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Fix your Roku remote (simple or voice)

This article covers what to do when your Roku remote isn’t responding, whether button presses are delayed, or volume/power controls aren’t working. First, find out what type of remote you have.

Simple remote or voice remote?

First, check which type of Roku remote you have.

  • Simple remote: No voice/mic button. Uses infrared (IR). Needs to point directly at your Roku device.
  • Voice remote: Has a microphone or magnifying glass button. Some voice remotes also connect to your Roku device using wireless signals (not infrared), so you don’t have to point them directly at the device.

Roku simple remote face

Fix a Roku simple remote

  • Check line of sight: Simple remotes need a clear path to the Roku device.
    • Make sure nothing blocks the front of the device
    • Don’t hide your Roku device behind a TV or in a cabinet
    • Try pointing the remote from different angles

     

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  • Change the batteries:

    • Remove old batteries
    • Press any two buttons to reset the remote
    • Insert a fresh matching pair of batteries
    • Replace the battery cover

  • Remote feels hot?

    • Stop using it immediately
    • Do not remove batteries if they’re hot
    • Place the remote on a hard, non-flammable surface, like tile
    • Let it cool before handling again

Fix a Roku Voice Remote

How to Restart your Roku Remote 

If your remote uses batteries:

  • Restart the remote: If your remote uses batteries
    • Remove both batteries
    • Press any two buttons
    • Reinsert batteries (negative end first)
    • Replace the cover

  • If your remote is rechargeable:

    • If your remote has one, hold the Pairing button for 20 seconds
    • If no pairing button, press and hold Back + Home for 20 seconds
    • Wait for the light on your remote to stop flashing

  • Recharge the remote (if rechargeable)

    • Use the cable that came with the remote
    • Plug into USB power or computer
    • Charge for at least 5 hours

    • Check battery level:

      • Go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Remotes > Your Remote > About

  • Restart your Roku device

    • Unplug your Roku player from power
    • Wait 5 seconds
    • Plug it back in and wait for the Home screen

  • Replace or recharge batteries

    • If buttons still don’t respond well, try replacing or recharging the batteries fully.

  • Re-pair the remote

    • Restart your Roku TV or player
      • With pairing button: Hold for 5 seconds until light flashes.
      • Without pairing button: Hold Back + Home for 5 seconds until light flashes.
    • Wait for the pairing message on screen

If your remote is rechargeable:

  •  
    1. If your remote has one, hold the Pairing button for 20 seconds
    2. If no pairing button, press and hold Back + Home for 20 seconds
    3. Wait for the light on your remote to stop flashing
  • Recharge the remote (if rechargeable)
    • Use the cable that came with the remote
    • Plug into USB power or computer
    • Charge for at least 5 hours

Check battery level

Go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Remotes > Your Remote > About

Restart your Roku device

  • Unplug your Roku player from power

  • Wait 5 seconds

  • Plug it back in and wait for the Home screen

Replace or recharge batteries

If buttons still don’t respond well, try replacing or recharging the batteries fully.

How to Pair your Roku Remote

  • Restart your Roku TV or player

    • With pairing button: Hold for 5 seconds until light flashes.
    • Without pairing button: Hold Back + Home for 5 seconds until light flashes.

  • Wait for the pairing message on screen

Fix Volume & Power Problems (voice remote only)

If you are experiencing volume or power issues with your voice remote, follow the steps below.

Roku remote volume not working?

  • Try pointing the remote directly at the TV’s sensor, which is located in the front of the TV.
  • If that works, your remote uses IR.
  • If doing this doesn't work, try enabling CEC on your TV and redo the Roku remote set-up.

Both buttons not working?

  • Update Roku software:
    • Go to Settings > System > System Update > Check Now.
  • Then, set up the remote again:
    • Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remotes > Set up remote for TV control

Voice commands not working?

  • CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) lets your Roku remote send power and volume commands to your TV. Check if CEC is enabled on your TV, or reach out to the manufacturer for help.
  • Voice commands like “Turn off the TV” only work with CEC, not IR remotes.

Other troubleshooting

Remote still showing low battery?

  • Reboot the remote (see above).
  • Remove batteries or disconnect charging.
  • Disable unused remotes by removing their batteries or holding Back + Home + Mute for 5 seconds.

Have a Roku Streaming Stick?

  • Use the included wireless receiver (part of the USB power cable)
  • Get a free HDMI extender to reduce interference

Can I connect my Roku device to Wi-Fi without a remote?

No, you need a Roku remote to connect your Roku device to Wi-Fi. You can purchase one in the Roku Accessories Store.

If remote is hot to the touch

  • Stop using it right away
  • Don’t touch the batteries
  • Let it cool on a non-flammable surface
  • Contact Roku support if your remote doesn't cool down

If none of these steps help, consider using the Roku Mobile app as a remote while you contact Roku support. Learn what to do if you have lost your Roku remote.

Last updated at 4/1/2026 1:34:05 PM

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