Roku streaming devices have long been a fixture in many homes, providing a simple way to access hundreds of different forms of entertainment. Unfortunately, all electronics are AT LEAST occasionally prone to breaking — and that can mean that your Roku remote stops working and leaves you with a very frustrated inability to control your streaming experience. If you have questions like, “My Roku remote won’t work”, or “Why will my Roku remote not work?” you’re not alone. In this complete guide, you will find the answers to every common issue and solutions to your Roku remote not working at all.
Roku Remote not Working
Now before we get started with the troubleshooting steps, it is very important to could have a good idea of the type of Roku remote you own. Roku remotes come in two primary varieties:
Standard IR (Infrared) Remote — This remote needs to have an open sight in front of the Roku device to be able to work. It transmits infrared light signals that can be blocked by other objects between the remote and the device.
Point Anywhere Remote – This remote communicates to the Roku device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (depending on the model) and does not need to be pointed directly at the box. The more feature-rich option comes equipped with voice control, private listening and remote finder capabilities.
Identifying what kind of remote you have will assist you in figuring out which troubleshooting steps to take.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps-Remote not Working
No matter which type of Roku remote you have, the following basic troubleshooting steps are worth trying first:
Check the Batteries-Remote not Working
The most common cause of a Roku remote not working is dead or low batteries. The first step to take if the remote is not working is to change the batteries for new ones. Make sure they are all inserted correctly, with their polarity (the + and – ends) aligned properly.
b. Restart Your Roku Device-Remote not Working
At times, it is not the remote but the Roku itself that has trouble. Roku devices do an excellent job of getting you the right content, but small software glitches can happen every now and then — the quick fix for most of these is to restart your Roku device. To restart:
Remove the Roku: Plug it out.
Wait for about 10 seconds.
Connect the device back and wait till it restarts.
Once the device powers back on, give the remote another try.
c. Re-Pair the Remote
If you are using an improved remote, it might have lost its link to the Why Will Not My Roku Remote Work. Most of the time you can fix this problem by re-pairing the remote:
Going into the remote battery cavity
Hold the pairing button (they usually are located near the batteries) until the remote lights up from the button blinking.
An on-screen message will appear on the Roku device confirming that the remote has been paired.
In case pairing gets unsuccessful, go near to Roku device and repeat steps.
Troubleshooting an IR Remote
If you have a regular IR remote and it does not work, here are a few tips to troubleshoot it:
a. Maintain an Unobstructed View
Infrared (IR) remotes need a line of sight from the remote to the Roku box. Check objects between the remote control and the unit. Bring your Roku device out from behind your TV (or out of your cabinet.
Test the Remote with a Camera
A good way to know if your IR remote is sending is to use a digital camera or any camera enabled smartphone:
Hold the remote facing the camera lens.
Simply press any button on the remote.
Check the camera and see whether you can see any flashing light from the remote’s front.
If you see the light, the remote is working, and your Roku device may be the problem. If you do not see any light, your remote is faulty and you should replace one.
c. Replace the Remote
If you change the batteries and it’s still not working even from a distance and in a straight line of sight, it may be defective. Here, you can simply buy another remote compatible with your Roku device.
Fixing the Enhanced “Point Anywhere” Remote
Full-featured enhanced remotes come with additional problems, too. So here is how to fix many common issues:
a. Check for Interference
The stronger sources use RF (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) but if other electronic devices are close, they can act as jamming agents – these include routers, cordless phones and microwave ovens, If your remote refuses to cooperate with your Roku device, consider moving it farther away from any possible sources of interference.
b. Reset the Remote
If you re-pair the remote and it still does not work, you should reset it:
Open up the remote and take the batteries out of it
Disconnect the power supply of the Roku device.
After roughly 5 seconds have passed, plug in the Roku equipment.
After the Roku device has rebooted, insert the batteries back into the remote.
Hold the pairing button until the LED light on the remote begins to flash.
Once the reset is complete, the remote should auto pair with the Roku unit.
Additional Troubleshooting Steps
Advanced Methods if the Steps mentioned above does not Work:
a. Check for Software Updates
If your firmware on your Roku device is out of date, it can cause the network remote not to connect. Check that Your Roku Is on the Latest Software Version
Hit the Home button on your Roku remote (or via the mobile app).
Click on Check Now to see the update available.
To install it if an update is available, you can follow the instructions on the home screen. Post-updating, test the remote out once more.
Reset your Roku device to factory defaults
Nuclear option: factory reset your Roku This will delete all of your settings and preferences, so only resort to this if other solutions have not worked:
Try pressing the Home button on your Roku remote (or follow the mobile app).
Conclusion
Fix: My Roku Remote Not Working October 2023 Although it might cause a little annoyance, a Roku remote not working can typically be sorted with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Checking the batteries, re-pairing the remote and ensuring there are no obstructions are some of the solutions that often get your remote back in action. More stubborn issues may take more advanced troubleshooting or require a new remote. With this guide, you should be able to locate the problem and get your Roku remote back on full working order, and get back to watching your favorite shows and movies in no time.