The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
To connect a new Roku remote, first identify its type: a Roku Voice Remote pairs wirelessly, while a basic Roku Players/Simple Remote usually works by infrared and does not pair. A Roku TV Remote is intended for Roku televisions, not standalone Roku players. Check compatibility, then use the matching steps below.
1. Identify your remote
| Remote type | How to recognize it | How it connects |
|---|---|---|
| Roku Voice Remote | Usually has a microphone or magnifying-glass voice button; some models have a pairing button on the back or inside the battery compartment. | Pairs wirelessly. It does not need to be aimed at the Roku. |
| Roku Voice Remote Pro | A premium voice remote with features that can include rechargeable power, backlit buttons, hands-free voice control, and a remote finder; features vary by model and device. | Pairs wirelessly. Charge it if needed. |
| Roku Players Remote / Simple Remote | Usually has no microphone button. | Uses infrared (IR): insert batteries, point it at the device, and press a button. It generally does not need pairing. |
| Roku TV Remote | Made for a television with Roku TV built in; may have TV power and volume buttons. | Basic models use infrared and need a clear line of sight. It is not the standard remote for a separate Roku player. |
Roku describes its voice remotes as wireless; for setup, the useful distinction is wireless pairing versus infrared line-of-sight control—not an assumption that every remote uses the same wireless technology. See Roku’s Simple Remote details and remote and accessory information.
2. Check compatibility before pairing
- Roku Players Remote / Simple Remote: works with most Roku players and Roku audio devices, but not Roku TV models or certain older Streaming Stick models.
- Roku TV Remote: intended for Roku TV models.
- Roku Voice Remote: works with all Roku TV models, most Roku players, and Roku audio devices, but some older devices may not support it.
Check the replacement remote’s compatibility against your Roku model before buying or troubleshooting. Roku offers device-matching information through its account and accessory pages. Find the Roku model number on the device, its packaging, your Roku account, or—if you can navigate the menus with another remote or the app—in the system information screen. A generic third-party remote is not guaranteed to support every Roku device, voice feature, shortcut, or TV control.
3. Get ready
- Power on the Roku. For a separate player or Streaming Stick, switch the television to the HDMI input it uses.
- Install fresh batteries in a battery-powered remote, observing the polarity marks, or charge a rechargeable remote.
- Keep the remote near the Roku for pairing.
- If using the mobile app, connect the phone or tablet to the same Wi-Fi network as the Roku.
If you see no picture, check the television’s Input or Source setting before assuming the remote failed. Roku’s general setup guide covers connecting the device and choosing the right input.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible devices - Roku TV models ONLY
- NOT compatible devices - Roku Streaming Players, Roku Audio, or other smart TVs
- Made by Roku for Roku TV - Stream easy with an official Roku remote, designed to work seamlessly with your Roku TV.
- No juggling remotes - Power up your Roku TV, adjust the volume, mute, and control your streaming with an official Roku remote.
- Simple setup - Ready to control your Roku TV in just one step. Comes with pre-installed batteries.
4. Pair a Roku Voice Remote
During initial setup
- Turn on the television and select the HDMI input connected to the Roku player or Streaming Stick. For a Roku TV, turn on the television.
- Connect the Roku to power and wait for its welcome or setup screen.
- Remove the remote’s battery pull tab if it has one, or install its batteries. Charge rechargeable models as needed.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the remote, then continue through the setup steps.
Some Roku TVs begin pairing when the included voice remote is activated. Roku’s guides for Roku device setup and Roku TV setup describe the on-screen flow.
With a pairing button
- Turn on the Roku and confirm that its screen is visible on the TV.
- Install fresh batteries or make sure the remote is charged.
- Find the Pairing button, usually on the remote’s back or inside its battery compartment.
- Press and hold the button for about five seconds. Release it when the status light starts flashing.
- Wait for the pairing message or confirmation on the TV. Then test the arrows, Home, and Back.
The Roku and remote need to be ready to pair at the same time. If the remote has no pairing button, use the next method instead. Follow Roku’s voice remote pairing instructions.
Without a pairing button
- Turn on the Roku and make sure the remote has power.
- Press and hold Back + Home together for about five seconds.
- Release the buttons when the status light flashes, then wait for the on-screen confirmation.
- Test navigation.
