Top 7 Ways to Fix Roku Remote Not Working

Did you switch on Roku to find that the remote note working? Your compact Roku remote has several app shortcuts and useful buttons to navigate the Roku OS like a pro. The Roku remote not working can ruin your perfect weekend. Before you order a new one, use the tricks below to fix the Roku remote not pairing.

Multiple factors can affect your Roku remote. It can be due to dead batteries, interferences, incorrect HDMI input, etc. You can’t pinpoint the problem to a specific factor. Whether you use a Roku TV, streaming device, or Roku box, check the troubleshooting steps below and start watching your favorite TV shows and movies.

1. Replace Roku Remote Batteries

It’s one of the common reasons affecting your Roku remote. If the remote batteries are faulty or dead, the remote can’t pair to your Roku device.

You need to flip the remote, remove the battery compartment, and replace your dying batteries with a fresh pair. If you use a voice remote, recharge it with a micro-USB cable. Your remote’s status light flashes slowly when charging and changes to solid green when the charging is complete.

2. Pair the Remote With Roku Device Again

You can pair your Roku remote again and use it with your streaming device again. Some Roku remotes come with a dedicated pairing button on the back. The trick below only works on voice remotes that use RF radio waves.

Step 1: Press and hold the pair button on the back of your Roku remote for 20 seconds. Wait till the status light changes to green, stop, and flash rapidly.

Step 2: Release the button, and your Roku remote should restart.

Step 3: Press and hold the pair button for 5 seconds. The LED light will stop flashing upon a successful pairing.

If your Roku remote doesn’t have a pairing button, press and hold the Home and Back button for 5 seconds until you see a flashing status light. Wait for around 30 seconds until your remote establishes connecting to the Roku device.

3. Reset the Roku Device and Remote

If the trick above doesn’t work, reset the Roku device and remote using the steps below.

Step 1: Remove the power cable from your Roku device. Remove batteries from the Roku remote.

Step 2: Wait for around 10 seconds and reconnect the power cable to Roku.

Step 3: Your Roku device starts and displays the company logo on the screen.

Step 4: Insert batteries into the Roku remote. Wait for it to connect to the Roku device.

4. Use the Right HDMI Input

Most modern TVs have 3-4 HDMI ports. When you connect your Roku device to HDMI 1 port and use your TV on HDMI 2 or HDMI 3 output, the supplied remote won’t work. You need to change the HDMI input on your smart TV and try again.

5. Force Restart Roku

Roku doesn’t come with a dedicated button or an option to shut down the device. You need to remove it from the power plug, wait for a few seconds, and turn it back on. If it still doesn’t recognize the remote, use the Roku mobile app.  

6. Use the Roku Mobile App

Roku offers native iOS and Android apps to turn your mobile device into the ultimate streaming companion. You can use a virtual remote, perform a voice search , stream The Roku Channel, and do much more on your phone. Before we check it in action, make sure your Roku TV and mobile are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 1: Download The Roku App on your iPhone or Android.

Step 2: Launch the app, go through the on-screen instructions and sign in with your Roku account details.

Step 3: Roku shows your nearby devices. Tap on it to connect.

Step 4: Tap Remote and check your virtual remote in action.

Roku’s virtual remote covers all the features you expect from a dedicated remote. You can access the Apps menu and check your installed apps and channels.

Download Roku on Android

Download Roku on iPhone

7. Update Roku OS

If Roku isn’t responding to the remote, update Roku OS to the latest version. Since your Roku remote isn’t working, use the virtual one to update the latest OS build.

Step 1: Open Roku Settings from the left sidebar.

Step 2: Go to System, select Software Update, and install the newest Roku OS version.

Start Using Your Roku Remote

Your ideal streaming experience is incomplete with your remote. You can always use Roku mobile apps, but they don’t offer the same convenience as a dedicated remote. Which trick worked for you? Share your findings in the comments below.