Lost Your Roku Remote? How to Find It & Alternative Controls

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In this article, I’ll show you how to locate your lost Roku remote using the Lost Remote Finder feature, and also provide alternative options for a lost remote.

Let’s dive in!

1. Utilize the Lost Remote Finder Feature

If you’ve ever found yourself searching for your Roku remote in the cushions of your sofa, you’ll be glad to know about the Lost Remote Finder feature.

This handy tool is designed to help you find your remote when it goes missing inside your home. 

By activating this feature, your remote will start to make a continuous sound, guiding you right to its hiding spot. 

However, it’s important to note that this feature is specifically available on Roku Voice Remotes that come with a built-in speaker.

As of now, the Roku Voice Remote Pro is the only model that includes this speaker, making it the go-to choice for utilizing the Lost Remote Finder.

If you don’t have the Roku Voice Remote Pro yet and think the Lost Remote Finder feature would be useful, you might want to consider getting one from Roku or Amazon. 

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Paid Link.

Keep in mind, though, that if your remote’s rechargeable battery is too low, or if the remote is out of the range of your Wi-Fi network, it won’t be able to emit the sound.

Activating the Lost Remote Finder is straightforward and can be done in several ways: you can use a hands-free voice command, press a trigger button on your Roku player, use the Roku Mobile app, or even activate it through a control button on the Roku OS TV. 

This variety of options makes it easier than ever to locate your remote without turning your house upside down.

1. Use Hands-Free Voice Command

The Roku Voice Remote Pro introduces an impressive feature known as Hands-Free Voice.

This innovative function allows you to command your remote by simply speaking to it, without the need to physically hold it. 

A special button activates this hands-free mode, making your interactions with the Roku more convenient and accessible. 

Imagine being up to 12 feet away from your remote and still being able to control it with your voice.

For instance, if your remote has disappeared into the couch cushions, you can call out, “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” and the remote will respond by emitting a sound to help you locate it.

This is part of the Lost Remote Finder feature, designed to save you from the frustration of misplacing your remote.

If you happen to find your remote, simply pressing any button will silence the noise.

However, it’s important to note that if you didn’t activate the Hands-Free Voice feature before misplacing your remote, or if for some reason it doesn’t work, there are other methods you can try to find your remote.

2. Use a Trigger Button on the Roku Player

If you own a Roku device, especially models like the Roku Ultra, you’re in luck if you ever misplace your remote. 

What makes it special is the physical button located directly on the Roku player itself.

All you need to do is press this Trigger button, and it will activate the Lost Remote Finder feature, helping you locate your missing remote much more easily. 

3. Use the Roku Mobile App

If your Roku device lacks a Trigger button or if the Hands-Free Voice feature isn’t enabled, you can still activate the Lost Remote Finder feature using the Roku Mobile app.

First, make sure to download the free Roku Mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store onto your phone.

Note: Before proceeding, it’s crucial to ensure that both your phone and your Roku device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. 

This step is important because your phone needs to be able to communicate with your Roku device to locate the remote.

Remember, this connection between your phone and Roku should have been established prior to losing your remote.

Once you’ve confirmed the connection, open the Roku Mobile app on your phone. 

Look for the Devices icon and tap on it to connect to your Roku device. 

After connecting, you’ll see a three-dot icon next to your device’s name; tap this icon and select Ping Remote.

This action sends a signal to your Roku remote, causing it to emit a sound.

Alternatively, you can use the Roku Mobile app to control your Roku device directly.

Within the app, use the Remote icon to navigate your Roku’s menu.

Then go to Settings, then select Remotes & devices, followed by Remotes, and finally, choose your remote and select Find remote.

This process triggers the Lost Remote Finder feature, assisting you in locating your remote by sound. 

4. Use the Control Button on Roku OS TV

Another method involves using the Control Button on your TV to activate the Lost Remote Finder feature if you have a Roku OS TV.

