How To Pair Roku Remote

To pair a Roku voice remote, restart your Roku device, then hold the pairing button for 5 seconds, or hold Back and Home together for 5 seconds if there is no pairing button, until the remote's light flashes.

A Roku simple remote needs no pairing at all, so this guide starts with telling the two apart, then covers TV power and volume setup, the phone app, and fixes for a remote that will not pair.

Quick Summary

These steps work for any Roku voice remote on a Roku streaming player or a Roku TV. Keep the remote close to the Roku device while it pairs.

1. Check the remote for a voice button with a microphone or magnifying glass icon. No voice button means a simple remote, which works as soon as it has batteries.
2. Unplug your Roku device or Roku TV from power, wait 5 seconds, plug it back in and wait for the Home screen.
3. If your remote has a pairing button, hold it for 5 seconds until the light on the remote flashes.
4. If it has no pairing button, hold Back and Home together for 5 seconds until the light flashes.
5. Wait for the pairing message on the TV screen, then follow any prompts it shows.

Understanding Roku Remote Types

Roku ships two families of remote, and only one of them pairs. Identify yours first, because the right fix depends on it.

Remote type	How to recognise it	How it talks to the Roku	Needs pairing?
Simple remote (also called standard, IR, Roku Players or Roku TV remote)	No voice button; channel shortcut buttons; the Roku TV version adds TV power, volume, mute and sleep timer	Infrared, so it must point at the device with nothing in the way	No. There is no pairing button
Roku voice remote (handheld)	A voice button near the purple directional pad with a microphone or magnifying glass icon	Some models use wireless signals, so you do not have to aim them	Yes
Roku Voice Remote Pro (1st or 2nd edition)	Voice button plus a hands-free voice slider; rechargeable	Wireless; hands-free commands such as "Hey Roku" when the slider is green	Yes
Roku Touch tabletop remote	A tabletop voice remote rather than a handheld one	Wireless	Yes, with its own setup article from Roku

Voice remotes with TV controls, such as the Roku Voice Remote and Voice Remote Pro, also add dedicated TV power and volume buttons.

Which Pairing Method Should You Use?

Your situation	Do this	Why
Remote has no voice button	Fit fresh batteries or pull the battery tab and point it at the Roku	Simple remotes use infrared and never pair
Voice remote with a pairing button	Hold the pairing button for 5 seconds	Puts the remote into pairing mode
Voice remote without a pairing button	Hold Back + Home for 5 seconds	The button combination replaces the pairing button
Remote is lost, or you are waiting for a new one	Use the Roku mobile app as a remote	Works as long as the Roku is already on your Wi-Fi
Remote works the Roku but not the TV volume or power	Run Set up remote for TV control	TV control is a separate setup from pairing
Roku stick plugged into a Samsung, LG or Vizio TV	Pair the remote to the Roku stick, then set up TV control	The remote pairs with the Roku device, not the TV

Why Roku Remotes Lose Their Pairing

Most "lost pairing" cases are really a weak signal or a flat battery. The table covers the common reasons you need to pair or re-pair a Roku remote, and what Roku support says to do about each.

Situation	What is going on	What to do
New or replacement voice remote	It has never been paired with this Roku	Pair it with the pairing button or Back + Home
Batteries are low or the rechargeable remote is flat	Weak power makes buttons slow or unresponsive	Fit a fresh matching pair, or charge for at least 5 hours
Roku Streaming Stick hidden behind the TV	The TV and nearby electronics interfere with the wireless signal	Use the wireless receiver built into the USB power cable, or a free HDMI extender from Roku
Another Roku remote nearby is still active	An unused remote can cause problems for the one you use	Remove its batteries or hold Back + Home + Mute for 5 seconds
Simple remote seems "unpaired"	Something blocks the infrared line of sight	Clear the path; do not hide the Roku in a cabinet or behind the TV
Voice remote controls the Roku but not the TV	TV control uses IR or HDMI-CEC, which is set up separately	Turn on CEC on the TV and set up TV control again

How to Pair a Roku Remote: A Step-by-Step Process

This is the full step-by-step tutorial for a new or re-paired voice remote, from fresh batteries to TV control. The two sections after it cover the pairing step itself for each remote design.

