Roku remote symbols differ by model. On a voice remote, a microphone or magnifying-glass button starts voice search and control; the star (*) opens Options. A headphone icon shown on your TV means Headphone Mode is active. Other controls—including TV power, volume, shortcuts and app buttons—depend on the remote and Roku setup.
First, identify which kind of Roku remote you have
Look near the purple directional pad. Roku says every voice remote has a voice button marked with either a microphone or magnifying-glass icon. If there is no voice button, Roku classifies it as a simple remote. Features vary among models, and handheld and tabletop voice remotes may differ. See Roku’s remote overview for identification guidance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Simple remote: Uses infrared, so point it at the Roku device and keep the path to its receiver unobstructed.
- Voice remote: Supports push-to-talk voice control. Some models also have TV controls, a headphone jack, personal shortcuts, a lost-remote finder, hands-free voice or rechargeable batteries. Those features are not universal.
What the common Roku remote symbols and buttons mean
| Symbol or label | What it does | Model or usage note |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone or magnifying glass | Starts voice search and control. | Hold the voice button, speak, then release. Roku gives examples such as searching for comedies or launching The Roku Channel. Roku voice-control instructions. |
| Star (*) | Opens the Options menu. | Available options depend on the screen or content. Roku app support. |
| Directional pad and OK | Move through the interface and select an item. | The pad is commonly purple, but layouts vary by model. Roku remote overview. |
| Home | Returns to the Roku Home interface. | Shown among the simple-remote controls in Roku’s setup illustration. Roku setup guidance. |
| Back | Returns to the previous screen or step. | Shown among the simple-remote controls in Roku’s setup illustration. Roku setup guidance. |
| Instant Replay | Replays a recent segment. | Roku describes instant replay as a 10-second replay control in its mobile-app information; whether replay works depends on the content. Roku app support. |
| TV power, volume, mute or sleep timer | Controls the television. | A simple remote bundled with a Roku TV may include these controls; some voice remotes also have TV controls. Roku remote overview. |
| Numbered 1 and 2 | Personal shortcuts on supported remotes. | Roku says to press and hold a shortcut button for five seconds to program it. Not all remotes include this feature. Roku remote overview. |
| App or service logo | Launches a channel shortcut. | The services shown vary; these buttons are not universal Roku controls. Roku setup guidance. |
| Headphone jack on the remote | Connects wired headphones for private listening. | Found on select voice remotes. In Headphone Mode, TV speakers are muted. Roku Headphone Mode instructions. |
What the headphone symbol on your TV means
The headphone icon on the television is an on-screen status indicator, not a button found on every remote. It means Headphone Mode is active. On a compatible setup, plugging headphones into the jack on a supported voice remote routes audio to the headphones and mutes the TV speakers. Unplug the headphones to turn the mode off. Roku’s Headphone Mode instructions explain the feature.
Why your remote may not have every symbol
Roku remotes vary across models and generations. TV controls, a headphone jack, shortcut buttons, backlighting, rechargeable batteries, hands-free voice and a lost-remote finder are model-dependent features—not a standard set found on every remote. App-logo buttons can also change with the remote. For an exact button-by-button mapping, identify the remote’s model number or compare a clear photo of its front and side with the documentation for that model; Roku notes that older remotes may differ from current models in its remote overview.
Quick Recap
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.
Rank #4
- 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.
Rank #3
- 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
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*
#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.
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.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.




