Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Most Roku remotes without a pairing button do not need to be programmed or paired. If yours has no microphone or voice-search button, it is probably a Roku Simple Remote: put in fresh batteries, point it at the Roku, and press Home. If it has a voice button, it may be a wireless Voice Remote that pairs using a model-specific method instead.
First, identify which Roku remote you have
The lack of a pairing button alone does not identify the remote. Check whether it has a microphone or magnifying-glass voice button:
| What you see | Likely remote type | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No voice button | Simple Remote, usually infrared (IR) | Install batteries and aim it at the Roku. It does not need pairing. |
| Voice button | Voice Remote, which connects wirelessly | Look for a pairing button under the battery cover or on the back. If there is none, check the instructions for that remote and Roku model. |
Roku describes the voice button as the easiest way to distinguish a Simple Remote from a Voice Remote. A Simple Remote sends infrared commands and needs a clear path to the Roku’s receiver; it is not set up through a pairing screen or code. Roku’s remote-identification guide and Simple Remote setup instructions explain the distinction.
Set up a Roku Simple Remote
- Remove the battery cover and any battery pull tab.
- Insert fresh batteries, following the polarity markings.
- Turn on the Roku and select the correct input on your TV.
- Point the remote at the front of the Roku player or Roku TV. Keep the front receiver unobstructed.
- Press Home or an arrow button and check that the Roku responds.
There is no programming code, pairing mode, or on-screen pairing step for a normal Simple Remote. If it does not respond, troubleshoot its batteries and line of sight rather than trying to pair it.
#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.
If it has a voice button but no pairing button
Do not assume this is an IR Simple Remote. Voice Remotes connect wirelessly, and some models use a button combination instead of a dedicated pairing button. On a Voice Remote Pro during Roku Ultra setup, Roku documents holding Back + Home for about five seconds, until the status light flashes, and then following the on-screen instructions. That combination is not a universal procedure for every Roku voice remote. See Roku’s Ultra setup instructions and confirm the steps for your remote model.
Before trying to pair, check that the batteries are fresh and the Roku is on. If Back + Home does nothing, do not keep assuming the remote is defective: its pairing method may differ. Use the model-specific directions in Roku’s remote guide.
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*
A Simple Remote does not work? Troubleshoot it in order
- Check the batteries. Replace them with fresh ones, then remove and reseat them in the correct orientation.
- Aim directly at the Roku. Simple Remotes use IR, so point toward the device’s front receiver rather than toward the TV screen generally.
- Clear the path. Move objects in front of the Roku. If the player is behind the TV or inside a cabinet, reposition it so its receiver is not blocked.
- Confirm compatibility. Replacement remotes are not interchangeable across every Roku model. A basic IR remote may not provide voice or wireless features supported by a Voice Remote.
- Optionally test the IR transmitter with a phone camera. Open the camera, point the remote’s front at it, and press a few buttons. Some cameras show the transmitter flashing. If the rear camera shows nothing, try the front-facing camera; phone-camera sensitivity varies, so no visible flash is not conclusive.
Roku’s IR remote troubleshooting guide recommends checking batteries, obstructions, and aim. If the remote becomes hot, stop using it and place it on a hard, nonflammable surface; do not immediately remove hot alkaline batteries.
Use the Roku mobile app if the device is already online
The official Roku mobile app can act as a temporary remote, but it is not a universal fix. The Roku must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi, and your phone or tablet must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
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 from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Connect the phone or tablet to the same Wi-Fi network as the Roku.
- Open the app and let it discover the device.
- Select your Roku, then tap the remote icon.
If the app cannot find the Roku, check that both are on the same network, the Roku is on and online, and the phone is not separated from it by a guest-network setting, VPN, or network isolation. Roku’s app setup guide has more information.
The app generally cannot help with a Roku awaiting first-time setup, one that has been factory-reset and is not yet on Wi-Fi, or a device that is powered off. In particular, a streaming player powered through the TV’s USB port may lose power when the TV turns off. In these cases, use a compatible physical remote or another setup method supported by your device. See Roku’s phone-remote limitations and lost-remote guidance.
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.
If Roku navigation works but TV power or volume does not
This is usually a TV-control issue, not proof that the remote failed to pair. A Simple Remote uses IR and must be aimed at the device whose receiver it controls. Some Voice Remotes also use IR for TV controls. Compatible TVs may use HDMI-CEC for some commands, but support varies; a TV might respond to power but not volume, for example.
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 problems- On a Roku TV, the remote may control Roku navigation and, depending on the remote and TV, power, volume, and mute.
- With a separate Roku streaming player, the remote primarily controls the player. TV power and volume require supported remote features, IR setup, or compatible HDMI-CEC behavior.
- The mobile app controls the Roku system; do not assume it replaces every TV function.
Depending on your Roku model and software, relevant settings may appear under Settings > System > Control other devices or Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes > [remote] > Set up remote for TV control. Labels can vary. Roku’s power and volume troubleshooting guide covers IR, CEC, and TV-control setup. Also check how the Roku is powered: a player connected to the TV’s USB port may shut off with the TV and then be unable to wake it.
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
When a replacement remote is the practical option
Try fresh batteries, clear line of sight, and the official app if the Roku is already on the network before buying anything. If replacement is necessary, check the exact Roku model and whether you need a Simple/IR remote or a compatible Voice Remote. Also verify support for TV power and volume if those buttons matter to you. Roku’s replacement-remote guidance links to its accessories store. Avoid assuming that any generic or universal remote will work: compatibility and supported features depend on the Roku and remote models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Roku remotes without pairing buttons need to be programmed?
Usually not. If the remote has no voice button, it is likely a Simple Remote; insert batteries and aim it at the Roku. It does not need a code or pairing process.
How do I pair a Roku voice remote without a pairing button?
The method depends on the remote model. Roku documents holding Back + Home for about five seconds for a Voice Remote Pro during Roku Ultra setup; do not assume this works for every voice remote.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Can I use my phone if I lost the Roku remote?
Yes, if the Roku is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi and your phone is on the same network. The official Roku app generally cannot control a device that is offline, reset, or awaiting first-time network setup.
Can a Roku Simple Remote work with any Roku?
No. Check compatibility with your specific Roku model, especially if you need voice search, wireless operation, or TV power and volume controls.
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.
