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How to Pair Roku Remote Smartly

How to Pair Roku Remote

Nothing is more frustrating than setting up your new Roku streaming device, grabbing up all the snacks, and sitting down to watch some Netflix series or movie just only to find out that the remote isn’t working. Well, fortunately, the solution is quite simple and easy you just have to pair the Roku remote to control the streaming device and for this, we have shared a detailed guide on how to pair Roku remote smartly so that you can navigate through channels and play your favorite content.

Roku is the gateway to thousands of streaming channels that allow accessing Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and other countless services from any platform. The Roku player comes with a remote that is not always paired you have to manually pair it.

Difference Between Simple and Enhanced Roku Remotes

There are two kinds of Roku remotes, simple Roku remote and enhanced or voice remote. The simple Roku remote communicates with the infrared beams and doesn’t require to be paired. The other one is an enhanced remote that has two versions (voice remote and the voice remote pro that can be distinguished by either microphone buttons or search buttons) that use RF radio waves, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth to control the player and needs to be paired.  Moreover, you can easily identify which kind of remote you have by checking the buttons. If your remote has a voice or search button then it is a Roku voice remote, if not then you have a simple Roku remote.

Identify the voice remote

How to Pair a Simple Roku Remote?

The simple Roku remotes use infrared light to control the Roku player. To pair it you just have to insert batteries and point the remote directly to the Roku receiver and it will be automatically paired with a Roku device. However, it needs a direct line of sight with Roku so that the remote can work smoothly. If there is something that is blocking the signals from your remote then it will cause issues to work. Moreover, the Simple remote is not compatible with Roku Streaming Stick+, Roku Streaming Stick 4K, or Roku Streaming Stick 4K+.

Pair a Simple roku remote

How to Pair Enhanced Roku Remote?

The voice version of the Roku remotes communicates through a dedicated wireless connection. If you have a rechargeable Roku remote then ensure that it is fully charged or if it uses replaceable batteries then insert the new batteries and pair them so you can have a smooth pairing process.

  • Press and hold the pairing button that you can find in the battery compartment on the back of your remote.
Pairing button
  • Keep pressing the pairing button until you see the green status light flashing.
  • Now, Keep the Roku remote near the streaming device.
  • You will get to know that your Roku remote is connecting when you see a screen saying pairing remote…
Pairing remote

However, if you still having issues while pairing a Roku remote to the streaming device then, it could be the internet connectivity issues or the Roku can’t connect to Wi-Fi that’s why it is causing problems in connecting to the remote.

How to Pair Roku Remote (Without Pairing Button)

Some older Roku remotes don’t have the pairing button; they just use IR to communicate with the TV or Roku device directly. Follow the below-mentioned steps to enter the Roku remote into pairing mode without the pairing button.

  • Press the home button and back button simultaneously.
  • Now, the light on the front of your Roku remote will start to blink means your remote has entered pairing mode.
  • At the same time your TV will show a pop-up status telling you that it is pairing a remote and when the process is complete your remote should be paired.
Roku Remote

How to Pair a New Roku Remote?

In case you have lost or broken a Roku remote and want to pair a new one then, after setting up your Roku streaming device you can access the settings menu to pair the new Roku remote.  Or if you don’t have the remote then install the Roku mobile app on your Smartphone or tablet as Roku allows to easily control the streaming device from mobile phones.

  • Select the home button on the Roku remote or from the Roku mobile app.
  • Scroll down and select settings.
  • Hit the remotes and devices option and select Add devices.
  • Choose remote and continue the process.
  • Now, Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your voice remote.

How to Un-Pair Roku Remote?

Sometimes it is better to un-pair the Roku remotes as it can fix the issues you are having with it. To do this, Press and hold the back and pairing button on the remote for 5-7 seconds simultaneously. The indicator will blink 3 times, now press any remote control button to check whether it responds or not if didn’t respond, it has been successfully un-paired.

How to Re-Pair or Reset Roku Remote?

To reset Roku remotes you need to unplug your Roku device from power and remove the batteries from your remote. Wait for 5 to 10 seconds, plug in your Roku device again, and wait until you see the Roku logo on your screen before reinserting the battery. Now, press the pairing button until the LED light starts flashing on your remote to repair it. Wait for your Roku device to recognize it and release the button. If the repair is successful, the LED lights will stop flashing and the remote will start working again.

Moreover, if you want to repair or reset the infrared Roku remotes then open the battery compartment, remove the batteries, and place them again, this way it will be re-pair to the device and hopefully start to work again.

Note: If you have tried all the above steps to pair, re-pair, or reset the Roku remote and still having issues then the Hi-tech team recommends you to contact Roku support to solve the issue.

FAQs

Q:  Why isn’t my Roku remote pairing?
A: The Roku remote might not be pairing because it has battery issues or needs a new battery. Or maybe the remote is not connected to the same Wi-Fi as the Roku device that’s why it is not pairing up. Moreover, if you are using a simple or infrared Roku remote then there might be some obstacles blocking the device from remote to connect.

Q: How to check if I have an enhanced/voice remote?
A: To identify whether you have an enhanced remote or not, check the below features:

  • Voice or search button
  • Power or on/off button for a TV
  • Two control buttons for gaming
  • Remote finder alert
  • Headphone jack

Wrap Up

Above we have compiled all the details on how to pair Roku remote. Now you can easily pair, re-pair, reset, un-pair, or pair a new Roku remote by following the above steps. However, the process isn’t too difficult but it is important to identify which kind of Roku remotes you have so it will be easy to pair it any time with any device.

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Trevor Mogg

I am a tech guide and how-to writer who loves helping people with their tech problems. With plenty of experience, I break down complex topics into easy-to-understand tips and tricks. When I'm not writing, I enjoy trying out new gadgets and keeping up with the latest tech trends.