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Start with the least destructive fix: remove and reinstall the batteries on a battery-powered remote, or hold the correct 20-second reset combination on a rechargeable voice remote. If that fails, restart the Roku device and re-pair the voice remote with the five-second pairing procedure. These steps reset or reconnect the remote; they do not erase your Roku settings.
Identify your Roku remote first
The reset method depends on the hardware.
| Remote type | How to recognize it | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Simple remote | No microphone or magnifying-glass voice button; usually uses two AAA batteries | Infrared (IR), so it must be aimed at the Roku device |
| Battery-powered voice remote | Microphone or magnifying-glass button; replaceable batteries | Wireless connection to compatible Roku devices |
| Rechargeable voice remote | Internal battery and USB charging port | Wireless connection; some models have a Pairing button |
TV power, volume, and mute buttons generally indicate a voice-remote model, although those controls still require separate TV setup. See Roku’s visual guidance for simple and voice remotes and voice-remote pairing.
What “reset” means here
| Operation | What it changes | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Reset the remote | Clears a temporary remote state | Buttons are delayed or unresponsive |
| Re-pair the remote | Re-establishes the wireless link | A voice remote will not connect or keeps disconnecting |
| Restart the Roku device | Reboots Roku OS without deleting settings | The Roku is frozen or does not recognize the remote |
| Factory-reset the Roku device | Deletes settings, apps, account linkage, and setup data | Only as a last resort, or before transferring the device |
Do not open the Roku’s Factory reset menu merely because the remote stopped responding.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsReset a Roku remote with replaceable batteries
This procedure applies to simple remotes and battery-powered voice remotes. Roku describes it as a remote reset, not a device factory reset.
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- 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.
- Remove both batteries.
- Press any two buttons on the remote.
- Insert a fresh, matching pair of batteries, with the negative end inserted first where applicable.
- Replace the cover and test the remote.
For a simple IR remote, clear the path to the Roku player’s front sensor. Do not hide the player behind the television or inside a cabinet where the infrared signal cannot reach it.
Reset a rechargeable Roku voice remote
Remote with a Pairing button
- Hold the Pairing button for 20 seconds.
- Release it and wait for the status light to stop flashing.
- Recharge it with the supplied cable if the battery is low. Roku’s support guidance says to allow at least five hours for charging.
Remote without a Pairing button
- Hold Back + Home together for 20 seconds.
- Release both buttons.
- Wait for the light to stop flashing, then charge the remote if necessary.
On supported devices, check battery status at Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes > Your Remote > About. Labels can vary by Roku model, region, and software version.
Restart the Roku device before re-pairing
Power restart
- Unplug the Roku player, Streaming Stick, Streambar, or Roku TV from power.
- Wait at least five seconds; waiting 10 seconds is also included in Roku’s general restart guidance.
- Plug it back in and wait for the Home screen.
On a Roku TV, unplugging the television performs a system restart; pressing its remote power button does not do the same thing.
Menu restart
- Press Home.
- Open Settings > System.
- Select Power > System restart, if the Power submenu appears.
- If your model has no Power submenu, choose the available system-restart option.
Roku documents both restart and network-reset options at its system-restart support page.
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*
Re-pair a Roku voice remote
Resetting a remote and putting it into pairing mode are different actions: use five seconds for pairing, not 20.
Remote with a Pairing button
- Hold the Pairing button for five seconds.
- Release it when the status light begins flashing.
- Wait for the pairing message on the TV.
The button may be on the back of the remote or inside the battery compartment.
Remote without a Pairing button
- Hold Back + Home for five seconds.
- Release the buttons when the light flashes.
- Wait for the on-screen pairing prompt.
Pair from Roku settings
If another remote or the Roku mobile app is working, open Home > Settings > Remotes & devices > Add devices > Remote > Continue, then follow the prompts. Put the remote and Roku into pairing mode at approximately the same time. Distance, interference, and nearby electronics can interrupt pairing.
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If the remote still does not respond
No light and no response
- Replace the batteries or fully charge the rechargeable remote.
- Inspect for corrosion or battery leakage.
- Stop using a remote that is unusually hot. For hot alkaline batteries, Roku advises stopping use, placing the remote on a hard, nonflammable surface, and allowing it to cool rather than immediately removing the batteries.
A simple remote works only when aimed precisely
- Clear the line of sight to the Roku player’s IR receiver.
- Move the player out from behind the TV or cabinet.
- Try different aiming angles.
