What Should I Do if My Roku Remote Is Lost or Broken?

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Maybe you’ve searched high and low and can’t find your Roku remote to save your life. Or maybe your remote is hopelessly broken.

Either way, you need a little guidance.

Is there a way to avoid buying a new remote? If you must buy a new remote, which one should you purchase to ensure it’s compatible with your Roku device?

Keep reading to find out!

How Do I Know if My Roku Remote is Broken?

There are several ways to tell if your Roku remote is irreversibly broken.

Before you panic that your Roku remote is broken, it’s a good idea to run some simple tests to see if it can be fixed.

The last thing you want is to have to purchase a new remote when your old one is in working condition.

Try the following solutions found listed below.

If your remote still does not work after these troubleshooting tips, it’s time to try an alternate remote or purchase a new one.

Change the Batteries

Although it may seem obvious, changing your Roku batteries is the first step you should take if your Roku remote isn’t working.

Replace your old Roku batteries with fresh ones and double-check that they’re correctly placed.

Don’t worry if your remote doesn’t immediately work after replacing the batteries. It may need some time to restart and establish a connection with your Roku device.

Ensure Nothing is Blocking Your Roku (for the Roku Simple Remote)

While the Roku voice control remote functions with Wi-Fi, the Roku simple remote uses infrared red technology and must be pointed directly at your Roku.

So, if your Roku is hidden behind your TV, it may not be able to receive the Roku simple remote’s commands.

The simplest way to fix this is to use an HDMI extender (which Roku will send you for free) or a longer HDMI cable.

It’s also a good idea to examine and rearrange your TV setup to ensure a clear path from your seating area to the Roku device.

Soft Reset Your Roku Remote

Soft resetting your Roku remote should reboot its connection to your Roku device, allowing it to receive its commands.

To do this, find your remote’s Pairing button on the back. Hold it for five seconds until the remote’s LED indicator light begins to blink quickly.

You should see a confirmation message on-screen. When prompted, click your remote’s voice command button, which is marked by an icon of a microphone.

Note: If your Roku remote does not pair with your Roku device, try resetting it by holding the Pairing button for 20 seconds.

Alternatively, you can remove the batteries and wait a minute before returning them to the battery mount.

What Should I Do if My Roku Remote Is Lost or Broken?

There are a few things you can do if your Roku remote is lost or broken.

You have a few options if your Roku remote is hopelessly lost or broken, depending on if you’re willing to hunt for it a little longer, are open to alternatives, or want to replace it completely.

Let’s learn about them!

Use the Lost Remote Finder Feature

This isn’t the first time someone has lost their remote. Luckily, Roku has thought of this problem and devised a solution.

There are a few different ways you can use the lost remote finder feature depending on the type of remote and Roku player you have.

Please note that this feature can only be used on Roku voice remotes, so if you have a Roku simple remote, kindly proceed to the next solution.

First, if you have a Roku Ultra, you can use the lost remote finder button found on the top or side of the device. When pressed, this button will play a sound from your remote’s speaker.

So, listen carefully and follow the sound to find your remote.

Secondly, you can find your remote by simply speaking to it! This feature is only available on the Roku Voice Remote Pro.

All you have to do is say, “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?”

We recommend speaking loudly and slowly, similarly to how you speak to a smart home device.

Unfortunately, if your Roku’s microphone is being blocked, which could happen if it’s lying underneath your couch cushions or found its way to another room, your remote may not be able to “hear” you.

The hands-free voice feature must also enable you to use this function.

So, if your Roku remote is unresponsive the first time, we recommend loudly repeating the trigger phrase while walking around your home.

Finally, you can use the Roku app on your smartphone or tablet to track it. This app is free to use. All you need to do is download it from the Google Play Store (for Android phones) or App Store (for iPhones and iPads).

Once you’ve successfully connected your Roku app to your Roku device by clicking on the TV icon followed by your Roku’s name, you can use the lost remote finder feature.

Go to the kebab menu (፧), then click Ping Remote.

Now, your remote should make a constant pinging sound, allowing you to trace it.

Use the Roku Remote App

Remotes are overrated. Why not use your smartphone or tablet instead?

