Is your Roku remote not working? Here are some useful fixes that'll get your Roku remote working again.

Is your Roku remote not working? It could be one of a number of different problems, some of which are simple, and others which are more complex.

In this article, we'll help you troubleshoot why your Roku remote has stopped working, and hopefully get your Roku remote working again.

Let's start with the most simple explanation: are you sure that your device's batteries haven't run out? A slowly degrading performance is a sure-fire indicator that the power supply could be the problem.

Some Roku remote controls require two AA batteries; others require two AAAs. Check the sticker on the remote to check. The batteries are accessible from behind the sliding panel on the rear of the device.

Another common cause for a Roku remote not working is that the control has become unpaired from the box it is supposed to operate.

System updates, low power, changing Wi-Fi networks, using the device with another Roku box, or a simple technical glitch could all theoretically trigger an unexpected unpairing.

Thankfully, it is easy to pair a Roku remote with a Roku box or streaming stick. Just follow the instructions below:

Remember, some older Roku models come with an IR pointer instead of using your Wi-Fi connection. If you have an IR Roku remote that's not working, check that no dirt is blocking the receiver on either the control or the box/TV. Also, ensure that there are no obstructions in the remote's line-of-sight to the Roku box.

You can reset Roku remotes by performing a specific sequence during the box or stick's boot process.

To reset a Roku remote, follow the steps below:

If the Roku TV remote still doesn't work, move onto our next tip.

In its official literature, Roku accepts that the remotes for some of its models are affected by interference from nearby HDMI cables. The issue is especially prevalent on Roku streaming sticks which connect directly to the HDMI port on your TV.

The solution is to use an HDMI cable extender, thus allowing your streaming stick to be positioned further away from the TV's HDMI port.

You can use any HDMI extender you have lying around your home. However, if you don't already own one, Roku will ship you a short extender for free. To claim your free cable, you just need to fill out the appropriate form on the Roku website.

If you've worked through all the Roku remote troubleshooting tips but you've still not had any success, your Wi-Fi connection could be the culprit.

The Roku remote does not require an internet connection in order to connect to your box, but it does need a functioning local network. If your local network is down for any reason, the remote will not function until the connection is restored.

If you have enough technical knowledge, it might be worth digging into the router's settings; something might have happened that's causing the remote's connection to get blocked.

Although using your smartphone as a Roku remote isn't ideal, there is an official Roku remote app that you can download and use for free on both Android and iOS. It's a reliable temporary stop-gap.

Before you open the app for the first time, ensure that it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku streaming device.

As soon as the app loads, you will see the Discovery screen. Allow the process a few seconds to complete, and you should see your Roku box listed. Tap on the name to make the connection.

In addition to being used as a Roku TV remote, the Roku app has plenty of other cool features that are worth using.

This includes access to free TV shows and movies on your device via The Roku Channel, the ability to use your device's headphone connection for private listening, support for keyboard (and, on some models, voice input), and a way to cast content from your device to the TV screen.

Download: Roku for Android | iOS (Free)

If your phone app cannot see your Roku box, there are a couple of possible causes:

Sadly, if your Roku remote is still not working after checking all of these things, you may need to take the plunge and buy a new Roku remote.

None of the different remotes cost more than a few bucks to replace on Amazon.

Just make sure you check that your Roku box or streaming stick is supported by the remote you're about to purchase before you buy.

We hope the tips we've discussed in this piece have managed to get your Roku remote working again. Remember, your Roku remote can control lots of devices—including your soundbar—so you don't need to keep scrambling for different remotes.

Dan joined MakeUseOf in 2014 and has been Partnerships Director since July 2020. Reach out to him for inquires about sponsored content, affiliate agreements, promotions, and any other forms of partnership. You can also find him roaming the show floor at CES in Las Vegas every year, say hi if you're going. Prior to his writing career, he was a Financial Consultant.

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