Roku Remote Not Working? 7 Steps To Fix It!
Roku has made watching TV and streaming content easier than ever, but using this device with a remote that doesn’t work is not very realistic. For the most part, Roku gets nothing but praise from its users, as this powerful media streaming device has been a game-changer for so many home entertainment systems. However, some users have reported issues with their Roku remotes not working.
Table of Contents
What do I do if my Roku remote isn’t working?
To fix a Roku remote that is not working try to replace the remote batteries, ensure you have a clear signal to the Roku device, restart Roku remote and device, re-pair the remote, and check for HDMI interference. If the remote is still not fixed, use the Roku remote app or buy a replacement.
These days, you can stream just about anything thanks to Roku. With just a few simple clicks you have access to countless options for apps that allow you to stream movies, shows, and even music. With that being said, just like with all technology, you can expect your Roku to act up sometimes, which is particularly common with the remote.
If your Roku remote is not working, you need to identify exactly what the problem is so that you can fix it.
Is the issue software-related or hardware related? Is your remote not working at all or does it have some functionality? To help you understand this further, we are going to take a closer look at some of the potential reasons why your Roku remote is not working and what you can do to resolve them.
After extensively researching Roku troubleshooting forums, I have been able to gather enough information to determine how to fix a Roku remote that is not working.
My research has indicated that multiple different factors could be contributing to your Roku remote’s malfunction and you should consider each one to fix your device.
1. Replace Remote Batteries
The best place to start any troubleshooting issue is with the simplest approach first. If you have not already, be sure to check the batteries of your Roku remote before jumping into anything too technical.
If your batteries are on their way out, your remote may work partially – with some of the buttons functioning – or it could fail to respond completely. Your first go-to should be to swap out the old batteries with new ones to see if the problem goes away.
If the remote starts working after you put in new batteries, then you will have found your solution to the problem.
Some Roku users like to rely on rechargeable batteries for their remotes. These are great because they can be reused and are more environmentally sound, but you should keep in mind that they will drain considerably faster than standard, non-rechargeable options.
However, if you have just changed your batteries recently and are finding that they are already drained. More often than not, this is due to cheap batteries from knock-off brands.
You should avoid using these as they are notorious for performance issues and they lack longevity.
2. Signal Obstructions
For your Roku remote to work, it needs to have a clear signal to the Roku box or TV. It is often the case, that Roku users think that their remote is broken when they actually just have signal obstruction.
There may be something in the way that is interfering with your Roku remote reaching its corresponding device.
If you see any obstacles be sure to move them out of the way. In addition, you should try changing your physical position while using your Roku remote.
Stand up and use the remote from different angles within the room to see if you get a connection.
If you are using a Roku streaming player and not a Roku TV, make sure that it is properly positioned. The box needs to be facing you with the front side towards the remote. Also, double-check that there is nothing covering up the Roku streaming player such as a book or magazine, as this will prevent your remote from signaling the device.
3. Restart Roku Remote & Device
Performing a restart on your Roku remote and device can clear up a lot of issues. Restarting a simple remote is very easy and you just have to remove the batteries and place them back in. Depending on how operational your Roku remote is, you may be able to restart the Roku system. If your arrow keys and select button work, follow these steps:
- Home button (Roku remote)
- Settings
- System
- Power
- System Restart
This will restart the entire Roku device. If none of your Roku buttons work, then you can also restart the system by unplugging the device from its power source and then plugging it back in.
If you are using a rechargeable Roku remote, then you may be experiencing some sort of glitch with its hardware or software – provided that it has been charged. Unlike simple Roku remotes that rely on batteries, you cannot remove the power supply to restart the remote.
Rechargeable Roku remotes are designed with a feature so that they can be manually restarted. To do this, hold down the ‘Pairing’ button on your Roku remote for at least 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, a green light should start flashing on the remote which will indicate that it has restarted. However, you may still not have control over your TV, which implies that you need to re-pair it.
4. Re-Pair Roku Remote
When you first buy your Roku, you need to pair the device with your remote for it to work. This is a common factor that many new Roku users overlook when they unbox the product.
However, you may also find yourself in some situations where your Roku remote has un-paired itself. You may have experienced a connection issue or some other type of glitch within the software or hardware for this to happen. If your remote is un-paired, you have to go through the pairing process again by following these steps:
- Disconnect the Roku device from the power supply
- Wait for 10 seconds
- Remove batteries from Roku remote
- Wait for 20 to 30 seconds
- Press the Pairing button for 5 seconds
- Insert remote batteries
- Wait for 30 seconds
Your Roku remote will reconfigure itself with its corresponding device to create a connection. Re-paring your Roku remote will often solve a lot of issues – especially if it was due to a simple connection issue.
5. HDMI Interference
If you are using a Roku streaming stick, then your remote may not be functioning due to HDMI interference. This is a common issue with this Roku product and it is usually pretty easy to resolve.
Most of the time, you can fix an HDMI interference issue with your Roku streaming stick by unplugging it from your TV and then plugging it back in. If this did not solve the problem, you may need to get an HDMI extender. An HDMI extender will enable you to connect your Roku streaming stick so that the HDMI interference does not occur.
6. Roku Remote App
Roku offers a great feature with its products by giving users access to an app. This app comes with a variety of features and one of them is a remote control setting.
The Roku remote App is available on both iOS and Android so you should be able to use it on any major platform and with virtually every smartphone on the market. To get the Roku remote app, follow these instructions:
- Open Play/App Store
- Download Roku App
- Devices
- Press on the Remote Control icon
This is a great option for anyone who lost their Roku remote or if there is irreversible damage in the hardware that cannot be repaired. With your Roku remote app, you can control your device in the same way that you would a standard remote. In addition, you can take advantage of a ton of other features.
However, this is generally a temporary solution for a lot of people, as most users prefer the feel of a real remote. The Roku app is going to drain your phone when you use it and you may find that opting for a physical remote is the better long-term approach.
7. Replace Roku Remote
If you just recently bought your Roku and your remote is brand new, odds are you can fix it using the above-mentioned approaches. However, if your remote has been used quite a bit over the years, then you may need to consider replacing it if it does not work – especially if you have already tried every method to resolve the issue.
On average, you can expect your Roku remote to last for 2 to 5 years. If you have pushed your remote passed its prime or if you have damaged your remote physically in some way, then you may not want to waste time trying to fix it.
You can get yourself a simple Roku remote for as little as $15.00 and you can even consider some of the other options that are available if you want additional features like voice control.