How to Fix It When Your Roku Remote Is Not Working

Check the batteries

Your Roku remote not working? Don’t panic! One of the most common reasons for a malfunctioning Roku remote is low or dead batteries. Before trying any other troubleshooting steps, it’s important to check the batteries and ensure they have enough power to operate the remote. Here’s how you can do it:

Open the battery compartment: Most Roku remotes have a panel on the back that you can slide open to access the battery compartment. Others may have a small latch that you can release to open it. Check the user manual for your specific remote if you’re unsure how to open it.
Inspect the batteries: Take a close look at the batteries inside the compartment. Check for any signs of corrosion, leakage, or damage. If the batteries appear to be in poor condition, remove them and dispose of them safely.
Replace the batteries: If the batteries are good and still have some charge left, try removing them and then re-inserting them to ensure a proper connection. If you’re unsure about the battery charge, it’s always a good idea to replace them with fresh ones.
Use the correct battery type: Make sure you’re using the correct type of batteries as recommended by Roku. Most remotes use AA or AAA batteries. Refer to your device’s manual or the markings inside the battery compartment for the correct battery type.
Test the remote: Once you have replaced the batteries or re-inserted them, aim the remote at your Roku device and press any button. If the batteries were the culprit, your remote should start working again. If not, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Checking and replacing the batteries should be the first step in troubleshooting a Roku remote that is not working. Oftentimes, this simple solution can restore your remote’s functionality. However, if the problem persists, don’t worry, there are additional steps you can try to get your Roku remote back on track.

Reset the remote

If your Roku remote is still not working after checking the batteries, the next step is to reset the remote. Resetting the remote can help resolve any software glitches or connectivity issues that may be causing the problem. Follow these steps to reset your Roku remote:

Remove and reinsert the batteries: Take out the batteries from the remote and leave them out for a few moments. Then, reinsert the batteries back into the remote. This will effectively reset the remote’s connection with the device.
Perform a button combination reset: Different Roku remotes have different button combinations to initiate a reset. Here are some common methods:
- For a standard Roku remote: Press and hold the pairing button, usually located near the battery compartment, for at least 3 seconds until the light on the remote starts flashing. Release the button and wait for the remote to finish resetting.
- For an enhanced Roku remote with a microphone and voice control: Press and hold the pairing button located near the batteries, as well as the microphone button on top of the remote, for at least 5 seconds. Release both buttons and let the remote reset.
Re-pair the remote: After resetting the remote, you may need to re-pair it with your Roku device. Follow these steps:
1. Make sure your Roku device is turned on and connected to your TV.
2. Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the Roku device until the pairing light starts flashing.
3. Within 60 seconds, press and release the pairing button on the remote. The remote should pair with the Roku device, and the pairing light on the device will stop flashing.
Test the remote: Once you have reset and re-paired the remote, aim it at your Roku device and test if it is working properly. Try navigating through the Roku interface and accessing various features to ensure all the buttons are functioning correctly.

Resetting the remote can often resolve issues like unresponsive buttons or a completely unresponsive remote. However, if your Roku remote is still not working, there are a few more troubleshooting steps to try.

Verify the line of sight

If your Roku remote is not working, one possible reason could be an obstruction in the line of sight between the remote and the Roku device. The remote relies on a clear line of sight to establish a reliable connection with the device. Here’s what you can do to verify the line of sight:

Remove any obstacles: Check the area around your Roku device and make sure there are no objects blocking the signal between the remote and the device. These can include furniture, decorations, or even other electronic devices.
Reposition the Roku device: If your Roku device is placed inside a cabinet or behind the TV, try moving it to a more open location. Ideally, position the device in a way that allows the remote’s signal to reach it without any hindrance.
Ensure proper distance: Make sure you are within a reasonable distance from the Roku device when using the remote. While the range can vary depending on the specific remote model, it is generally recommended to be within 30 feet of the device for optimal performance.
Check infrared sensor: If you have an infrared remote, check if there is any dust or dirt on the infrared sensor of the Roku device. Cleaning it with a soft, lint-free cloth can potentially improve the remote’s connectivity.
Try different angles: Sometimes, adjusting the angle at which you hold the remote can make a difference. Experiment with different positions and angles to find the best line of sight between the remote and the device.

Verifying and ensuring a clear line of sight between your Roku remote and the Roku device is essential for proper functionality. However, if the line of sight is not the issue, there are other troubleshooting steps you can take to get your remote working again.

