Why is my Roku TV remote not controlling my Roku TV Ready soundbar?

What should I check first?

Remote control

Before you attempt anything, identify which Roku remote do you have. Next, look for the visual indicator on your TV screen when adjusting volume. If the visual indicator on the TV does not show, check if your remote works and learn why a Roku remote is not working. If the behavior continues, check that your soundbar is properly connected to the HDMI^® ARC port on your Roku TV. If your soundbar is not powered on, or has not been set up properly, you cannot control volume, mute, or sound modes on your soundbar.

IR Receiver

If your TV remote uses invisible infrared (IR) light to send the signal a short distance from the remote (where an IR transmitter is located) to the front of your Roku TV (where an IR receiver is located), be careful not to block the infrared (IR) receiver on the front of your TV when you install your Roku TV Ready soundbar. If the IR receiver is blocked, even partially, it can affect how well you are able to control your TV and soundbar.

Note: IR receivers are commonly located along the bottom edge of the screen on your TV and are typically part of the bezel. With some models, the IR receiver is offset from the bezel, and may have a shiny surface. Some IR receivers even emit a light when the IR signal is received. If you cannot locate the IR receiver on your TV, refer to the manufacturer's online documentation or contact them directly. Installing an IR repeater system from an online retailer can also make it easier to control the devices.

Is the soundbar software up to date?

If the previous suggestions in this article have not helped to resolve the issue, you should check if your Roku TV Ready soundbar is running the latest software. Some Roku TV Ready soundbars may receive software updates over a wireless network connection, while others may require an alternate method such as installing a USB drive with a downloaded file. Find where to get support for Roku TV Ready devices by visiting the manufacturer website or by contacting their customer support team.

What should I be able to control on my soundbar?

After setting up your Roku TV Ready soundbar, you can use your Roku TV remote to control the following aspects of your soundbar.

• Volume and mute: Use the buttons on the side of your Roku TV remote to adjust volume and mute sound. When adjusting volume, you will see a visual "volume level" indicator on your Roku TV screen that matches the actual volume level of your soundbar.
• Sound modes: While listening to music, watching a movie, or playing a video game, press the Star button on Roku remote and go to Sound settings where you can select from the various sound modes integrated into your soundbar.

Note: If you prefer, you can use your soundbar remote at any time to adjust volume or change the sound mode. Any changes you make will be reflected in the audio settings menu on your Roku TV. If the manufacturer remote has buttons for controlling power and switching inputs, that functionality is limited to your soundbar and soundbar remote.