Wi-Fi to a factory reset. And if your remote doesn’t interact with your Roku, your streaming gadget is basically useless. Fortunately, every Roku device has an easy way to reconnect. Here’s how you do it:
Remove the back of your Roku remote. Below the batteries you should see a small round button: this is the pairing button. Bring the remote as close as possible to your Roku device, then hold that button for 3 seconds. A pairing dialog should appear on the screen within seconds.
That’s really all. If the pairing screen does not appear, try the following steps.
1. Remove and reinsert the batteries from your Roku remote
2. Restart the Roku device (If it doesn’t have a physical button, unplug it and reconnect the power supply.)
3. Press and hold the pairing button while the device is starting up.
4. Or, try pairing the remote to another wireless network† Wi-Fi strength is a major reason why remote pairing sometimes fails, but your connection remains even after you bring the Roku back to its original network.
If absolutely none of the above works, you have another option. It’s time to get out your smartphone and try the Roku mobile app.
Fixing a Roku Remote: Use the Roku Mobile App
Roku’s mobile app is extremely robust. You can search media, discover new channels and cast your own content on the screen.
More importantly for the purposes of this article, you can use your phone as a remote control with this app. Simply install the Roku app for iOS or android, connect your phone to the same wireless network as your Roku player, then tap the Remote tab. A screen with a D-pad and a handful of media controls pops up, and voilà: you’ve got a bona fide Roku remote.
While you could just use your smartphone as a Roku remote forever, it probably isn’t the best idea. It drains your phone’s battery and you probably need your smartphone for other things. So if you think your Roku remote is gone for good, get a new one.
Fixing a Roku Remote: Try Another Remote
At the moment of writing, Roku sells three different remotes: the Roku Voice Remote Pro ($30), the Roku Voice Remote ($20) and the Roku Simple Remote (with IR) ($15).
To determine which remote will work with your player, it’s best to visit the Roku website, as it stays up-to-date with the most current information. In principle, however:
- Roku Streaming Stick (Plus, 4K, and 4K+ models): Roku Voice Remote Pro, Roku Voice Remote
- Roku Ultra: Roku Voice Remote Pro, Roku Voice Remote, Roku Simple Remote
- Roku TVs: Roku Voice Remote Pro, Roku Voice Remote, Roku Simple Remote
- Roku Audio Products: Roku Voice Remote Pro, Roku Voice Remote, Roku Simple Remote
- Roku Premiere: Roku Voice Remote
- Older Roku 2 and Roku 3 models: Roku Gaming Remote
- Roku Express 4K Plus: Roku Voice Remote
- Roku Express and most older Roku models: Roku Standard IR Remote
The exact feature set varies depending on the remote. The Roku Enhanced Voice Remote provides a headphone jack for private listening; some offer programmable channel buttons; some offer power and volume controls for your TV.
There’s now an even better option, in the form of the Roku Voice Remote Pro, which offers features like hands-free operation, custom shortcuts, and private listening. It’s also the first Roku remote to be fully rechargeable.
Read our hands-on review of the Roku Voice Remote Pro, then check out our in-depth guide on how to replace your Roku remote.
In any case, we recommend that you purchase these remotes directly from the Roku website, because Roku makes the compatibility of each device very clear. Third-party sellers aren’t always good at this, and you don’t want to have any problems with your replacement remote.
Now that you know how to fix a Roku remote that isn’t working, check out some of our other Roku guides, including how to use screen mirroring on Roku and what we think is the first thing every Roku owner should do. And if you’re looking for some watching inspiration, check out our guide to the best Roku channels.
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