Last Updated on April 24, 2020 by Husain Parvez
You crash down on your couch after a long day’s work ready to watch some TV and you find out that your Roku remote is not working. That could really ruin that moment for you, so we are here to offer 10 easy ways on how to fix Roku remote not working issue.
It has been so long that it is hard to believe that there was ever a time when TVs didn’t have remote controls. Today it’s impossible to think almost any entertainment device that doesn’t have a remote, especially in the world where are always slacking off and streaming everything from blockbuster movies and star-cast TV shows. What really compliments entertainment in comfort and simplicity and that’s exactly what Roku family of streaming devices provide.
Being at the forefront of media streaming and parting from the regular tussle between Android TV and Apple TV, Roku has always offered a simplified approach to media entertainment. One of the winning features of the streamer brand has been its Roku remote control, which is designed to be simple, and easy to use gadget — until it inevitably stops working somehow. If your Roku remote not working is putting a dent in the entertainment experience, it can be a hassle. In this guide, we’ll help you on how to fix your Roku remote, and hopefully, get it to work again.
How to Fix Roku Remote not Working Issue
At first, it is very important to identify which kind of remote you have, since Roku Remote is available in two different variants, hence the ways on how to fix them also differ.
There are two types of Roku remotes:
- Standard Infrared Roku Remote
- Enhanced Roku Remote
To find out which model you have, take a hold of your remote and inspect the back panel. Remove the sliding battery cover, and see if there is a button inside or adjacent to the battery slots labelled “Pairing”. If your remote has a “Pairing” button, then you have got an Enhanced remote. Otherwise, it is an infrared remote.
Solution #1: Check Your Roku Remote Batteries (for both the remotes)
Some Roku remote controls need two AA batteries, while the others need two AAAs. Check the sticker on the remote for that. The batteries are accessible from behind the sliding panel at the back of the device.
If your Roku remote has stopped working and a simple battery swap hasn’t solved the problem, there are a few other solutions you can try before you throw it into the nearest recycling bin. Read on, hopefully, you will find out how to do all of those fixes.
Solution #2: Check for any obstruction (for the infrared remote)
Despite the fact that the Roku Remote is designed to offer long-range connectivity, the connectivity and strength of the signal can drop significantly is there are any obstructions in the way of the remote and the receiver box or streaming stick tucked behind the TV.
- Point the standard remote at the Roku box and press buttons. Look at the front of the box as you do so. If the status light flashes while you command, then your remote is functioning and the problem lies within the box. If the status light does not flash, then the problem is with the remote.
- Check for any obstruction it could be dirt between your remote and the box. Infrared signals require an unobstructed line in order to function.
Solution #3: How to Pair Roku Remote with a Roku box or streaming stick (for enhanced remote)
When you first set up a Roku device, it should inevitably pair with your remote control. In fact, modern models will even pair your remote control directly with your TV, so you can adjust volume and control power settings, too.
System updates, low power, changing Wi-Fi networks, using the device with another Roku box, or a simple technical glitch could trigger an unexpected unpairing. However, there is no reason to worry as it is easy to pair a Roku remote with a Roku box or streaming stick. Just follow these steps below:
- Pull the plug of your Roku box from its power supply.
- Wait 10 seconds, reconnect the box, and wait for the Home page to load.
- Press the pairing button on your remote. It is found on the front of the device or in the battery compartment.
- Hold it for 5 seconds or until you see the remote blinking.
- You have established a new pairing with your remote.
Solution #4: Reset Your Roku Remote (for both the remotes)
You can reset Roku remotes by following this specific sequence during the box or stick’s boot process.
- Remove the batteries from the Roku remote.
- Pull the power supply from the Roku box/stick.
- Wait for 10 seconds and then reconnect your Roku box to the power.
- Now let the device turn on and wait for the Homescreen to appear.
- Insert the batteries into your Roku remote.
Solution #5 Check for HDMI Interference (for enhanced remote)
Roku admits that some models of its remote are affected by interference from nearby HDMI cables. The issue is established on Roku streaming sticks which is connected directly to the HDMI port on your TV.
The solution is to use an HDMI cable extender, thus allowing your streaming stick to be positioned away from other HDMI port. However, if you don’t have one, Roku will provide you with a short extender for free. To claim it for free, you just need to have the Roku device number handy and fill out the appropriate form on the Roku website.
Solution #6: Check Your Wi-Fi Connection (for enhanced remote)
If you’ve worked through all the Roku remote solution mentioned above, but you’ve still not had any success, your Wi-Fi connection could be the culprit. The Roku remote does require a functioning local network. If your network is down for any reason, the remote won’t work until the connection is restored. If you have some technical knowledge, it might be fruitful to look into the router’s settings, something might have happened which is the reason behind the weak network.
- Start off by restarting the wireless router to see if the issue lies with the network connection.
