How Do I Reset My Roku Remote
A Roku device turns any TV into a smart TV, giving you access to millions of movies and TV shows. But you won’t be able to stream anything if your remote control isn’t working properly. If you’re having problems with your Roku remote, here’s how to pair it or reset it, no matter what type of remote you have.
Two Types of Roku Remotes
There are two types of Roku remote controls: the “simple” remote, which uses infrared light and needs to be pointed directly at a receiver to work, and the “voice” remote, which uses WiFi and doesn’t require a direct line of sight. You can tell them apart because only one has a microphone button.
If you don’t see a button with a microphone or magnifying glass icon on your remote, it means you have the older “simple” remote.
How to Pair or Reset a Simple Roku Remote
A “simple” Roku remote uses infrared light to control the Roku player, so it will automatically pair with a Roku device. All you need to do is point it directly at the Roku receiver. However, anything blocking its path, including a glass cabinet door, could cause the remote to stop working.
There is no way to reset a “simple” Roku remote, but you can remove the batteries and reinsert them or replace them with new ones. Or you can also reset your Roku device itself by pressing the Reset button, which you will usually find on the back or bottom of your device.
Note: To find out if the infrared light in your remote is working properly, you can point it at the camera on your smartphone and push any buttons on your remote. If your camera doesn’t detect the invisible infrared light, you’ll need to replace your remote or upgrade to a newer Roku device.
How to Pair a Roku Voice Remote
If your Roku voice remote is not responding, press and hold the pairing button, which you can find in the battery compartment or on the back of your remote. Press the pairing button until you see the Status light flash green and move the remote close to your Roku device to pair it.
Once you push the pairing button on your remote, it might take a while to connect and pair with your Roku device. For the best results, you should move your remote close to your Roku device. You will know your remote is connecting if you see a screen that says “Pairing remote…”
If you have a rechargeable voice remote, make sure that it is fully charged. If your Roku remote uses replaceable batteries, you should also try inserting fresh batteries and then try to pair it again. Doing this might resolve any issues you are having with your remote.
How to Reset an Unresponsive Roku Voice Remote
To reset an unresponsive Roku remote, unplug your Roku device from power and remove the batteries from your remote. Then plug your Roku device back in and wait until you see the Roku logo on your screen before reinserting the batteries. Finally, press the pairing button on your remote to pair it.
How to Pair a New Roku Voice Remote
If your Roku remote is working, but you want to pair a new remote, you can press the Home button on your current remote and go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes > Set up a new device. Then press the pairing button on your remote and follow the on-screen instructions.
Depending on what kind of remote you have, there might be additional steps to set up your remote with your TV, so you can change the volume and turn your TV on/off with your remote.
If you still can’t get your remote to work, HelloTech is here to help. We can send a professional technician to your home as soon as today to set up your Roku device for you. We’ll even stick around to answer all your home theater questions.
Other Ways to Fix Roku Remote Not Working
If the enhanced remote is still not working after you’ve reset it, or you’re using the standard infrared remote, then you might need to try other methods to fix it. If all else fails, replacing the remote might be your only option.
Make sure the Roku remote’s batteries aren’t drained: If you’ve been using your remote for a while, chances are that the battery may have drained. This can cause the remote to not work because it has nowhere to draw power from. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote and insert either two AA or AAA batteries.
Check for wireless connection issues: If you’re using the enhanced remote, which uses your local Wi-Fi network, problems with your wireless connection could affect its performance. Your wireless network doesn’t need to have internet for your Roku device and remote to connect, but if the router has malfunctioned in some way, you might want to look into it.
Use an HDMI extender: If you’re using a Roku stick, which is the Roku model that you have to plug into your TV’s HDMI port, you can experience problems with your remote due to HDMI interference. Luckily, you can order a free HDMI extender for your Roku stick so you can place it far away from the HDMI port.
Use the Roku app as a virtual remote: To get around the Roku remote not working problem, you can use the Roku app as a virtual remote instead. We have a guide on how to use your iPhone as a fully functioning Roku remote. The steps are the same on Android devices, only that you’ll need to download with an Ethernet port – to connect your Roku device to the router, and then connect the app wirelessly.
Factory reset your Roku device: Roku remote not working after trying all of the steps above? Then it’s time for the nuclear option: resetting the Roku device back to factory settings. This reset will give your Roku a blank slate, meaning all your settings and personal preferences will be erased, but it could also get the remote to start working again.
Conclusion
Having a malfunctioning Roku remote can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can get it back up and running. Whether it’s a simple remote or a voice remote, there are various methods to pair, reset, or fix the remote to ensure seamless streaming experience.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my Roku remote is infrared or enhanced?
You can tell if your Roku remote is infrared or enhanced by checking for a microphone or magnifying glass icon. If it has one, it’s an enhanced remote; if not, it’s an infrared remote.
2. Can I use the Roku app as a remote?
Yes, you can use the Roku app as a virtual remote to control your Roku device if your physical remote is not working.
3. What should I do if my Roku remote is still not working after trying all the troubleshooting steps?
If your Roku remote is still not working, you may need to consider replacing the remote or contacting Roku for further assistance.
4. How do I pair a new Roku remote with my TV?
To pair a new Roku remote with your TV, press the Home button on your current remote, go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes > Set up a new device, and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Can I reset my Roku remote if it’s not working?
Yes, you can reset your Roku remote by following the specific reset instructions for your type of remote, whether it’s a simple infrared remote or an enhanced voice remote.
6. How do I factory reset my Roku device?
To factory reset your Roku device, go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset, and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your Roku device to its original settings.