Use Back + Home when your remote lacks a dedicated pairing button; do not substitute it for the pairing-button procedure on a remote that has one.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- Easy voice search & control: Quickly search across thousands of top channels, play entertainment, control your streaming, and more with your voice
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, control your Roku device, switch inputs on your Roku TV, and more—all in a tap
- Pre-set channel shortcuts: Pre-set channel shortcuts let you launch popular streaming channels with the push of a button, all without having to scroll
- Simple setup: Simply turn on your Roku device and pull the battery tab on the back of the remote and it should pair automatically
- Works with your Roku device: Roku Voice Remote works with all Roku TV models, Roku audio products, and most Roku players*
5. Pair from Roku settings using another controller
If an existing remote still works—or the Roku app already controls the device—you can start pairing from the Roku menus:
- Press Home, then open Settings.
- Go to Remotes & devices and choose the option for adding or pairing a remote.
- Depending on the device and software version, the option may appear under labels such as Add devices > Remote > Continue or Remotes > Add a new remote.
- Put the new voice remote into pairing mode: hold its pairing button for about five seconds, or hold Back + Home for about five seconds if it has no pairing button.
- Follow any remaining on-screen prompts.
Menu labels can vary by Roku OS version, device, and region. Look for the function that adds a remote rather than relying on one exact path.
6. Use the Roku mobile app as a temporary remote
The official Roku mobile app can help you navigate to the pairing menu if the Roku is already powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or tablet.
Rank #3
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: Pack of 2 remote. Two-pack remote control can solve your home backup remote control needs. Infrared remote no pairing or programming needed. Just Insert 2 Pcs*AAA batteries to get it work (Batteries and manual are not included)
- EXACT COMPATIBILITY: Acoyer universal remote control only for Roku Series TVs, Compatible with TCL Roku TVs, Hisense Roku TVs, Onn Roku TVs, Sharp Roku TVs, Element Roku TVs, Westinghouse Roku TVs, Philips Roku TVs, Insignia Roku TVs, JVC Roku TVs, RCA Roku TVs, Hitachi Roku TVs and Sanyo Roku TVs Series.
- NOT APPLICABLE: TV Remote is NOT Compatible with Roku Stick/Streaming Stick/ Box(1/2/3/4(HD/LT/XS/XD))/ Ultra/ Express/ Premiere/ Player. NOT Compatible with TCL TV, Hisense TV, Onn TV, Sharp TV, Element TV, Westinghouse TV, Philips TV, Insignia TV, JVC TV, RCA TV, Hitachi TV and Sanyo TVs.
- SHORTCUT BUTTONS: Get to favorite apps quickly with shortcut buttons and it have 4 shortcuts buttons. Precisely control far from 10 meters/30 feet and it supports over total 160,000 clicks for all buttons via approved tests.
- AFTER SALE SERVICE: Acoyer remote controls with an unlimited return and refund service in 1-year warranty. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your order, please feel to reach out to us.
- Install the official Roku app for iOS or Android.
- Connect your phone or tablet to the Wi-Fi network used by the Roku.
- Open the app, select the Roku, and use its on-screen remote.
- Navigate to the remote-pairing option in Roku settings, then put the replacement voice remote into pairing mode.
The app is not a universal workaround: it generally cannot control a Roku that is offline, has been factory-reset, or has not yet connected to a network. If the old Wi-Fi network is unavailable, you will normally need a physical remote or another way to control the Roku while you connect it to the new network. See Roku’s lost-remote guidance.
7. Connect a Simple or Players Remote
A basic Roku infrared remote normally does not pair. Insert two fresh AAA batteries, point the front of the remote directly at the compatible Roku player or audio device, and press Home, OK, or an arrow. Keep the line of sight clear. If the Roku responds, the remote is working; there is no wireless pairing step to complete.
Infrared operation means you may need to aim carefully, and the remote may not work when the Roku is hidden behind the television. Roku says its Simple Remote is not designed for Roku TV models. Check the Simple Remote compatibility details before using or buying one.
Rank #4
- Compatible Devices: Universal remote only for Roku TV, Compatible with Roku TV models, TCL Roku TV, Onn Roku TV, Hisense Roku TV, Westinghouse Roku TV, Sharp Roku TV, Philips Roku TV, JVC Roku TV, RCA Roku TV, Insignia Roku TV, Element Roku TV, or Sanyo Roku TV.
- NOT Compatible Devices: NOT Compatible with Roku players or Roku audio devices, NOT Compatible with TCL TV, Onn TV, Hisense TV, Westinghouse TV, Sharp TV, Philips TV, JVC TV, RCA TV, Insignia TV, Element TV, or Sanyo TV.
- Easy to Use: No setup or programming needed—just insert 2 AAA batteries to use (batteries not included).
- Pre-set Channel Shortcuts: Get instant access to your favorite streaming apps with a single click.
- What You Get: IDGPUW replacement remote for roku tv*3, user manual*3, and Industry-Leading 1-Year IDGPUW Care, plus Lifetime Technical Support.
