All Roku TVs and devices come with a remote control. The type of remote you get will depend on the model of the device you buy. Occasionally, your remote control may appear not to work, so what do you do if this happens?
If your simple Roku TV remote isn’t working, try replacing the batteries and aiming it directly at the TV when using it. An enhanced Roku TV remote may need to be paired once again or reset. It’s also possible that the remote control could be damaged or broken.
No one wants to be stuck with a remote that isn’t working, so let’s dive into some common Roku TV remote issues and how to fix them.
Roku TV Remote Issues Depend on Your Type of Remote
Before you fix the problem, you must first establish which type of Roku remote you have. Depending on the type of remote, the issues you can experience are different.
If you’re unsure which type of remote you have, check the back of your remote control. If you have an enhanced remote, you will see a small button next to the battery compartment. A simple remote will not have any kind of button at the back.
About the Roku Simple Remote
As the name suggests, a Roku simple remote is a basic model that uses an infrared signal to command the TV. This type of remote requires “line-of-sight” connectivity, meaning you must aim the front of the remote directly at the TV for it to work.
If there are any obstacles between the remote and the TV, the infrared beam won’t reach the TV. As a result, you won’t be able to operate the TV using the remote.
Except for streaming stick devices where an enhanced remote is required, you can use the simple remote with all models of Roku TV and devices.
About the Roku Enhanced Remote
An enhanced Roku TV remote uses radio frequency to “talk” to the TV and perform various commands. Radio frequency doesn’t require line-of-sight to operate, so it doesn’t matter where you point this remote; you will still be able to operate the TV.
Another significant feature of the enhanced remote is that it requires pairing to the TV or Roku device. Without doing so, the remote won’t work.
Gizmo Geek Guide uploaded this as an original article on January 24, 2023.
You can use the enhanced remote with any Roku TV or device except for old, outdated models.
How To Identify and Fix Simple Remote Issues
The simpler the remote is, the simpler the issues are to fix. There are three possible reasons why your simple remote isn’t working:
- The batteries are dead.
- The remote control’s path to the TV is blocked.
- The remote is broken.
Let’s look at each of these issues in more detail and how to fix them.
The Batteries Are Dead
The most common reason why the Roku simple remote isn’t working is that the batteries have run out. Luckily, this is an easy fix.
How To Fix: Replace the Batteries
To confirm that your remote needs new batteries, replace the existing batteries with new ones and see if that does the trick. The Roku simple remote uses either AA or AAA batteries: you will find the required battery size indicated inside the remote’s battery compartment.
The Remote Control’s Path to the TV Is Blocked
If the issue is not the batteries, then it’s likely the remote does not have a clear line of sight between itself and the TV.
How To Fix: Ensure the Remote Has Line-of-Sight to the TV
Ensure the remote has a clear line-of-sight by doing one or more of the following:
- Stand or sit directly in front of the TV when operating the remote.
- Remove any obstacles between the remote and the TV.
- Check if the receiver point on the TV or Roku device is obscured. If it is, get rid of the item that’s causing the obstruction.
- Use a dry cloth to wipe the infrared light on the remote and the receiver point clean.
The Remote Is Broken
If the problem isn’t either of the previous two issues, your remote could be broken.
How To Fix: Replace Your Remote
In the case of damage, you must replace your remote. Fortunately, replacements are quite affordable. The VINABTY Replaced Simple IR Remote is basic but has everything you need to operate your Roku TV.
How To Identify and Fix Enhanced Remote Issues
Given how enhanced remote controls work, the troubleshooting steps are a little more complex. The most likely reasons why your enhanced remote isn’t working are:
- The batteries are dead.
- The remote isn’t paired to the TV.
- The TV needs resetting.
- The remote is broken.
Let’s examine each of these issues in more detail. I’ll also walk you through how to fix them.
The Batteries Are Dead
The batteries on your enhanced remote could have run out. Like the simple remote, this is an easy fix.
How To Fix: Replace the Batteries
Replace the batteries after confirming the required battery size (this should be indicated inside the battery compartment). Give your remote another try. If it still isn’t working, the problem could be one of the next three issues.
The Remote Isn’t Paired to the TV
Many issues could cause your Roku remote control to become unpaired. Most commonly, it’s because a system update has occurred or there was a power outage at some point.
How To Fix: Pair Your Remote to the TV
To pair your Roku enhanced remote to your TV, do the following:
- Remove the batteries from the remote control.
- Unplug your Roku TV. Wait at least ten seconds before plugging it back in.
- Roku will boot up its system. Once the home screen appears, place the batteries back into the remote.
- Find the reset button on the back of the remote next to the battery compartment. Press and hold it down for about five seconds.
- You’ll know this has worked when you see the pairing light on the remote control flash and a notification pops up on the TV screen saying the device is now paired.
The TV Needs Resetting
Your TV could simply be suffering from a glitch or bug. This is a relatively simple fix.
How To Fix: Reset Your TV
Resetting your Roku TV often clears up any glitches and bugs. Before you reset your TV, take the batteries out of your remote. Then do the following:
- Head to the settings menu on your Roku TV.
- Select “System” then “Advanced System Settings.”
- You’ll see “Factory Reset” displayed. Select this and wait for the system to reset and reload.
- Once the home screen is displayed, follow the steps I described earlier to pair your device.
The Remote Is Broken
Like the simple remote, your enhanced remote could also be damaged or broken.
How To Fix: Replace Your Remote
Once again, in case of damage, I recommend replacing the remote with the Roku Voice Remote (Official). This remote allows you to operate your TV using voice commands. It’s also compatible with other Roku devices, such as the Roku player and Roku Streambars.
Conclusion
Fortunately, a faulty Roku remote is generally an easy fix. It’s most likely that the batteries have run out, in which case you’ll need to replace them.
If the remote is broken or has been damaged, they’re affordable to replace. Any other issues with your remote and their subsequent fixes depend on whether you have a Roku simple or enhanced remote.
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Gizmo Geek Guide published this original article on January 24, 2023.