How to set up a cable, satellite, or universal remote to control your Roku TV system
You can often use the same remote that came with your cable or satellite box, or even a universal remote, to control your Roku TV. Here’s how to do it, what to expect, and what to try if you run into issues.
Before you start
It's important to note that not every remote supports all TV controls.
- Some remotes only control Power, Volume, and Input. That’s called basic control.
- Other remotes can also control Home, Arrows, Back, Play, Pause, and Fast-Forward. That’s called expanded control.
What you’ll need:
- Your universal or cable/satellite remote and your Roku TV turned on
- The remote codes for your cable, satellite, or universal remote (see chart below)
1. How do I program my universal cable/satellite remote to my Roku TV?
- Find your service provider or remote brand in the chart below. Note the code listed.
- On your universal or cable/satellite provider remote, press and hold the Setup button until the red light stays on. If there’s no Setup button, check your remote’s instructions, as sometimes you hold TV + Power.
- Enter the 4- or 5-digit code. The red light should blink or turn off.
- Test your remote
- Press Power: Does your Roku TV turn off or on?
- Press Volume Up/Down: Does the sound change?
If it works, you’re done! If not, try the next code on the list and repeat. Sometimes it takes a few tries.
2. What if only some buttons work?
That’s normal. It means your remote only supports basic control. You’ll need a different remote for full navigation.
3. What if none of the codes work?
Try these steps:
- Try Insignia TV codes, as they often work on Roku TVs
- Make sure your remote is set to TV mode (not Cable or AUX)
- Replace your batteries (low power can cause issues)
- If your Roku TV is made by Sharp, try codes for Sharp TVs
- If you’re still stuck, contact your cable/satellite provider or the remote maker’s support
4. How do I stop my remote from "forgetting" the TV?
Sometimes remotes stop working after a while. Try this:
- Remove the batteries
- Wait 10 seconds
- Put them back in and test again
- If that doesn’t help, reprogram the remote using the steps above
5. My remote used to work, but stopped suddenly. What now?
This usually happens when:
- Batteries are low
- The remote lost its pairing
- Something is blocking the sensor
Try these steps:
- Replace the batteries
- Make sure nothing is in front of your TV’s bottom edge (that’s where the IR sensor is)
- Re-enter your code or re-pair the remote
6. Still can’t get it to work?
Try one of these next steps:
- Use the Roku Mobile App as a remote (free on iOS and Android)
- Contact your cable/satellite provider for extra help
- Consider a universal remote that supports Roku TVs
Additional troubleshooting
- Always point your remote directly at the Roku TV
- Try the first code first, as that’s usually the most common one
- Keep your remote batteries fresh. Low batteries can cause unwanted behavior.
- Write down the code that worked so you don't have to search for it if needed again
Cable or satellite remote codes for Roku TV systems
Find your service provider and try the remote codes listed in the chart below. Follow the instructions from your provider to program your cable or satellite remote.
| Service Provider/Brand | Remote Code(s) | Codes for Roku TV Brands (Hisense) | Button Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sky | Visit the Sky website to find codes for your Sky remote. Note: You can program your Sky remote from the menu in your satellite set-top box. Select "Hisense TV" when prompted. | 2427 | Basic |
| TIVO | 0091 or 0366 | Basic | |
| Virgin Media | Note: You can program your Virgin remote from the menu in the satellite set-top box. Select "Hisense TV" when prompted. | 0091 or 0366 | Basic |
Universal remote codes for Roku TV systems
For help programming your universal remote, review the manufacturer's instructions or contact them directly.
| Brand | Remote Code(s) | Alternate Remote Code(s) | Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE | 2891 | GE support | |
| Inteset | 10885 | Inteset support | |
| onn. | 2891, 3851 | 3201 | onn. support |
| Microsoft Xbox One | T1756 | Microsoft support | |
| RCA/Voxx | 11564, 12434, 387, 12049, 11756 | 10818 | RCA support |
Last updated at 2/23/2026 9:00:02 PM
Was this article helpful?
Related articles
Need more help?