8. Set up TV power and volume separately
Successful pairing does not guarantee that the remote’s TV power, volume, or mute buttons are configured. On supported voice remotes:
- Press Home.
- Open Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes.
- Select the voice remote and choose Set up remote for TV control.
- Follow the sound test and on-screen instructions, then test power, volume, and mute.
Some televisions support only some of these controls. If Roku directs you to use HDMI-CEC, turn it on in the TV settings; manufacturers may give CEC a different name, such as Samsung Anynet+ or LG SIMPLINK. See Roku’s TV-control setup instructions.
9. Troubleshoot by symptom
The pairing light never flashes
- Check battery orientation and try a fresh matching pair, or charge the remote.
- Make sure you are using the button on the new remote, not the old one.
- If there is no pairing button, hold Back + Home together for about five seconds.
- Restart the Roku, then try pairing again. If the remote still will not enter pairing mode, check that it is compatible with the Roku.
The light flashes, but the Roku does not connect
- Confirm the Roku is powered on and visible on the TV; check the selected HDMI input for a player or Stick.
- Move the remote close to the Roku and retry pairing.
- Restart the Roku: unplug its power, wait about 10 seconds, reconnect it, then put the remote into pairing mode after it restarts.
- Reduce possible sources of wireless interference and confirm compatibility.
A system restart is less disruptive than a factory reset and does not erase settings. Roku’s restart instructions provide device-specific options.
Best Value
- No Setup Required: the remote control replacement for Roku TV which can solve your home backup remote control needs. Simply Insert 2 AAA batteries (Not included) , then turn on your device and it will automatically pair, perfectly replacing your original remote control
- Upgrade Material: our remote replacement is made of high quality ABS and silicone, ABS improves durability, can be used for a long time, and also keeps you and your children away from harm
- Completely Compatible: the replacement remote controls only for roku series TVs, compatible with TCL Roku TVs, Hisense Roku TVs, Onn Roku TVs, Sharp Roku TVs, Philips Roku TVs
- Notice: Only for roku tv, not for roku stick/roku box 1/2/3/4(HD/LT/XS/XD), not for roku ultra/roku express/roku premiere and roku player
- Key Features: Get to favorite apps quickly with 8 shortcut buttons for Disney, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Primevideo sling, Apple TV+ and VUDU. Strongest signal by mature infrared technology, farther transmitting distance, stable performance, following the movement of the tv page without obvious delay
The app cannot find the Roku
- Check that both devices are powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Make sure the phone is not on a guest network that isolates devices; temporarily disable a VPN if it is interfering with local-network discovery.
- If the Roku has never connected to Wi-Fi or was reset, the app generally cannot do the initial network setup by itself.
The remote navigates Roku, but TV buttons do not
Run Set up remote for TV control again and confirm the TV brand selection. Check whether the TV requires HDMI-CEC for the desired function. If a soundbar or AV receiver sits between the Roku and TV, temporarily connect the Roku directly to the TV to help isolate the issue. Some TVs may support only volume or only power through the Roku remote.
The remote works only when aimed precisely
That is expected for an infrared Simple/Players Remote: it needs a clear line of sight. A voice remote uses wireless communication and does not need to be aimed at the Roku.
The Roku turns off with the TV or seems unresponsive
If a Roku player is powered through the TV’s USB port, the port may stop supplying power when the television turns off. Use the Roku power adapter and a wall outlet when available so the player remains powered.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe remote feels hot
Stop using it. Unplug a charging cable, if connected, and let the remote cool on a hard, nonflammable surface. Do not remove hot alkaline batteries. Follow Roku’s remote and TV-control safety guidance.
10. Choosing a replacement
| Option | Best fit | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Players Remote / Simple Remote | Basic control of a compatible Roku player or audio device. | Infrared; must be aimed; not for Roku TVs. |
| Roku TV Remote | Basic control of a Roku television. | Made for Roku TV models, not ordinary standalone players. |
| Roku Voice Remote | Voice search and supported TV power/volume controls. | Check compatibility, particularly for older Roku devices. |
| Roku Voice Remote Pro | Rechargeable power and premium features such as backlighting or hands-free voice control on supported setups. | Costs more; features depend on model and compatibility. |
Use Roku’s account-based or product-page compatibility information before buying, especially for an older player or Streaming Stick. A basic compatible replacement may be all you need; a premium remote is not automatically the right choice. If the Roku itself is old, unsupported by available remotes, or has persistent connection problems, compare the cost of a replacement device—but a missing remote alone does not mean the Roku must be replaced. For current options, see Roku’s accessories catalog, Voice Remote page, and Players/Simple Remote page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
