The basic steps to pair your Roku remote
Your Roku remote connects to your Roku device using a wireless signal, not through your TV or internet. To pair them, you hold down the pairing button on the back of the remote for about three seconds until a light on your Roku device blinks. The remote and device then recognize each other and stay connected until you deliberately unpair them or replace the batteries.
The pairing button is usually recessed into the back of the remote so you cannot press it by accident. You may need a paperclip or the tip of a pen to reach it. Once you press and hold it, your Roku device — whether it is a stick, box, or TV with Roku built in — will show a pairing message on your screen. This usually takes five to ten seconds.
After pairing, the remote is ready to use. You do not need to pair it again unless you replace the remote, replace the Roku device, or the connection drops and will not restore.
Key Takeaways
- The pairing button is on the back of your Roku remote and requires you to hold it down for three seconds while your Roku device is powered on.
- Your Roku device will show a pairing message on your TV screen when the remote and device have connected successfully.
- You only need to pair your remote once unless you get a new remote, a new Roku device, or the connection stops working.
- If pairing fails, restart both your Roku device and remote by unplugging the device and replacing the remote batteries, then try again.
What to do if your remote will not pair
If the pairing message does not appear on your screen after holding the button, first check that your Roku device is powered on and that you are holding the pairing button for the full three seconds. The button is small and recessed, so it is straightforward to miss. Try again with a paperclip or pen if you were using your finger.
Next, restart your Roku device by unplugging it from power for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, replace the batteries in your remote with fresh ones — old batteries are the most common reason pairing fails. Once your Roku device has fully restarted and shows the home screen, try pairing again.
If pairing still does not work, your remote may be too far from the device. Roku remotes use a direct wireless signal that works best within 30 feet and with a clear line of sight. Move closer to the device and try again. If you are more than 30 feet away or there are thick walls between the remote and device, the signal may not reach.
When you need a replacement remote
Roku remotes eventually wear out or get lost. You can buy a replacement remote from Roku directly, from Amazon, or from electronics retailers like Best Buy. Make sure you buy a remote that matches your Roku device — Roku makes several different models, and not all remotes work with all devices.
Check your Roku device model number before you order. You can find it in Settings > System > About on your Roku device, or on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device itself. The model number tells you which remote will work with your device.
Once your new remote arrives, pair it using the same three-second button hold on the back. Your old remote will stop working automatically once the new one pairs.
The difference between standard and voice remotes
Roku makes two main types of remotes: standard remotes with buttons and voice remotes with a microphone. Both pair the same way — hold the pairing button for three seconds. The difference is what you can do after they are paired.
A standard remote lets you navigate menus and control playback using buttons. A voice remote has a microphone button that lets you search for shows or movies by speaking instead of typing. Both types work with most Roku devices, but some older devices only support standard remotes. Check your device model before buying a voice remote if you want that feature.
Voice remotes also have a small light that turns on when you press the microphone button. This light tells you the remote is listening. The pairing process is identical for both types.
How to unpair your remote if you need to
If you want to disconnect your remote from your Roku device — for example, because you are selling the device or giving it away — you can unpair it. Go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Remote on your Roku device and select the remote you want to unpair. Choose "Unpair" and confirm.
Once unpairing is complete, that remote will no longer control that Roku device. You can pair it with a different Roku device, or if you no longer need it, you can recycle it or donate it. The remote itself is not damaged by unpairing — it straightforward waits to be paired with another device.
If you cannot access the Settings menu because your remote is not working, you can also unpair by factory resetting your Roku device. This erases all settings and returns the device to its original state, so use this option only if you are sure you want to do it.
Troubleshooting when your remote stops responding mid-use
Sometimes a remote that was working suddenly stops responding to button presses. Before you assume the remote is broken, try these steps in order: first, replace the batteries with fresh ones. Second, move closer to your Roku device to rule out signal distance. Third, restart your Roku device by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
If the remote still does not work after those steps, unpair and re-pair it. Go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Remote, select your remote, and choose "Unpair". Then hold the pairing button on the back of the remote for three seconds to pair it again.
If none of these steps restore the remote, the remote itself may be damaged. Roku remotes are not repairable, so you would need to buy a replacement. Before you do, make sure the problem is not your Roku device — try using the Roku mobile app (available for iPhone and Android) to control your device. If the app works, your device is fine and the remote is the issue.
Using the Roku mobile app as a backup
The official Roku app for iPhone and Android includes a remote control feature. You can read the app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, the app can control your Roku device over your home Wi-Fi network, so it works even if your physical remote is lost or broken.
The app remote has the same buttons as a standard Roku remote — directional pad, select, back, home, and playback controls. It also includes a keyboard for typing, which is sometimes faster than using the remote's button navigation. The app does not include voice search unless your Roku device has a voice remote paired.
The app is useful as a temporary backup while you wait for a replacement remote to arrive, or if you frequently misplace your remote. It requires your Roku device and phone to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one remote with multiple Roku devices?
No. Each Roku remote pairs with one device at a time. If you have multiple Roku devices in your home, you need a separate remote for each one, or you can use the Roku mobile app to control all of them. You can unpair a remote from one device and pair it with another, but it will only work with one device at a time.
Why does my remote work sometimes but not always?
The most common cause is weak batteries. Replace them with fresh ones and see if the problem stops. The second most common cause is distance — if you are more than 30 feet away or there are thick walls between the remote and device, the signal weakens. Move closer and try again. If the problem persists, restart both your Roku device and remote.
Do I need Wi-Fi for my remote to work?
No. Roku remotes use a direct wireless signal that does not depend on your internet connection or Wi-Fi network. They work even if your Wi-Fi is down or your Roku device is not connected to the internet. The Roku mobile app, however, does require Wi-Fi to work.
What if I lost my remote and do not know my device model?
Look on the back or bottom of your Roku device for a sticker with the model number. If you cannot find it, turn on your device and go to Settings > System > About. The model number appears on that screen. Once you have the model number, you can order the correct replacement remote online.
Can I pair a Roku remote with a non-Roku device?
No. Roku remotes only work with Roku devices. They use a proprietary wireless signal that other brands do not support. If you have a different brand of streaming device, you need the remote that came with it or a universal remote designed for that brand.