It’s hard to believe that there was ever a time when TVs didn’t have remote controls. Today it’s impossible to buy almost any electronic device that doesn’t have a remote, and the Roku family of devices is no exception.
A Roku device isn’t a whole lot of good if you have to keep getting up to change the channel or manually navigate the menu. It is true that you can use your smartphone to control your Roku, but that doesn’t have the same one-button convenience as the standard remote. If your Roku remote has stopped working, it can be a real hassle.
This article will walk you through some troubleshooting steps to get your Roku remote back up and running.
Use the Roku App
If you’re in a bind and need to turn down your volume right now or need to turn on your Roku device, you can use the Roku app to control your device. Of course, we’ll teach you how to fix your remote in the following sections, but for now, let’s review how to control your Roku device without the remote.
Hopefully, this section helped you control your TV. Now, let’s talk about how to fix your Roku remote.
Which kind of remote do I have?
There are a variety of Roku remotes used today. Troubleshooting and solving your issues is a lot easier if you can identify which remote you have.
There are standard infrared remotes, which work just like regular TV remotes. These remotes work by firing coded pulses of infrared light at the receiver.
WiFi-enabled remotes (often labeled as “Enhanced” remotes by Roku) can be pointed in any direction and still work because they actually connect to the Roku device itself via the WiFi network.
Look at the back panel of your remote. Remove the battery cover, and see if there is a button inside or adjacent to the compartment labeled Pairing. If your remote has a Pairing button, you have an Enhanced remote. Otherwise, it is an infrared remote.
There are some troubleshooting techniques that will work on either type of remote and some techniques specific to each type, so let’s cover them next.
Common Troubleshooting Techniques
These tips will help you narrow down the issue on either type of remote.
Techniques for Standard Infrared Roku Remotes
The standard Roku remote uses an infrared beam to send signals to the device. If the above steps didn’t work, try these:
If the box does not see the remote signal and the mobile app works, you have a faulty remote. If you can borrow a remote for the time being, go ahead, but it will be for the best if you replace the remote quickly.
If the box sees the signal and flashes the status light, there is an issue with the box. If this is the case, I would suggest a factory reset of the Roku device. This process is a last resort, but if you’re sure the remote works and the box is not responding, it may be your only option. This is especially true if the box will not respond to the mobile app, either.
Techniques for Enhanced Roku Remotes
The Enhanced Roku remote uses WiFi instead of infrared, so it needs a couple of extra steps for troubleshooting. Try the steps above and then:
If the box responds to the Roku Controller App and not the Enhanced Roku remote and you have performed the troubleshooting steps in this guide, you may need a new remote. Retry these troubleshooting steps a couple of times first, to make sure. If you have a buddy with a Roku, try swapping remotes temporarily to test.
Additional Tips for Repairing Your Remote
Here are some additional tips to remedy your Roku remote problem in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
If we didn’t answer all of your questions above, we’ve included this section to give you more information.
Fortunately, Roku replacement remotes are easy to find. Most big box stores such as Walmart and Target carry them if you need one today. You can also order them online at Amazon or the Roku website.
Yes! If you have an older Roku version and would like to have the voice control feature on your Roku remote, you can upgrade the remote without having to upgrade the box. Do keep in mind that some remotes are not compatible with much older Roku devices so you should check for compatibility before making a purchase.
Most Roku remotes use two AAA or AA batteries. You can find the correct battery requirements on the back of the remote.
Yes! Like the Roku device, its remote is covered under a one-year warranty. You can access everything you need to file a warranty claim on the Roku website.
Roku Remotes
As you can see, the techniques for troubleshooting and fixing a Roku remote are pretty standard for all remotes, with the exception of using the Roku app or device menu. You start with the obvious problem of faulty batteries or an obstruction of signal between the remote’s IR transmitter and the TV’s receiver and go from there.
Got any other Roku remote troubleshooting tips? Tell us about them below if you do!
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