Restart the Roku device

If your Roku remote is not working, another troubleshooting step to try is restarting the Roku device itself. Restarting the device can help resolve software glitches, connectivity issues, and other minor problems that may be affecting the remote’s functionality. Here’s how you can restart your Roku device:

Use the remote: If your Roku remote is partially working or responsive, use it to navigate to the Roku Home screen. From there, go to “Settings” and select “System”. Then, choose “System restart” and confirm your selection to restart the device.
Use the power cord: If your Roku remote is completely unresponsive or not working at all, you can also restart the Roku device by disconnecting its power source. Follow these steps:
1. Locate the power cord connected to the back of the Roku device.
2. Unplug the power cord from the Roku device and wait for about 10-15 seconds.
3. Plug the power cord back into the Roku device to restart it.
Wait for the device to restart: Once you initiate the restart process, wait for a few moments as the Roku device shuts down and then powers back on. This may take a minute or two, so be patient.
Test the remote: After the Roku device finishes restarting, try using the remote again. Aim it at the Roku device and check if it is now functioning properly. Test various buttons and functionalities to ensure everything is working as intended.

Restarting the Roku device can often resolve issues with the remote not working. It refreshes the device’s software and establishes a clean connection, which can help troubleshoot any temporary glitches. If the remote still doesn’t work after the restart, there are additional steps you can take to fix the problem.

Pair the remote again

If your Roku remote is still not working, you may need to pair it again with your Roku device. Sometimes, the remote and the device may lose their connection, causing the remote to become unresponsive. Follow these steps to pair your Roku remote again:

Remove existing paired devices (if applicable): If you have previously paired your Roku remote with multiple devices, you may need to remove those pairings before re-pairing the remote with your desired device. Access the Roku settings menu, navigate to “Remotes & devices”, and select “Remote”. From there, choose “Remove device” and remove any existing pairings.
Put the remote in pairing mode: Depending on the model of your Roku remote, you may need to put it in pairing mode. Here’s how:
- For a standard Roku remote: Remove the battery cover and press the pairing button inside the battery compartment. The pairing button will typically be a small button located near the batteries.
- For an enhanced Roku remote with a microphone and voice control: Remove the battery cover, and then press and hold both the pairing button inside the battery compartment and the microphone button on top of the remote simultaneously.
Put your Roku device in pairing mode: On your Roku device, access the settings menu and navigate to “Remotes & devices”. Choose “Remote” and then select “Pair a new device”. This will put your Roku device in pairing mode, waiting for a remote to connect.
Wait for the pairing process: Once your remote is in pairing mode and your Roku device is in pairing mode, give them a few moments to establish a connection. The remote’s LED will start blinking, indicating that it is trying to pair with your device.
Successful pairing: If the pairing is successful, the remote’s LED will stop blinking and remain solid. You can then test the remote by aiming it at the Roku device and using it to navigate the interface.

Pairing the remote again can often resolve issues with unresponsive or non-functioning Roku remotes. If the problem persists, there are a few more troubleshooting steps you can try to get your remote working again.

Replace the remote

If all the previous troubleshooting steps have failed and your Roku remote is still not working, it may be time to consider replacing the remote. While it’s not ideal, sometimes the remote can experience hardware issues that cannot be easily resolved. Here’s what you can do to replace your Roku remote:

Identify the model of your Roku device: Before purchasing a new remote, it’s important to know the model number of your Roku device. You can usually find this information on the back or bottom of the device itself. Alternatively, you may also find it in the device’s settings menu.
Order a replacement remote: Visit the official Roku website or authorized retailers to purchase a new remote. Make sure to select the remote model that is compatible with your Roku device. You can also consider reaching out to Roku customer support for assistance in finding the right replacement remote.
Set up the new remote: Once you receive the new remote, follow the instructions provided with it to pair it with your Roku device. This usually involves putting the new remote in pairing mode and following the on-screen instructions on your TV.
Test the new remote: Once the new remote is successfully paired, test it to ensure that it is working properly. Navigate through the Roku interface, access different apps, and try out various features to ensure that all the buttons and functionalities are functioning as expected.
Dispose of the old remote: Once you have successfully replaced your Roku remote, make sure to dispose of the old remote properly. Check with your local recycling facilities for guidelines on how to recycle electronic devices. If the remote is still functional, you may also consider donating it to someone in need or recycling it through a designated electronic waste program.

While replacing the remote may require some additional expenditure, it is often the most effective solution when all other troubleshooting steps have failed. A new remote will ensure seamless navigation and a better overall Roku experience. Always remember to double-check compatibility before purchasing a replacement remote to avoid any issues.