Getting a New Remote When Yours Stops Working

You can buy a replacement Roku remote from Roku's official store, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, or other electronics retailers. The remote you need depends on your Roku model—some Roku devices use the standard infrared remote, while newer models use voice remotes or the Roku mobile app instead. Before you order, check which remote your device originally came with by looking at your Roku model number in Settings > System > About.

A replacement remote typically costs between $20 and $35 for a standard remote, though voice remotes cost more. Once it arrives, pairing it to your Roku device takes about two minutes and requires no technical knowledge—you just need to be in the same room as your Roku box or TV.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your Roku model number in Settings > System > About so you order the correct remote type for your device.
  • Standard infrared remotes, voice remotes, and the Roku mobile app are the three main control options, and not all work with every Roku model.
  • Pairing a new remote involves pressing a pairing button on the remote while your Roku device is powered on and in range.
  • If pairing fails, restart your Roku device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try pairing again.

Identify Your Roku Model and Remote Type

The first step is knowing which remote your Roku device uses. Go to Settings > System > About on your Roku and write down the model number. This number tells you whether your device shipped with a standard remote, a voice remote, or if it supports the Roku mobile app as the primary control method.

Standard remotes use infrared (IR) and have a directional pad, Home button, and basic controls. Voice remotes have a microphone button and let you search by speaking. Roku also makes remotes with lost-remote finders, which beep when you press a button on your phone. Check Roku's official website or your device's manual to confirm which type matches your model.

If you no longer have the manual, search "Roku [your model number] remote" on Google Images—you will see photos of the original remote, which helps you order the right replacement.

Where to Buy a Replacement Remote

Roku's official online store sells remotes directly and guarantees compatibility. Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all stock Roku remotes, often with faster shipping if you have a membership. Prices are usually similar across retailers, though sales and discounts vary.

When ordering, search for your specific Roku model number plus "remote" to avoid buying an incompatible one. Read the product description to confirm it matches your device type. If you are unsure, contact Roku customer support through their website before ordering—they can tell you the exact remote model you need in one message.

Pair Your New Remote to Your Roku Device

Once your remote arrives, turn on your Roku device and make sure it is powered up and visible on your TV. Hold the new remote about 6 inches from the Roku box or TV (depending on where the infrared sensor is located). Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the remote for about 3 to 5 seconds until you see a pairing message appear on your TV screen.

The pairing button location varies by remote type. On standard remotes, it is usually a small button on the back near the battery compartment. On voice remotes, it is often labeled "Pair" or located under a battery door. The TV screen will show a confirmation message when pairing succeeds, usually within 10 seconds.

If nothing happens after 10 seconds, release the button and try again. Make sure you are pointing the remote at the Roku device and standing close enough—infrared remotes need a clear line of sight to work.

Troubleshoot If Pairing Does Not Work

If the pairing message never appears, restart your Roku device. Unplug the power cable from the back of your Roku box or TV for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the device to fully boot up (usually 1 to 2 minutes), then try pairing the remote again using the same button-hold method.

Check that the batteries in your new remote are fresh and installed correctly. Remove the battery cover on the back, take out the batteries, and reinsert them with the positive (+) side facing up. If the batteries are old or low, the remote may not have enough power to pair.

If pairing still fails after a restart and fresh batteries, try moving closer to the Roku device and removing any obstacles between the remote and the infrared sensor. Walls, furniture, or other electronics can sometimes block the signal. If the problem persists, contact Roku support—a defective remote can usually be replaced under warranty.

Using the Roku Mobile App as an Alternative

If you are waiting for a replacement remote or prefer not to buy one, you can control your Roku device using the official Roku mobile app on your smartphone. read the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, sign in with your Roku account, and connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device. The app gives you a virtual remote with all the same buttons as a physical remote.

The mobile app works from anywhere in your home as long as your phone and Roku device are on the same Wi-Fi network. It does not require an infrared line of sight like a physical remote does. However, some older Roku models do not support the mobile app, so check your device's compatibility before relying on it as your main control method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a universal remote with my Roku?

Some universal remotes work with Roku devices because Roku uses standard infrared codes. However, not all universal remotes support Roku, and some buttons may not function. A Roku-specific remote is more reliable. If you want to try a universal remote, check the manufacturer's compatibility list first.

What if I lose my remote again?

Consider buying a Roku remote with a lost-remote finder feature. These remotes have a button on your phone that makes the remote beep so you can locate it. Alternatively, use the Roku mobile app as your primary control method—it eliminates the need for a physical remote entirely.

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

No. When you pair a new remote, it automatically becomes the active remote. Your old remote will stop working with that Roku device. You do not need to do anything with the old remote first.

How long does a Roku remote battery last?

Standard alkaline batteries in a Roku remote typically last 6 to 12 months with normal use. Voice remotes with rechargeable batteries may last 3 to 5 days per charge. Replace or recharge when the remote becomes unresponsive or sluggish.

Can I pair multiple remotes to one Roku device?

Yes. You can pair multiple remotes to the same Roku device, and they will all control it. This is useful if you have remotes in different rooms or want a backup. Just follow the pairing process for each remote separately.