Is your Roku remote not working? Roku remotes can serve as helpful tools for operating your TV, yet they have been known to fail occasionally. It can be really frustrating if your remote control fails to function properly. Luckily, there are several troubleshooting methods you can try to get it back up and running. Today, you will see how to fix the Roku remote not working problem.
Although you can control and manage your TV without a remote, it’s the preferable choice for almost everyone to operate a smart TV with ease. It is always preferred to have them operational. However, there could be circumstances when the remote suddenly stops working. If your Roku remote isn’t working properly and you’re looking for fixes, you are in the right place. In this article, we’ll look at all the best methods for fixing Roku remotes that won’t work.
Table of Contents
Why is the Roku Remote Not Working?
There can be various reasons why your Roku remote not working. Some of them are as follows:
- Weak or low remote batteries.
- The remote does not have a clear line of sight.
- It might get unpaired.
- Your remote model may be affected by interference from nearby HDMI cables.
- Amongst others.
Check Your Roku Remote Type
Different kinds of Roku remotes have different issues. Specify which type of remote you have before moving on to the troubleshooting fixes.
Roku Simple Remote: If your remote does not have a voice button in it, it’s a simple remote.
Roku Voice remote: If your Roku remote has a voice button (a microphone icon or a magnifying glass icon), it means it’s a voice remote.
How to Fix Roku Remote Not Working
After knowing the reason and identifying your Roku remote type, you might be looking for troubleshooting ways to fix the issue. Read on to check them out.
Check Roku Remote Batteries
The first thing you need to check if your Roku remote not working is its batteries, as slowness in performance is a sign that the remote has weak batteries. So, if your Roku remote has removable batteries, you should replace them. If you have a Roku Voice Remote Pro, then you’ll be required to plug it in for charging since its batteries aren’t detachable. Here’s what you need to do with the removable battery remote:
Step 1: Open your remote control’s battery panel.
Step 2: Replace the old batteries with the new ones. Make sure to insert the correct ones, as some require AA batteries while others require AAAs.
Once you do, your issue should be fixed. If not, move on to the next fix.
Restart the Roku
The next thing you can do is restart the Roku device because the problem may be with the device and not with the remote. Restarting Roku is very simple and there are many ways by which you can restart your Roku TV. You can use our dedicated guide on how to restart Roku TV. After restarting it, check if it fixes the Roku remote not working problem or not. If not, move on to the next fix.
Check if there is an obstacle
The Roku Simple Remote communicates with the Roku device through an infrared blaster. In order for the infrared light to reach the sensor, an IR blaster must have a clear line of sight.
Hence, check if the sensor on the Roku device is blocked by any obstacles, and if there are any, remove them and your issue should be fixed. Keep in mind that Roku remotes that use Wi-Fi do not require line-of-sight.
Use an HDMI Extension Cable
If you have a Roku streaming stick and the Roku remote not working, then you need to use an HDMI extension cable as the stick plugs into the HDMI port on your TV. The HDMI connection could be causing interference with the remote.
If this is the case, you need to use a secondary HDMI cable in order to resolve the issue, as an HDMI extension cable will put the stick further away from the adapter on the TV.
Moreover, if you don’t have an extension cable, you don’t need to purchase it, as Roku will provide you with a free HDMI extender if you buy a Roku stick.
You just need to fill out this form by including the Roku stick’s serial number.
Pair the Remote
If the remote got unpaired from the box, it might be the reason why the Roku remote not working. Hence, you need to pair it again by following the simple steps:
Step 1: Unplug your Roku box from the power outlet.
Step 2: Wait for around 15 seconds, then reconnect it and wait for the home page to appear.
Step 3: Locate the pairing button on your remote.
Step 4: Press the pairing button until you see the Roku remote blinking.
Reset Roku Remote
You can also try resetting your Roku remote by performing a specific sequence, as it helps many users fix the Roku remote not working problem. To reset your remote, follow our dedicated guide on how to reset your Roku remote. After resetting the Roku remote, your issue should be fixed. If it still doesn’t work, move on to the next troubleshooting fix.
Replace Your Roku Remote
If none of the above methods help you resolve the Roku remote not working issue, you may need to replace your remote. You can buy a new Roku remote from the Roku online store by ensuring that your streaming device is compatible with it.
Use the Roku Remote App
You can also use the Roku Remote app to control your Roku device. You might want to use it if the remote is beyond repair and you are planning to purchase a new one. The application is free and available for both iOS and Android devices. Here’s how you can install and use it:
Step 1: Install the Roku remote app on your device, the app link for iPhone and Android.
Step 2: Once installed, open the app, follow the instructions, and log in to your account.
Step 3: Once done, click on the Remote tab from the bottom menu.
Step 4: Connect the Roku by following the simple procedure.
Step 5: After it’s connected, you can use it to control your Roku device.
Contact Roku support
You can also contact Roku customer support for assistance, as they have a dedicated team that can help you with the problem and provide troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue you are facing with the remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade my Roku remote without upgrading my device?
Yes, you can upgrade the remote to the one that has voice control features without changing the box if you have an older Roku version. Keep in mind that some remotes are incompatible with older Roku devices, so verify whether the voice control remote is compatible with your Roku device or not before buying it.
Does resetting the Roku device help resolve the problem of the remote not working?
Yes, resetting the Roku device helps some users resolve the problem like the Roku remote not working in many instances. Hence, you can also try resetting your device by checking out our detailed guide on how to reset Roku TV.
So, these are some of the best troubleshooting ways to fix the Roku remote not working problem. I hope you find this read helpful; if so, share it with your friends and family to let them be aware of the solutions.
Please share any additional inquiries related to the article in the comments section.
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