A voice remote works intermittently
- Reset the remote using the correct battery or rechargeable procedure.
- Restart the Roku device.
- Replace or fully charge the batteries.
- Re-pair the remote.
- Move the Roku and remote away from possible wireless interference.
Roku is frozen or stuck on the Roku logo
Perform a system restart first. Roku describes this as the least-invasive reset and says it does not change settings. If the problem continues, check HDMI connections, network access, software updates, and device-specific faults before considering a factory reset.
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TV power or volume does not work
If navigation works but TV power, volume, or mute does not, pairing is usually not the problem. Set up TV control at Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes > [Your remote] > Set up remote for TV control. Some televisions support only certain controls or require HDMI-CEC. Manufacturers use names such as LG SIMPLINK and Samsung Anynet for CEC. Roku’s guidance is available at Set up TV controls.
Use the Roku mobile app as a temporary remote
The Roku app can replace a lost physical remote only when the Roku device is powered on, already connected to your home Wi-Fi, and on the same Wi-Fi network as the phone or tablet. It generally cannot discover an offline device, a freshly factory-reset device, or one still in first-time setup. See Roku’s lost-remote guidance.
Factory reset only as a last resort
A factory reset is not a remote reset. It erases personal preferences, unlinks the Roku from its account, removes installed apps and account information, resets settings, and returns the device to Guided Setup. You will need the Roku account email and password, Wi-Fi credentials, streaming-service logins, and possibly the account PIN. A Roku TV with an antenna may also require another channel scan.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The menu path is Home > Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset. On a Roku TV, choose Factory reset everything when prompted. Physical reset-button procedures vary by TV series and production year, so there is no universal pinhole sequence. Roku lists the consequences and model-specific options at its factory-reset support page.
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- 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.
When replacing the remote makes sense
Reset and troubleshooting are preferable when the remote has working lights, depleted batteries, a recent disconnection, or a problem limited to TV controls. Replacement is more reasonable after liquid damage, corrosion, broken buttons, persistent pairing failure, or a rechargeable battery that no longer holds a useful charge. Verify compatibility using the Roku model at Settings > System > About; older players may not support newer voice remotes.
| Replacement | Best fit | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Roku Simple Remote | Basic navigation for compatible Roku players and audio devices; official U.S. price observed at $9.99 | IR aiming required; not compatible with Roku TV models and excludes some older Streaming Stick models |
| Roku Voice Remote | Voice search plus TV power, volume, and mute; official price observed at $19.99 on the linked page | Replaceable AAA batteries; no backlight, hands-free voice, or lost-remote finder |
| Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd edition) | USB-C charging, backlit buttons, hands-free and push-to-talk voice, and lost-remote finding; official U.S. price observed at $29.99 | Compatibility is model-dependent; Roku says a charge typically lasts about three months, varying with use |
Prices and availability can change. Do not assume a new remote will fix a failed HDMI connection, Wi-Fi outage, frozen operating system, or defective television.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset a Roku remote without a Pairing button?
For a rechargeable voice remote, hold Back + Home for 20 seconds and wait for the light to stop flashing. To enter pairing mode afterward, hold Back + Home for five seconds.
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Will resetting the remote delete my apps?
No. The battery or rechargeable-remote reset changes the remote’s temporary state or connection; it does not erase Roku apps, account information, or device settings.
Best Value
- Stay powered for months: Keep your remote running for three months on a single charge. With 50% more battery life and USB-C charging, Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) is the ultimate TV companion.
- Built for movie nights: No more fumbling in the dark to find the pause button or turn up the volume. Always know what you’re about to press with easy-to-see backlit buttons.
- Just talk to it: Got popcorn fingers? Leave the remote in the other room? Just say “Hey Roku” from across the couch and control your streaming with your voice.
- Find your lost remote: Don't break a sweat tearing apart the couch. Just say “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” or find it using the free Roku Mobile app.
- One that does it all: No more juggling remotes. Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) powers up your TV, adjusts the volume, and controls your Roku device.
Why does my remote work with Roku but not the TV?
TV power, volume, and mute are separate TV-control functions. Open Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes > your remote > Set up remote for TV control and check TV compatibility or HDMI-CEC settings.
Can I use my phone if I lost the remote?
Yes, if the Roku is powered on and already connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. The app usually cannot control an offline or freshly reset Roku.
Why is my simple remote not working behind the TV?
A simple remote uses infrared and needs a clear line of sight to the Roku player’s sensor. Move the player out from behind the TV or cabinet and aim directly at it.
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