Roku Remote Volume Not Working? 6 Reasons Why!
Roku has made streaming movies and shows at home incredibly easy, but if you are having issues with your Roku remote’s volume, it can be rather frustrating. When your volume button starts malfunctioning, it can be easy to assume that your device is broken beyond repair. However, depending on what is actually causing your Roku remote’s volume to act up, you may find that the problem is quite easy to resolve.
Table of Contents
- How do I fix the volume remote on my Roku?
- Check Batteries
- Blocked Signal
- Un-Paired Roku Remote
- HDMI Interference
- Reset Roku Remote
- Use Roku Remote App
- Dismantle & Clean Roku Remote
How do I fix the volume remote on my Roku?
To fix the volume on your Roku remote, check the batteries, make sure you have a clear signal, confirm that the remote is paired with the box, check for any HDMI interference, reset the remote, use the Roku remote app, and clean any internal debris inside the remote.
Ever since Roku came on the scene, this media streaming service has been transformative for watching TV at home. Instead of dealing with the limitations of traditional cable subscriptions, you can watch whatever you want through third-party applications through your Roku device.
This enables virtually every household to have access to the capabilities of a smart TV without upgrading to one. Your favorite content is always a few simple clicks away, but if your remote control’s volume stops working, it can make enjoying your Roku a hassle.
Much like with all technology, your Roku is not built to last forever and at a certain point, you should expect to run into issues. With that being said, you should keep in mind that if your Roku remote volume is not working, there could be a number of different factors contributing to the problem.
To help you understand this further, we are going to take a closer look at some potential solutions to fix the volume on your Roku remote.
After extensively troubleshooting Roku remote malfunctions, I have been able to gather enough information to determine what is likely causing the volume to stop working. My research has indicated that there are multiple different reasons why the volume on a Roku remote stops working and you should consider each one to resolve the issue.
Check Batteries
More often than not, the easiest fix is what solves this problem. Before you get technical and start taking apart your remote, you should double-check that your batteries are intact and have juice.
If it has been a while since you changed your batteries, then this is likely the problem.
Roku has released a few different types of remotes over the years and the batteries that power them have changed. Depending on the generation of your Roku remote, it will have one of the following battery types:
- AA (Double-A)
- AAA (Triple-A)
Some Roku users are tired of having to buy new batteries over and over again, which is why they opt for rechargeable options. If you are using rechargeable batteries with your Roku remote, these drain a lot faster.
It can be easy to assume that your Roku remote is giving you problems when in actuality your batteries simply need to be recharged.
Lastly, you should keep in mind that some batteries are going to perform considerably better than others. There are a lot of third-rate companies and knock-off brands producing cheap batteries that might be more affordable but are not going to do you any justice in the long run.
These batteries will drain a lot faster and they are often why people assume that there is something more serious going on with their device, which is why you should prioritize buying quality batteries from reputable brands.
Blocked Signal
Blocked signals are a notorious issue with Roku remotes and this is a very easy problem to fix. For your remote to function, it needs to have a clear signal to your Roku device, which is why the receiver should always be placed in a logical spot that you can easily reach.
Most people tend to watch TV from the same seating position, which is why you should stand up and try pressing the volume buttons on your remote from different angles in the room.
If the remote starts working, you will know that you had a blocked signal.
This often happens when the receiver gets moved accidentally and is altered from its normal position. To fix this, all you need to do is line the receiver up with your room in a way so that you can always target it with your Roku remote.
If you are watching your Roku from a large distance away, you should consider either moving closer to the TV or bringing the device closer to you.
Un-Paired Roku Remote
For your Roku remote to function it needs to be paired to the device. This is an easy thing to overlook if you have just bought your Roku and have not set it up yet.
However, you may also run into this problem if your remote happens to get disconnected in any way. Whether it is a technical glitch or a network issue, Roku remotes can disconnect from their devices, which will require them to be paired.
To pair your remote with your Roku, start by turning off the device completely by using the power button and then unplugging the box from its power source. After you plug your Roku back in, follow these steps to pair the remote:
- Power on the Roku device
- Locate the ‘Pairing Button’ on remote
- Hold the ‘Paring Button’ for 5 to 8 seconds
- Wait for Roku remote light to blink
Once your Roku remote has connected with the device, check to see if the volume buttons work. If you have control over the volume with your remote, you will know that you were experiencing a pairing issue.
HDMI Interference
HDMI interference is a common problem with a lot of home entertainment systems and it is usually very easy to fix.
Depending on the type of setup that you have with your HDMI inputs, another device could be connected to your TV that is interfering with your volume controls. This will likely be the case if you see that the volume on your Roku is changing but no sound is coming out.
You can often resolve this by unplugging the HDMI inputs on your TV and then plugging them back in.
If the problem persists, you should figure out which device is causing the issue. More often than not it is a mobile device that is connected to your speaker setup, which is preventing your Roku audio from coming through.
With that being said, you may also want to consider getting an extension for your Roku HDMI, as it could be caused by the device itself. This will allow you to change the position and the distance of where you keep your Roku device.
Reset Roku Remote
If you have crossed off all of the normal issues behind a malfunctioning Roku remote, you should consider resetting it. You may be experiencing an issue with your remote volume due to a technical glitch.
The best way to get around this is to reset the remote entirely, as this tends to clear up most software-related bugs. Follow these steps to reset your Roku remote:
- Unplug Roku box
- Take out Roku remote batteries
- Wait for 10 to 15 seconds
- Plug the Roku box back in
- Insert remote batteries
Once your Roku powers back on, you will be greeted with the home screen. You may not be able to use your remote at all yet, as a reset often results in the remote un-pairing from the box.
To pair your Roku remote, follow out above-mentioned instructions.
Use Roku Remote App
Traditionally, if you lost your TV remote or damaged it permanently, there are really no other options other than to replace it entirely. However, Roku offers its users an incredible workaround to bypass this so that you can access a replacement remote immediately.
Roku has a very convenient and intuitive app that has a built-in remote feature. By downloading the app and setting up the remote, you can have full control of your device’s volume settings through a mobile device.
Follow these steps to download and set up your Roku remote app:
- Open Play Store
- Search for Roku App
- Download Roku App
- Press ‘Devices’
- Press the‘ Remote’ icon
Now that you have successfully downloaded the Roku app, you can change the volume without needing to use the remote at all.
Dismantle & Clean Roku Remote
If you have gone through the previous steps, then you should try this last approach before throwing in the towel
The problem may be that you have a build-up of dirt and debris inside of the remote that is preventing it from functioning properly.
To fix this, you will need to take apart the remote so that you can access the internal components. Once opened, wipe away any of the dust and dirt inside of the remote. If you see that there is a lot of debris inside, then it is a good chance that your volume control was malfunctioning due to this.
After you clean up your remote, re-assemble it and test the volume. If this issue persists, you may need to accept that your remote is likely broken beyond repair and that your next best option is to buy a replacement.
