Is your Roku remote not working?

Inquirer Los Angeles / 08:07 AM February 24, 2021

Roku users may experience familiar issues such as the Roku remote not working. Roku devices let you access your streaming services on a single online hub. Similar to regular TVs, users may interact with Roku players using remote controls. Although, this also means users may sometimes encounter problems with the remote.

When your Roku remote stops working, you should first check what kind you have at home. Each type of remote control has its troubleshooting tips. Older Roku models have remotes similar to regular TVs so that similar fixes might work. In contrast, remotes for recent versions use different technology and require different troubleshooting tips.

Learn how to fix Roku devices and accessories yourself so that you can return to your favorite series. These simple fixes take little time and effort, but others require technical knowledge. If simple DIY doesn’t fix your Roku remote, you might have to buy a new player. You may purchase the newer models for a better Roku experience!

Roku Remote Not Working? What To Do

Roku devices allow you to stream series and control your viewing experience via remote control. Over time, new models came out with multiple hardware and software upgrades.

If you’re using a previous version, it probably uses a different remote. Check the type of Roku streaming device you have and its corresponding type of remote control.

Surprisingly, the necessary fix could be as simple as replacing the batteries in the remote. If you’re using older Roku RCs, you may just need to remove stuff in front of the TV.

On the other hand, newer Roku TV remotes might require different fixes. Don’t worry, though, as these only take a few simple steps.

Nevertheless, you should try DIY fixes first. There could be a simple reason why your Roku remote is not working.

You don’t need to buy a new device outright. If the problems persist, that’s when you may need a new Roku device.

What Type of Remote do you have?

If your Roku remote is not working, you should check what type of remote you have. This will determine the troubleshooting techniques you’ll need to fix it.

There are two types of Roku remote controls: infrared (IR) and enhanced point. Previous models use IR remotes, while newer Roku devices use the latter type of remote control.

You could distinguish between them by removing the battery compartment cover. Enhanced point RCs have a pairing button below the battery slot, while infrared remotes don’t.

Alternatively, your smartphone could help you check if you have an infrared remote:

Start by aiming your smartphone’s front-facing camera in front of the remote control.
Press buttons on the Roku RC while viewing it through the camera.
The remote will start flashing if it’s an infrared remote.

Of course, check if the RC has batteries. Also, match the (+) and (-) symbols of the battery compartment and the batteries. It could be why your Roku remote is not working!

If you’re wondering what type of batteries you need, check inside the battery slot. It should show if the Roku remote needs AA or AAA batteries.

Enhanced Point Roku Remote

The latest Roku devices use enhanced “point-anywhere” remote controls. Unlike older RCs, the new Roku remotes connect over your wireless network.

It uses your wi-fi to send button inputs to the Roku device. As a result, you don’t need to point the remote directly at the TV.

This technology is more nuanced than old-timey remotes, so you need to set it up first. After the initial setup, you may freely use it to control your Roku experience.

Standard IR Remote

Typical TVs and old Roku players have infrared remotes, so they’re prone to similar issues. If your Roku remote stops working, fixes for old TV remotes may apply.

An IR remote works by sending signals to your TV using invisible infrared light. However, it’s limited by physical distance and nearby objects.

Infrared remotes need to be aimed at the TV from a short distance. Also, there should be no obstructions between the RC and the TV.

Restart Roku Remote and Device

If your Roku remote stops working, you might need to restart it along with the device. This applies to both the IR and enhanced point remotes.

How to restart an enhanced point remote:

Open the battery slot and remove the batteries.
Meanwhile, unplug the power cable from your Roku device.
After 5 seconds, reinsert the power cable.
Once your Roku device shows the home screen, put the batteries back in your remote.
Wait around 30 seconds to check if the remote will connect to your Roku device.

Restarting a Roku device using infrared remotes (excluding Roku Streaming Sticks):

Use your IR remote to access the Settings menu.
Select System.
Then, choose System Restart.
Lastly, choose Restart.

If you need to restart your IR remote, it’s as simple as taking out the batteries then placing them back. You could just buy a new remote if the previous steps fail.

Re-pair Your Remote with the Roku Device

Enhanced remotes need to pair with your Roku device before use. This could be another reason why your Roku remote is not working. Follow these steps to pair your remote again:

Take out the batteries from your Roku remote.
Remove your Roku device’s power cable.
After 5 seconds, reconnect the power cable.
Once you see your Roku’s home screen, then put the remote’s batteries back.
Press and hold the pairing button below the remote’s battery compartment. Release it once the pairing light on the remote begins to flash. If the light doesn’t glow, replace the batteries.
Wait for the Roku remote to re-establish a connection with your device. This should last roughly 30 seconds.
Afterward, the remote pairing dialog should show up on your screen.

Replace the Batteries

If your Roku remote is not working, you may have to follow the previous tips. Although, fixing your remote could be as simple as replacing the batteries!

Putting fresh batteries into Roku IR remotes is pretty straightforward. Just pop the old ones out, and insert the new ones. On the other hand, the enhanced remotes require additional steps:

Take out the battery cover and the old batteries underneath.
Remote your Roku’s power cable.
Wait 5 seconds, then put the power cable back.
Once the Roku’s first screen appears, insert the new batteries.

Final Thoughts

If your Roku remote is not working, you may follow our steps to repair it. Check the kind of remote you have, then use the appropriate troubleshooting tips.

You may try other methods to fix your Roku remote. For example, you might need to perform a factory reset on your Roku device.

If you’re using a Roku streaming stick, it might be too close to the HDMI connector. You may order a free extension cable so that you can distance your Roku device away from the connector.

If your Roku remote is still not working after all these steps, contact Roku’s customer support.