Buy the Right Remote for Your Roku Device

Roku remotes are not universal across all models. Before you order a replacement, you need to know which Roku device you own — the remote for a Roku Streaming Stick will not work with a Roku TV, and older remotes will not pair with newer devices. Check the back or bottom of your Roku player, or look in your TV settings menu under System Information to find your exact model number.

Once you have the model number, search for it on Roku's official website or on major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart. Roku sells both standard infrared remotes (which require line of sight to the device) and enhanced remotes with voice control and a built-in microphone. The enhanced remotes cost more but work with most current Roku devices. If you are unsure which type you need, the product listing will specify which Roku models it pairs with.

Prices typically range from $20 to $35 for a standard remote and $30 to $50 for a voice remote. Buying directly from Roku's website or an authorized retailer ensures you get a genuine remote with a warranty, usually 90 days to one year.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your exact Roku model number on the device itself or in the TV settings menu before ordering a replacement remote.
  • Standard infrared remotes and voice-enabled remotes are not interchangeable, so confirm which type your device supports.
  • Pairing a new remote takes less than a minute and requires only that you hold down the pairing button while pointing at the Roku device.
  • If your remote stops working after pairing, try replacing the batteries first, then restart the Roku device before contacting support.

Unbox and Prepare the New Remote

When your replacement remote arrives, remove it from the packaging and install the batteries. Most Roku remotes use two AA batteries. Slide the battery cover off the back, insert the batteries with the correct polarity (+ side up), and slide the cover back on. Do not skip this step — a remote without batteries will not pair, and you will waste time troubleshooting a power problem.

Check that your Roku device is powered on and that you are in the same room. You do not need to be close to the device, but you should be within 20 feet and have a clear line of sight if you are using a standard infrared remote. Voice remotes work at slightly longer range.

Pair the Remote to Your Roku Device

Locate the pairing button on your new remote. On most Roku remotes, this is a small button on the back near the battery compartment, sometimes labeled "Pairing" or marked with a pairing symbol. On some newer models, the pairing button is on the front near the top.

Press and hold the pairing button for about 3 to 5 seconds until you see a light on the remote blink or turn on. While holding the button, point the remote at your Roku device. The pairing light on the front of the Roku player (usually a small LED) will blink as it searches for the remote. Within 10 to 15 seconds, the pairing should complete and the light will stop blinking.

Once paired, test the remote by pressing a few buttons — try the Home button or the arrow keys. If the Roku responds, the pairing worked. If nothing happens, remove the batteries, wait 10 seconds, reinsert them, and try pairing again. If the remote still does not work, restart your Roku device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and repeating the pairing process.

Troubleshoot if the Remote Does Not Pair

The most common reason a new remote will not pair is dead or incorrectly installed batteries. Open the battery compartment again and confirm the batteries are fresh and inserted with the positive end facing up. If you are using old batteries from another device, replace them with new ones before trying to pair again.

If the batteries are good and the remote still will not pair, check that your Roku device is actually powered on. Some Roku devices go into a low-power state if they have not been used in a while, and they may not respond to pairing attempts. Press the power button on your TV remote or unplug the Roku for 30 seconds and plug it back in to wake it up.

If you have a voice remote and it pairs but the microphone does not work, go to Settings > Remote and Accessories on your Roku device and check that voice control is turned on. You may also need to grant microphone permissions if your Roku device prompts you to do so.

What to Do With Your Old Remote

Once your new remote is working, you can recycle or donate the old one. Do not throw it in the trash — remotes contain batteries and small electronics that belong in an e-waste stream. Check Earth911.com or your local waste management website for e-waste drop-off locations near you. Some retailers like Best Buy also accept old electronics for recycling at no cost.

If the old remote still works but you no longer need it, you can sell it on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, or donate it to a thrift store like Goodwill. Remove the batteries before you give it away.

When to Contact Roku Support

If you have tried pairing the remote multiple times, replaced the batteries, and restarted the Roku device and the remote still does not work, contact Roku support. You can reach them through the Roku website's support page, where you can chat with a representative or submit a ticket. Have your Roku model number and the remote model number ready when you contact them.

If your Roku device is still under warranty, Roku may send you a replacement remote at no cost. If the device is out of warranty, they can walk you through additional troubleshooting steps or recommend where to purchase another remote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an old Roku remote with a new Roku device?

Not always. Older infrared remotes may work with newer Roku devices, but newer voice remotes will not pair with older Roku players. Check the product listing or Roku's compatibility chart to confirm your remote model works with your specific Roku device before purchasing.

Do I need to unpair the old remote before pairing the new one?

No. When you pair a new remote, the old one will straightforward stop working. You do not need to remove it from the system first. If you want to use both remotes with the same device, you can pair them both by repeating the pairing process with each one.

What if my Roku remote has a pairing button but I cannot find it?

Check the back of the remote near the battery compartment and the front near the top. If you still cannot locate it, look up your specific remote model on Roku's website — they have diagrams showing the exact location of the pairing button for each remote type.

Can I pair a Roku remote to more than one Roku device?

Yes, but only one device at a time. If you pair the remote to a second device, it will unpair from the first. If you have multiple Roku devices in your home, you will need a separate remote for each one, or you can use the Roku mobile app to control any device on your network.

Why does my new remote work sometimes but not other times?

This usually means the batteries are low or the remote is out of range. Replace the batteries with fresh ones and make sure you are pointing the remote at the Roku device with a clear line of sight. If the problem continues, the remote may be defective — contact the retailer or Roku for a replacement.