How do I reset a Roku remote if it’s not working?
Life is like a rollercoaster with a wavy yet enjoyable ride. Isn’t it?
Often you feel as if you are on top of the world, and some other times you feel as if everything and everyone has turned against you.
Recall ‘’A Day when everything went wrong’’. . .
We all probably have had that one bad day at least once in this life when we’ve been late to work, argued with our colleagues, or simply fought with our parents at home for no reason. Relatable, isn’t it?
Well, reasons may be ample but none can be as worst as the realization that the remote of your streaming device or TV has stopped working.
If you’re using a Roku box or a Roku streaming stick, sometimes the remote decides not to cooperate and you either feel like banging it hard on the floor or bang your head instead!
But wait a sec . . . we can guide you with some simple steps to reset your Roku remote.
Table of Contents
Which type of Roku remote do you have?
Did you know that a streaming device like Roku can turn any TV into a smart TV, giving you access to millions of entertainment content?
But you aren’t able to stream anything if your remote isn’t working properly.
To fix this it is first important to know which type of Roku remote you own. Roku has two different remote controls:
A Roku Simple remote uses infrared light and operates when it is directly pointed at a receiver.
For the Roku simple remote to operate reliably, it must be directly pointed at the Roku device (it is controlling) without any object blocking the signal from reaching the device where the IR receiver is located.
Most Roku TV and streaming player models like Roku Express, Roku Express 4K, and Roku Premiere come with the Simple remote.
However, if you don’t find a button with a microphone or magnifying glass icon on your Roku remote, it means you’re using an older model of the “simple” remote.
A Roku voice remote uses WiFi and so it doesn’t require a direct line of sight. You can differentiate them easily because only one has a voice button with a push-to-talk voice feature to search and control your Roku device.
To help you establish a reliable wireless connection with your Roku device, all voice remotes have a small, circular “pairing” button located inside the battery compartment or on the back of the remote.
To know which of the two remotes you own, remove the battery cover on the back.
Similar Post: How to Connect Roku to Wi-Fi Without Remote
What should you know before resetting your Roku remote?
Prior to trying your hands to troubleshoot and reset your Roku remote, it is important to understand the type of battery that your remote has.
Since troubleshooting steps will vary slightly depending on the battery type, there are two remote varieties.
Those with an in-built rechargeable battery, such as the Roku Voice Remote Pro, and those with standard batteries like the Roku simple remote.
One way to detect if you own a rechargeable remote is the location of the remote pairing button and status light. There is no battery compartment on these remotes, and the status light is located on the back. Remotes with standard batteries don’t have a status light on the outside of the remote.
Once you know the battery type of your voice remote and the location of the pairing button and status light, you’re good to troubleshoot.
However, make sure your Roku before troubleshooting your remote ensure that your Roku device runs on Roku OS 9.4 or higher.
Once confirmed, navigate to Settings > System > About and check current the software version. You may also, manually check if your Roku device requires an update.
How will you reset a Simple Roku Remote?
Well, there’s no way to reset a “simple” Roku remote. However, you can detach the batteries and reinsert them or replace them with a new pair.
You can also reset your Roku device by itself, pressing the Reset button, usually located on the back or bottom of your device.
Also Read: How to Remove and Hide Roku Channel
How will you reset an Unresponsive Roku Voice remote?
Has your Roku remote suddenly stopped working or has become unresponsive while you try operating it?
Then note it requires a quick reset instead of a hard bang on the floor!
To reset an unresponsive Roku remote, you must quickly follow these steps below:
- To get started, unplug your Roku streaming player from power.
- Then detach the batteries from your Roku remote.
- After 5 seconds, Plug back your Roku player.
- The moment you see the Roku logo on the Home screen of your TV, reinsert the batteries in your Roku remote.
- Now press and hold the pairing button on your remote for about 5 seconds, or until you see the pairing light flashing on the remote.
- Wait until Roku completes the pairing process. This will take about 30 seconds, or sometimes even less. You should see a prompt popup on your TV once the remote has been successfully reset and paired.
