How to fix a Roku remote that isn't working (even with fresh batteries) - Blue Cine Tech (2023)

As an avid Roku user, there's nothing more frustrating than sitting down to watch your favorite show or movie and finding that your Roku remote isn't working. You've taken the most common troubleshooting path of replacing the battery, only to find that the problem persists. This raises a few questions, and you're probably here because you're looking for answers.

You're in the right place! I understand how such a minor issue can ruin a smooth streaming experience. Don't worry; many other factors can cause your Roku remote to misbehave, and I'll help you fix them.

Based on my previous experience and understanding of the Roku ecosystem, this guide walks you through easy-to-follow, practical troubleshooting steps. We'll look at common issues beyond battery issues, from pairing issues to possible Wi-Fi connection hiccups, and even dive into some advanced tips you might still want to consider.

Rest assured, by the end of this guide, you will be well on your way to resolving the issue at hand and restoring a smooth streaming experience. Let's dive into the world of remote Roku troubleshooting!

1 – Re-pair your Roku remote

Occasionally, a Roku remote can become unpaired from its companion box, causing it to become unresponsive. This could be due to a system update, power fluctuations, Wi-Fi network changes, using your device with a different Roku box, or even a minor technical glitch.

Here's how to re-pair the remote with your Roku device:

1. Disconnect power from the Roku device.
2. Wait about 10 seconds and connect again. Wait for the homepage to load.
3. Now it's time to find the pairing button on the remote. You can usually find it on the front of the device or inside the battery compartment.
4. Press and hold the pairing button for about five seconds or until you feel the remote blink. This indicates that the pairing process is in progress.

Bear in mind that some older Roku models use an infrared pointer instead of a Wi-Fi connection. If you have a Roku IR remote and it isn't working, make sure no debris is blocking the remote or the receiver of your Roku TV/Box. Also, make sure there are no physical obstacles blocking the line of sight between the remote and the Roku device.

Keep in mind that re-pairing is relatively easy and only takes a few minutes. In many cases, that might be all that's needed to get your Roku remote working again!

2- Do a hard reset on your Roku remote

If re-pairing doesn't resolve the issue, try resetting your Roku remote. This involves a specific step in the Roku device boot process. See how to do it:

1. Remove the batteries from the Roku remote.
2. Disconnect the Roku device from power (or, if the Roku IR remote is working, go to Settings > System > Reboot System > Reboot).
3. Wait about 10 seconds before turning your Roku device back on.
4. After the splash screen loads, put the batteries back in the Roku remote.

If you have a rechargeable Roku remote, you can reset your Roku device by pressing and holding the pairing button for 20 seconds after disconnecting it from power. After reconnecting the power, the remote will reset and pair again.

If your Roku TV remote is still unresponsive after this, don't worry, we have some more tips for you to try!

3 - Look for possible HDMI interference

Certain Roku remote models may experience interference from nearby HDMI cables, especially Roku streaming devices that plug directly into your TV's HDMI port. Roku acknowledges this issue in its official documentation.

Try using an HDMI cable extender to move your streaming device away from the TV's HDMI port. This can help reduce interference. You probably already have an HDMI extender at home, but if not, Roku provides one for free. You can claim your rights by filling out a form on the official Roku website.

If that doesn't solve your problem, go to the next step.

4 – Check your Wi-Fi connection

While the Roku remote doesn't need an internet connection to connect to the set-top box, it does require an active local area network. If your local network goes down, the remote will not work until the connection is restored.

If you are tech savvy, consider checking your router settings. There may be something blocking the connection between the remote and the Roku box.

Is your Wi-Fi working but the remote is still not responding? Let's go to the next step.

5 – Using the official Roku Remote app

While it might not be your first choice, the official Roku remote app for Android and iOS can be a useful temporary solution. The app is free to download, and while it takes longer than a physical remote, it's a solid solution. Keep in mind that there may be a slight delay and you will need to reconnect if your phone screen locks up.

Before launching the app, make sure your phone and Roku streaming device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Once the app loads, you will find a discovery screen. After a few seconds, your Roku box should appear in the list. Tap the box name to establish a connection.

Besides being used as a Roku TV remote, the app has other notable features that can enhance your streaming experience. Some of these include access to free TV shows and movies through the Roku Channel, private listening through the device's headphone jack, support for keyboard and voice input on select models, and the ability to stream content from the device to the screen of the device. TV.

If your Roku remote is still not responding after using the app, let's look at another possible solution.

6 – Roku App Troubleshooting

If you're having trouble getting the Roku app to recognize your Roku device, there could be a number of reasons:

1. Network Access: It is important to ensure that your Roku device has not disabled its network access. To check this, go to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Mobile App Control > Network Access on your Roku device. You must select Default or Allow.
2. Using a VPN: The Roku Remote app will not work if your smartphone or Roku device is connected to a VPN. So if you are using a VPN try disconnecting.

If you've followed all these steps and your Roku remote is still unresponsive, consider replacing it.

7 – Time for a new command

If all else fails and you've exhausted the troubleshooting steps above, consider purchasing a new remote. Roku remotes are very affordable and can be easily found on various online retail sites.

When purchasing a replacement, confirm that the new remote is compatible with your specific Roku model. Not all remotes will work with all Roku devices, so this is an important step.

While it's a shame to have to buy a new remote, it's a small price to pay to keep watching your favorite shows and movies without further interruptions. Be sure to keep this troubleshooting guide handy for any future issues and to help other Roku users in your life. We hope this guide helps with your Roku remote issues.

In conclusion, it's clear that remote Roku troubleshooting isn't a one-size-fits-all process. While remote control repairs worked for me, your solution might be different. Remember, the goal is to get your Roku working again. You may need to be patient, but a direct approach may do the trick. Good broadcast!