- Disconnect the Roku box or Roku streaming stick from the power source and hook it back up.
- Wait for the streamer to connect to the wireless network and see if the connection between the remote and the Roku device has been established.
Solution #7: Use the Official Roku Remote App
Although using your smartphone as a Roku remote isn’t proper, but it can be a temporary solution, there is an official Roku remote app that you can download and use for free on both Android and iOS. It’s reliable for temporary usage.
Before you open the app, ensure that it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device. As it opens, you will see the Discovery screen. Allow the process to complete, and you should see your Roku box enlisted. Tap on it to make the connection.
While you could just use your smartphone as a Roku remote permanently, but we won’t suggest it, as it drains phone’s battery, and you probably require your smartphone for other things. So if you think your Roku remote is gone for good, you should have a new one.
Download the Roku Remote App for Android
Download the Roku Remote App for iOS
Solution #8: Troubleshooting the Roku App
If your phone app cannot connect to your Roku box, there are a couple of causes:
- Network Access: Make sure your Roku box has not deactivated its network access. Go to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Control By Mobile Apps > Network Access select default or permissive.
- VPN: Note that the Roku remote app will not work if either your phone or you Roku box are connected to a VPN.
Sadly, if your Roku remote is still not working after checking all of these things, you may need to take the bitter pill and buy a new Roku remote.
Solution #9: You Can Now Control Roku Using Your Amazon Echo
If none of the above solutions works for you, we still have one trick up in our sleeves. If you own an Amazon Echo device and a Roku device, then you still have luck on your side. Because, thanks to the new Roku venture with Alexa, you can now control your Roku using your Amazon Echo.Which should make it even easier to stay on your couch and relax.
Note: This is limited to Roku streaming player and Roku TV owners localised in the U.S. Your Roku device will also have to be running Roku OS 8.1 or higher. Just open the Alexa app, click Settings, select TV and Video, then enable the Roku skill and link your account.
Solution #10: Replace the Remote for Roku
If you have tried every method out there to fix the Roku remote not working issue, and have still come up empty at the end of this guide, then it might just time to get yourself a new one. When you take a look online, you’ll find plenty of third-party OEMs that offer the Roku Remote replacement. Albeit these devices are cheaper than the official one that Roku sells, we still recommend that you don’t skimp out because of the few extra bucks.
Unofficial Roku remote has been known to cause functionality issues with the streaming device down the line. Additionally, there is no guarantee on the quality of the remote control, its connectivity effectiveness, and operational capability of the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Roku without the Roku Remote?
What makes the Roku media player such an impressive device for online streaming is the fact that it comes with a wireless remote to give you a traditional take on the modern set up for TV viewing. This is one feature of the Roku that puts it above the rest, such as the Google Chromecast, but there could be times when you either don’t want to keep around a clunky remote, or just want an easier way to navigate through the menu.
Thanks to the Roku Remote app, you can turn your mobile phone or tablet into a virtual wireless remote, making it easier for you to get across the Roku media player on the big screen. Apart from jus the on-screen navigation buttons. the app also allows you to cast videos, audio files, and even pictures to the TV, along with the ability to directly listen to the audio streaming by hooking up earphones to your mobile phone.
How to make sure Roku Remote connectivity is maximum?
You must ensure that the remote is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device, this is the basic requirement to make sure that the remote control works in the first place. But what do you do in the case of the traditional IR Roku remote? When it comes to solving connectivity issues with the IR Roku remote, the connectivity problem can be solved just the way you would counter an issue with any other infrared remote control.
- Make sure that the batteries of the Roku remote control do not work out and still hold a charge.
- There is no obstruction between the remote control and the receiving Roku media player box.
- If you’re using a Roku streaming stick, make sure that it is able to connect with the remote control, while being tucked behind the TV screen.
Why is the Roku Remote blinking light?
There have been reports by users where the Roku TV remote simply unpairs by itself, stops working entirely and does not connect to the streaming device again under any circumstances. This is followed by the light on the Roku remote blinking light which does not seem to stop under any circumstances. What this blinking light indicates, is the fact that the remote is not connected to the Roku media player.
- Replace the batteries to see if the connection is not weakened because of them.
- Remove the back panel and hold down the Reset button on the remote and pair it again.
- Bring the Roku remote closer to the media player to see if the connectivity issue is due to a weak range in connectivity.
Final words
As the age of digital media is at its peak, millions of people are moving away from traditional cable TV content and adopting online streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and many others. The growth of these streaming platforms is possible due to the increase in streaming devices such as Roku Player, which brings wireless high-quality and user-friendly entertainment at the fingertips of the users.
Relax and enjoy your time in front of your TV. Did you find any obstacle other than we discussed above? Or do you other unique trick or solution which helped you? Share it with us in the comments section right down below, we‘d love a response from you and able to help you better.
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