Is your Roku remote non working? It could be ane of a number of different bug, some of which are unproblematic, and others which are more circuitous.

In this article, nosotros'll assist you troubleshoot why your Roku remote has stopped working, and hopefully go your Roku remote working again.

ane. Check Your Roku Remote Batteries

Allow's outset with the most unproblematic explanation: are you sure that your device'southward batteries oasis't run out? A slowly degrading functioning is a cinch indicator that the ability supply could be the problem.

Some Roku remote controls require 2 AA batteries; others crave two AAAs. Check the sticker on the remote to check. The batteries are attainable from behind the sliding panel on the rear of the device.

2. How to Pair a Roku Remote

Some other common cause for a Roku remote not working is that the control has become unpaired from the box information technology is supposed to operate.

System updates, low power, changing Wi-Fi networks, using the device with another Roku box, or a unproblematic technical glitch could all theoretically trigger an unexpected unpairing.

Thankfully, it is easy to pair a Roku remote with a Roku box or streaming stick. Just follow the instructions below:

  1. Disconnect your Roku box from its power supply.
  2. Await 10 seconds, reconnect the box, and wait for the Domicile page to load.
  3. Locate the pairing button on your remote. Information technology is typically found on the front end of the device or in the battery compartment.
  4. Concur the push downwards for five seconds or until you lot see the Roku remote blinking.

Remember, some older Roku models come with an IR pointer instead of using your Wi-Fi connection. If y'all have an IR Roku remote that's not working, check that no dirt is blocking the receiver on either the control or the box/TV. Also, ensure that there are no obstructions in the remote'south line-of-sight to the Roku box.

three. Reset Your Roku Remote

You tin reset Roku remotes by performing a specific sequence during the box or stick'due south boot procedure.

To reset a Roku remote, follow the steps below:

  1. Remove the batteries from your Roku remote.
  2. Remove the power supply from the Roku box/stick (or go to Settings > System > System Restart > Restart if yous have an IR Roku remote that's still working).
  3. Wait 10 seconds and then reconnect your Roku box to the power.
  4. Wait for the Home screen to load.
  5. Reinsert the batteries into your Roku remote.

If the Roku Tv set remote still doesn't work, move onto our next tip.

four. Check for HDMI Interference

In its official literature, Roku accepts that the remotes for some of its models are affected by interference from nearby HDMI cables. The consequence is specially prevalent on Roku streaming sticks which connect straight to the HDMI port on your Tv.

The solution is to utilize an HDMI cable extender, thus allowing your streaming stick to be positioned further away from the TV'due south HDMI port.

Yous can use any HDMI extender yous accept lying around your home. Withal, if you don't already ain ane, Roku will ship yous a short extender for free. To claim your free cable, you just demand to fill out the appropriate form on the Roku website.

5. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

If you've worked through all the Roku remote troubleshooting tips merely you've still not had any success, your Wi-Fi connection could be the culprit.

The Roku remote does not require an cyberspace connexion in order to connect to your box, just it does need a functioning local network. If your local network is downwards for any reason, the remote will not function until the connexion is restored.

If you lot take enough technical knowledge, it might be worth digging into the router'south settings; something might have happened that'due south causing the remote's connection to get blocked.

six. Use the Official Roku Remote App

Although using your smartphone as a Roku remote isn't ideal, there is an official Roku remote app that you can download and employ for free on both Android and iOS. It's a reliable temporary stop-gap.

Before you open the app for the starting time time, ensure that it is on the aforementioned Wi-Fi network as your Roku streaming device.

As presently as the app loads, you lot volition encounter the Discovery screen. Allow the process a few seconds to complete, and you should see your Roku box listed. Tap on the name to brand the connection.

In addition to being used as a Roku Goggle box remote, the Roku app has enough of other absurd features that are worth using.

This includes access to costless Television set shows and movies on your device via The Roku Aqueduct, the ability to use your device's headphone connexion for private listening, support for keyboard (and, on some models, vocalization input), and a style to cast content from your device to the TV screen.

Download: Roku for Android | iOS (Free)

seven. Troubleshooting the Roku App

If your phone app cannot see your Roku box, there are a couple of possible causes:

  • Network Access: Brand sure your Roku box has non disabled its network access. Go to Settings > System > Advanced Organisation Settings > Command By Mobile Apps > Network Access to bank check. You need to ensure either the Default or Permissive option is selected.
  • VPN: Remember, the Roku remote app will not work if either your telephone or your Roku box are connected to a VPN.

Sadly, if your Roku remote is withal not working after checking all of these things, y'all may need to accept the plunge and buy a new Roku remote.

viii. Replace the Remote for Your Roku

None of the different remotes cost more than a few bucks to replace on Amazon.

But make sure you cheque that your Roku box or streaming stick is supported by the remote y'all're about to buy before yous buy.

Your Roku Remote Is Powerful

Nosotros hope the tips we've discussed in this piece have managed to get your Roku remote working over again. Call up, your Roku remote can control lots of devices—including your soundbar—so y'all don't demand to keep scrambling for different remotes.

How to Control Your Soundbar With a Roku TV Remote

Read Next

Nigh The Author

Dan Price (1604 Articles Published)

Dan joined MakeUseOf in 2014 and has been Partnerships Director since July 2020. Reach out to him for inquires about sponsored content, affiliate agreements, promotions, and any other forms of partnership. You can also find him roaming the show floor at CES in Las Vegas every twelvemonth, say hi if you're going. Prior to his writing career, he was a Financial Consultant.

More From Dan Price