The process is quite simple, but it does depend on the style of the control button panel on your TV. 

Let me explain how it works.

For TVs with a Single Button Control, you just need to press the button once to open the Inputs menu. 

After that, press it again and select Find Remote. 

It’s pretty straightforward. I’ll show you how this works using my TCL Roku TV as an example.

If your TV comes with Three Button Control, things are slightly different. 

You’ll press the middle button to get into the Inputs menu. Once there, just choose Find Remote.

For those with a Joystick-style control, you’ll use the joystick to navigate to the Inputs menu. 

Then, scroll around until you highlight the Find Remote option and select it.

Lastly, if your TV has Labeled Panel Buttons, you’ll look for the button marked INPUT. 

Press it to open up the menu, and then press it again to select Find Remote.

Bonus: How to Change the Lost Remote Finder Sound

Interestingly, you can customize the sound of the Lost Remote Finder feature to your preference. 

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: First, grab your Roku remote and press the Home button. 

This will take you to the main menu. 

Step 2: From there, navigate through the options by going to Settings, then Remotes & devices, and finally, select Remotes. 

Step 3: You’ll see an option for your voice remote; select it. 

Once there, look for the option that says Change remote finder sound and select it.

You’ll be presented with a list of different sounds. 

Take your time to browse through them. 

When you pause on each sound, you’ll hear a sample. 

This lets you decide which one you like the most. 

Once you’ve made your choice, press OK to download that sound to your remote.

Select Preview Remote Finder Sound. This allows you to hear the sound directly from your remote again, ensuring it’s exactly what you want.

2. Use the Roku Remote App

If you ever find yourself without your Roku remote, there’s a practical solution within reach.

The Roku Mobile app is available for download on both iPhone and Android phones, serving as a virtual remote to control your Roku player or TV. 

For this setup to work, ensure that your phone and Roku device are on the same Wi-Fi network. 

This connection is essential for the app to communicate with your Roku, enabling you to manage your device even in the absence of the physical remote.

It’s wise to establish this connection between your phone’s Roku Mobile app and your Roku device in advance. 

Without the remote, changing your Roku device’s network settings can be tricky.

Preparing ahead by linking your devices ensures this method is effective and hassle-free. 

For those interested in learning more about using the Roku Mobile app to control your Roku, I have written a comprehensive article that explains all the details.

3. Use a Universal Remote

If you’ve ever lost your Roku remote and need a replacement, one great solution is to get a universal remote.

Universal remotes are designed to work with a wide range of devices, including Roku players and TVs, making them a convenient option for anyone looking to streamline their remote collection.

For those who want to dive deeper into how to set up a universal remote with a Roku device, I’ve written a detailed guide that covers everything you need to know.

To make your search for the perfect universal remote easier, I’ve compiled a list of my top three picks that work excellently with Roku devices. 

1. GE Backlit Universal Remote Control.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Paid Link.

2. One For All Streamer Universal Remote Control.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Paid Link.

3. Loutoc Universal TV Remote.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Paid Link.

4. 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.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Paid Link.

Pairing your new Roku remote with your Roku device is a straightforward process that doesn’t require the old remote at all. 

To start, locate the pairing button on your new Roku remote and press it. 

Keep an eye out for the indicator light on the remote; once it begins flashing green, it’s time to release. 

Bring your new Roku remote near your Roku player or TV.

This is when the magic happens: your new remote and Roku device will begin to automatically connect to each other, making the setup process quick and easy.

Steps To Confirm If Your 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.

1. Change the Batteries

If your Roku remote isn’t functioning, addressing the power source is a crucial first step, which varies depending on the type of remote you have. 

For remotes that use disposable batteries, begin by replacing the old batteries with new ones, ensuring they are inserted according to the correct orientation. 

If your remote utilizes rechargeable batteries, ensure the battery is fully charged by connecting the remote to a power source until it reaches full charge.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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