Instead of using a Roku remote, you can control your Roku from your phone using the Roku app.

Let’s learn how!

Step 1: Download the Roku app on your Android phone or Apple device.

Step 2: Ensure your phone and Roku are connected to the same network.

Step 3: Now that both devices are connected to the same network, you must wait for them to discover each other. Once they’re paired, you’ll be able to use your phone as a remote as long as it’s connected to the same internet as your Roku.

Watch the video below demonstrating how to use your smartphone as a remote for your Roku.

Use a Universal Remote

If you’ve lost or broken a Roku simple remote, you can replace it with a universal remote since both types use infrared technology.

Some universal remotes, like the GE Universal Remote Control, specifically state that they’re compatible with infrared Roku devices.

Last update on 2023-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

Each remote will come with specific paring directions.

You can use infrared remotes with all Roku players, though it does not work with any Roku Streaming Sticks.

A universal remote is not an appropriate solution to replace your Roku voice remote as it will not respond to voice commands.

Watch the video below demonstrating how to use a universal remote with your Roku.

Purchase a New Roku Remote

You love your Roku remote and don’t want to compromise. So, why not just get a new Roku remote?

You can purchase Roku remotes from the Roku website or Amazon. Remember that you must purchase a compatible remote for your Roku device.

You can pair your new Roku remote to your Roku without using your old remote with the Roku app.

Let’s learn how!

Step 1: Open the Roku app on your phone.

Step 2: Click on the Remote button in the bottom-left corner, marked by an icon of a D-pad.

Step 3: Now that you can control your Roku with your smartphone, turn your attention to your TV. On your Roku, go to Settings.

Step 4: Open Remotes & devices.

Step 5: Click on Set up a new device.

Step 6: Now is a good time to put your new Roku remote into pairing mode. Press the Pairing button, found on the back of your remote until the LED indicator light begins to blink.

Step 7: Now turn your attention to your TV and click on Remote.

Step 8: Navigate to the right side of the screen and click Continue.

Now your new remote is paired with your Roku! Feel free to delete the Roku app once this process is complete.

How Can I Know What Kind of Roku Remote Does My Roku Use?

Finding out which Roku remote you need couldn’t be easier!

Roku understands that finding a compatible remote can seem challenging, which is why they have a handy feature on their website which does all the work for you!

Use the My Devices Feature

Follow the steps below to find which remotes are compatible with your Roku using the Roku website.

Step 1: First, head to Roku.com.

Step 2: Hover your mouse over Shop products.

Step 3: Select Accessories from the drop-down list.

Step 4: On the Accessories page, find and select the My devices button.

Step 5: Sign into your Roku account.

Now, you’ll be able to see which accessories (i.e. remotes) are compatible with your Roku player.

Enter Your Roku Model Number

If you don’t want to sign into your account, you can find compatible remotes by entering your model number.

This option is found on the Accessories page, which we explain how to access above.

Once you’re on the Accessories page, follow the steps below.

Step 1: On your Roku player, go to the Home screen.

Step 2: In the menu on the right side of the screen, select Settings.

Step 3: Click on About.

Step 4: Take note of your Model Number found on this page.

Step 5: Now, turn your attention back to the Accessories page on your laptop. Click on the textbox next to Search by device on the left-hand side of the screen.

Step 6: Enter your model number into the textbox. Ensure you enter this number correctly.

Step 7: Press Enter on your keyboard.

You should now be able to see all Roku accessories that are compatible with your model.

Wrapping Things Up

Don’t let a broken or lost remote ruin your movie night!

Losing or breaking your Roku remote may feel like the end of the world, but you have several options when trying to fix, search for, or replace it.

Remember to replace your Roku batteries and soft reset it before deciding that it’s hopelessly broken.

If you have a Roku Ultra, you can press its remote button, making your remote emit a beeping sound.

If you have a Roku Voice Remote Pro, you can activate the same beeping sound with a voice command.

Alternatively, you can download the Roku app and trigger your remote’s pinging sound from your smartphone.

If worse comes to worst, you can always purchase a replacement or use your phone as a remote.

Have you ever lost your Roku remote? If so, how did you find it?

Let us know in the comments below!

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