Bottomline
Streaming your favourite movies, shows or any other on-demand content becomes seamless when you have an adequately working remote.
However, note that not always would you require a new Roku remote if one fine day it stops working.
All Roku media players come with a simple yet effective remote control. And while the exact appearances vary from one Roku model to another, they all feature a common home and back button, a directional pad, and buttons to play and pause visual content.
If you suddenly discover that your Roku remote has stopped working, then most likely it has lost its pairing and requires a quick reset.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. If you find this helpful to reset your Roku remote, don’t forget to share it within your network.
Related Article: Quick Fix To AirPlay Not Working on Roku TV
FAQs – About Reset the Roku Remote
By now you must have gathered a couple of additional queries about how to reset your Roku remote. Here are a couple of frequently asked questions to clarify your doubts.
Q. What is the function of the ‘’Pairing Button’’ on a Roku Remote?
The pairing button on a Roku remote allows you to connect your device with the remote. That way, you can control it from a distance.
Q. How do I pair my Roku Voice Remote?
Often when your Roku voice remote doesn’t respond, press and hold the pairing button, until you find the Status light flashing green in colour.
Upon pushing the pairing button on your remote, it may take a while to connect and pair with your Roku device.
The closer you move your remote to your Roku device, the faster it will pair.
You will know that your remote is connected once the screen displays “Pairing remote…”
Q. Where should I purchase a new Roku remote?
If you’re looking to replace or upgrade your Roku remote, you can visit to buy a new remote directly at the Roku accessories store.
Alternatively, Amazon and other online platforms also offer Roku remotes for under 11 USD. However, before heading to purchase check the compatibility of your device.
Q. How do I know if I need a new Roku remote?
If you notice that your Roku remote isn’t syncing with your TV anymore or if it often shows signs of malfunctioning, it’s time that you might need to buy a new one.
Roku remotes aren’t expensive, and you can easily find high-quality models compatible with almost any TV.
Tip: Still, having second thoughts to buy a new Roku remote? Well, your Smartphones can also function as Roku remotes. For this, simply download the Roku app and sync the Roku device with your smartphone!
This is one way to save your pockets yet have a virtual remote in hand without the need to go looking for it every time.
Q. How do I reset my Roku remote no pairing button?
One of the most common problems that users experience with Roku remotes is that they are either disconnecting or simply not syncing at all. To fix this
- Restart your Roku device
- Now turn off and unplug the TV.
- Once done, press the power button of your TV, not the remote.
- Hold the button for about two minutes and turn it on to connect the TV.
- Pair the remote again using the pairing button. This should solve the connection issue between the Roku device and the remote.
However, if the syncing error persists, try changing the batteries.
Q. Where is the Roku reset button?
Roku devices come with a factory reset button on the back or bottom of the device. The button is either a tactile or a pinhole button.
Q. Why is my Roku remote not working?
If you find your Roku remote, especially one that stops working only after using it for a month or so, consider cleaning its terminals with a small solution of alcohol or any alcohol-based solution, using a cotton bud or soft cloth. Reinsert the batteries back into the remote control and see if it works. If not, replace them with fresh batteries.
Q. Why my TV isn’t responding to my remote?
Remote control not responding to your TV usually means low batteries. Make sure that you directly point your Roku remote at the TV.
Check if any other gadget or any lighting object is blocking the TV remote sensor and interfering with the signal.
Q. Where are the pairing buttons and the status light on the Roku remote?
The Pairing button and the status light are usually found on the front of the remote. But sometimes you may also find it underneath the battery compartment depending on the remote type.
You may find it on the back of a rechargeable voice remote like the Roku Voice Remote Pro and beneath the battery cover of a voice remote like the Roku Voice Remote and Roku Enhanced Voice Remote that uses AA or AAA batteries.
Q. Why is there no pairing button on my Roku remote?
No pairing can take place without a pairing button. You may be using an IR remote if it doesn’t have a pairing button.