1. Turn on your TV and Roku device and wait for the Roku Home screen.
2. Remove the old batteries, press any two buttons on the remote, then insert a fresh matching pair, negative end first. For a rechargeable remote, charge it with its own cable instead.
3. Unplug the Roku device from power, wait 5 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for the Home screen.
4. Hold the remote close to the Roku device.
5. Hold the pairing button for 5 seconds, or Back + Home if there is no pairing button, until the remote's light flashes.
6. Wait for the pairing message on screen.
7. When the Roku asks whether the remote should control your TV's power and volume, turn the TV volume up, point the remote at the TV and follow the sound prompts.

How to Pair a Roku Remote With a Pairing Button

Many voice remotes have a dedicated pairing button. If you cannot find one, use the next section instead.

1. Power on the Roku and reach the Home screen.
2. Find the pairing button on the remote.
3. Hold the pairing button for 5 seconds, until the light on the remote starts to flash.
4. Release the button and keep the remote near the Roku device while it connects.
5. Confirm the pairing message on the TV screen.

Holding the same button for 20 seconds does something different: it restarts a rechargeable remote. Stick to 5 seconds for pairing.

How to Pair a Roku Remote Without a Pairing Button

Voice remotes without a pairing button use a two-button combination instead.

1. Fit fresh batteries and confirm the remote has a voice button. A remote without one is a simple remote and does not pair.
2. Restart the Roku device: unplug it, wait 5 seconds and plug it back in.
3. When the Home screen appears, press and hold Back and Home together for 5 seconds.
4. Release both buttons when the light on the remote flashes.
5. Wait for the Roku player to detect the remote and show the pairing message.

How to Pair a Roku Remote to Your TV for Power and Volume

A Roku remote pairs with the Roku device, not with a Samsung, LG, Vizio or TCL TV. Controlling the TV's power and volume is a separate setup that uses infrared (IR) or HDMI-CEC.

Only voice remotes with TV controls can do this: the Roku Voice Remote, Voice Remote Pro and Voice Remote Pro 2nd Edition.

1. Turn on HDMI-CEC in your TV's settings. Brands name it differently, for example SIMPLINK on LG and Anynet on Samsung.
2. On a Roku streaming player, go to Settings > System > Control other devices and turn on 1-Touch Play, TV power and TV volume.
3. If the Roku is connected through a soundbar or receiver, connect it directly to the TV for this setup.
4. Press Home, then go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes.
5. Choose your voice remote, then select Set up remote for TV control.
6. Turn the TV volume up, point the remote at the TV and answer whether you can hear the music until setup finishes.

Some TVs accept CEC commands for power but not volume. Voice commands such as "turn off the TV" only work over CEC, never over IR.

Alternative Ways to Control and Pair Your Roku

The free Roku mobile app for iOS and Android works as a full remote while you fix or replace the physical one. It needs the Roku already connected to your home Wi-Fi, and your phone on the same network.

The app cannot find a Roku that has just been reset or is being set up for the first time. Wi-Fi setup needs a physical Roku remote.

1. Install the Roku remote app from the App Store or Google Play. On iPhone it needs iOS 14.0 or newer.
2. Sign in to the app with your Roku account.
3. Connect the app to your Roku device from the device list.
4. Select Remote to open the on-screen remote.
5. To add a physical replacement remote with the app, go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes > Add a new remote and follow the prompts.

How to check the remote is paired

1. Watch for the on-screen pairing message right after the light on the remote stops flashing.
2. Press the directional pad and check that the cursor on the Home screen moves without delay.
3. Go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes and check that your remote is listed.
4. Select your remote, then About, to see its battery level.
5. Press the remote's volume button. If the TV volume changes only when you aim at the TV, the remote is using IR for TV control rather than CEC.

