Check the places where Roku remotes usually end up

Your Roku remote is most likely in one of five places: between or under couch cushions, on a nightstand or table next to where you usually sit, in a drawer near your TV, under blankets or pillows, or in the hands of someone else in your household. Start by checking these spots before assuming it is lost.

If you have recently moved the remote to charge it (if it uses batteries), look near outlets or charging cables. Some people set remotes down while tidying and forget where they put them. Ask anyone else in your home if they have seen it or moved it.

Key Takeaways

  • Most missing Roku remotes are found in couches, under blankets, or on nearby tables within arm's reach of where you usually sit.
  • You can control your Roku device through the official Roku mobile app on your phone without needing the physical remote.
  • If your remote uses batteries, try replacing them before assuming the remote is broken or permanently lost.
  • Roku sells replacement remotes for $20 to $35 depending on the model, and you can find the right one by checking your Roku device's model number in Settings.

Use your phone as a temporary remote with the Roku app

While you search for your physical remote, read the official Roku app on your smartphone. The app works on both iPhone and Android and turns your phone into a full remote control. Open the app, select your Roku device from the list, and you can navigate menus, change channels, and adjust volume just as you would with the physical remote.

The Roku app is free and available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Your phone and Roku device must be on the same Wi-Fi network for the app to work. This gives you a working solution while you continue looking for the original remote.

Replace the batteries if your remote uses them

Most Roku remotes run on two AA or AAA batteries. If your remote is not responding when you find it, the batteries may be dead rather than the remote itself. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote and replace the old batteries with fresh ones.

If you do not have batteries on hand, this is a quick trip to any grocery store or pharmacy. Test the remote with new batteries before deciding you need to buy a replacement. Many remotes that seem broken are straightforward waiting for fresh batteries.

Identify your Roku model to order the correct replacement

If you cannot find your remote and the Roku app is not enough for your needs, you can buy a replacement. Roku remotes are not universal — different Roku devices use different remotes, and ordering the wrong one will not work with your device.

To find your model number, go to your Roku device's Settings menu (you can navigate using the Roku app if needed). Look for "About" or "System" and write down the model number shown. Search for that model number plus "Roku remote" to find the correct replacement. Roku's official website and major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart all carry replacements.

Know the difference between standard and voice remotes

Roku makes two main types of remotes: standard remotes with directional buttons and a menu, and voice remotes with a microphone button that lets you search by speaking. If your original remote had a microphone button, a standard remote will still work with your device, but you will lose the voice search feature. If you want voice control back, you need to buy another voice remote.

Voice remotes cost more than standard remotes — usually $25 to $35 compared to $20 to $25 for standard models. Check what type you had before deciding whether the extra cost is worth it for your household.

Set up your replacement remote when it arrives

New Roku remotes usually work when ready when you turn on your device and press any button on the remote. The remote pairs automatically to your Roku device. If it does not respond after a few seconds, try these steps: unplug your Roku device for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart. Then press a button on the new remote.

If the remote still does not work, check that you ordered the correct model for your Roku device. Return it and order the right one. Roku's customer service can confirm your device model if you are unsure which remote to buy.

Prevent losing your remote in the future

Once you have your remote back or a replacement in hand, consider keeping it in the same spot every time you are done using it. A small basket or drawer next to your TV works well. Some people attach a tile or AirTag to their remote so they can find it with their phone if it goes missing again.

Keeping the Roku app installed on your phone also means you always have a backup way to control your device, even if the physical remote disappears. This removes the stress of a lost remote since you know you can still use your Roku.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any Roku remote with my Roku device?

No. Roku remotes are specific to device models or generations. A remote for a Roku Streaming Stick will not work with a Roku TV or Roku Ultra. Check your device model number in Settings before ordering a replacement to may support compatibility.

Does the Roku app work without the physical remote?

Yes. The Roku mobile app gives you full remote control over your device as long as your phone and Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network. You can navigate, search, and control playback entirely from your phone.

What should I do if my remote is not responding even with new batteries?

Unplug your Roku device for 30 seconds and plug it back in to restart it. If the remote still does not work, the remote itself may be broken. Try using the Roku app to confirm your device is working, then order a replacement remote for your specific model.

How much does a replacement Roku remote cost?

Standard Roku remotes typically cost $20 to $25. Voice remotes with a microphone button cost $25 to $35. Prices vary by retailer and whether you buy directly from Roku or through third-party sellers like Amazon or Best Buy.

Can I pair multiple remotes to one Roku device?

Yes. You can use multiple remotes with the same Roku device. Each remote will work independently, so if you have a replacement or a second remote, both will control your device without any special setup needed.