TV Streaming Fixes

Few things are more annoying than sitting down to watch a movie, only to find that your Roku remote refuses to work. Whether it is completely dead, blinking a green or green light, or acting sluggish, an unresponsive remote ruins the experience.

Roku uses two types of remotes: Simple Remotes (which use infrared light like older TV remotes) and Voice Remotes (which connect via Wi-Fi). Here is how to troubleshoot and fix both types.

Step 1: Replace the Batteries

It sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how often weak batteries cause strange remote behavior.

• Remove the back cover and insert two brand new, matching batteries.
• Ensure the positive and negative ends are facing the correct direction.
• If the remote was feeling warm to the touch before it stopped working, the old batteries may have been leaking or failing. Let the remote cool down before inserting new ones.

Step 2: Clear the Path (For Simple Remotes)

If your remote does NOT have a voice/microphone button or a pairing button inside the battery compartment, it is a Simple Remote. It requires a direct line of sight to the Roku device.

• Ensure your Roku box is visible and not hidden behind the TV or inside a closed cabinet.
• Make sure nothing is blocking the front of the Roku.
• Wipe the front of the remote with a cloth to ensure the infrared emitter isn't covered in dust or grime.

Step 3: Re-Pair the Remote (For Voice Remotes)

If your remote has a microphone button or a pairing button inside the battery compartment, it communicates via Wi-Fi. Sometimes it loses its connection to the Roku device and needs to be re-paired.

1. Unplug the power cable from your Roku device, wait 5 seconds, and plug it back in.
2. Wait for the Roku home screen to appear on your TV.
3. Remove the battery cover from your Roku remote.
4. Locate the small pairing button near the bottom of the battery compartment.
5. Press and hold the pairing button for 5 seconds until you see the status light on the remote start flashing.
6. Look at your TV screen; you should see a message saying "Pairing remote..." within 30 seconds.

Step 4: Use the Mobile App as a Backup

If your physical remote is broken beyond repair, you don't have to stop streaming.

• Download the free Roku Mobile App on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android).
• Ensure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku.
• Open the app, tap "Devices" at the bottom, and select your Roku.
• Tap "Remote" to bring up a digital remote on your phone screen that does everything the physical one does.

If you have tried new batteries and re-pairing, and the remote still will not function, it may be time to order a replacement remote from Roku or Amazon.