Tips That Keep Roku Remotes Paired

Tip	Why it helps
Use a fresh, matching pair of batteries	Mixed or weak batteries cause delayed or missed button presses
Keep the Roku out of cabinets and not behind the TV	Simple remotes need line of sight; voice remotes still suffer from blocked signals
On a Streaming Stick, use the wireless receiver on the USB power cable or an HDMI extender	Moves the stick away from TV interference
Switch off spare remotes (remove batteries, or hold Back + Home + Mute for 5 seconds)	Stops an idle remote from interfering
Power the Roku player from a wall outlet, not the TV's USB port	A USB-powered player turns off with the TV and cannot send the signal to turn it back on
Keep Roku OS updated via Settings > System > System update > Check now	Updates fix remote and TV-control problems

Maintaining Your Roku Remote

Task	How
Check battery level	Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes > your remote > About
Recharge a rechargeable remote	Use the cable that came with it, plug into USB power or a computer, and charge for at least 5 hours
Restart a battery remote	Remove both batteries, press any two buttons, reinsert the batteries negative end first
Restart a rechargeable remote	Hold the pairing button for 20 seconds, or Back + Home for 20 seconds, until the light stops flashing
Keep the TV's IR receiver clear	A soundbar placed in front of the TV can block it; moving it a few inches is often enough

Tips: Enhancing Your Experience with Roku Remote

Once the remote is paired, these voice remote features are worth setting up. Availability depends on the model.

Feature	How to use it
Personal shortcuts	Press and hold 1 or 2 for 5 seconds to save an app, the Live TV guide or a voice command
Lost remote finder	Trigger it from the Roku device or the mobile app, and the remote plays a sound
Hands-free voice (Voice Remote Pro)	Move the slider to green and say "Hey Roku" followed by a command
Headphone mode	Plug headphones into the jack on select voice remotes; the TV speakers mute automatically
Quick Launch button	Set it to open any app or turn on captions
TV voice commands	Say "turn up the volume" or "turn off the TV" once CEC is on

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Roku remote won't pair, or the light flashes but never pairs

Weak batteries, a remote that needs a restart, or a Roku device that needs a restart.

1. Remove the batteries, press any two buttons, and insert a fresh matching pair negative end first.
2. For a rechargeable remote, hold the pairing button, or Back + Home, for 20 seconds until the light stops flashing, then charge it for at least 5 hours.
3. Unplug the Roku device, wait 5 seconds and plug it back in.
4. At the Home screen, hold the pairing button, or Back + Home, for 5 seconds and wait for the pairing message.

Simple remote does nothing, even with new batteries

Infrared needs a clear line of sight, and simple remotes cannot pair.

1. Check the battery orientation.
2. Clear anything in front of the Roku device and bring it out of any cabinet.
3. Point the remote directly at the device and try a few angles.
4. Restart the Roku device.

Roku remote won't control TV volume or power (Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL)

TV control uses IR or HDMI-CEC, and CEC may be off or the wrong TV code was picked.

1. Point the remote at the TV's sensor on the front. If the volume now works, the remote is using IR.
2. Turn on CEC in the TV's settings.
3. Update the Roku via Settings > System > System update > Check now.
4. Go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes, choose your remote and select Set up remote for TV control again.
5. If only power or only volume works, repeat the sound test and select No at the code you already tried so the Roku tests the next one.

Remote on a Roku Streaming Stick keeps dropping out

The stick sits behind the TV, where the signal meets interference.

1. Connect the stick through the wireless receiver built into its USB power cable.
2. Request Roku's free HDMI extender to move the stick away from the TV.
3. Pair the remote again after moving the stick.

Remote still shows low battery

The remote has not reset after new batteries or a charge, or an unused remote is still active.

1. Restart the remote as described above.
2. Remove the batteries or disconnect the charger, then reconnect.
3. Switch off unused remotes by removing their batteries or holding Back + Home + Mute for 5 seconds.

Still Not Working? Try These Next

Pairing fails after every fix above

Outdated Roku software or a remote that is at fault.

1. Control the Roku with the mobile app and run Settings > System > System update > Check now.
2. Try the pairing steps once more after the update restarts the device.
3. If there is a spare Roku remote in the house, try it. If it pairs, the original remote is at fault.

Voice commands work for the Roku but not for the TV

TV voice commands need CEC and ignore IR.

1. Turn on CEC on the TV.
2. On a Roku TV, go to Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC) and turn on One-Touch Play.
3. Set up the voice remote again under Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes.
4. Test with "Hey Roku, what time is it?" on a Voice Remote Pro.

The Roku is new or reset and you have no working remote

The mobile app cannot find a Roku that is not on Wi-Fi yet.

1. Get a remote that matches your device: simple or voice.
2. Use it to finish Wi-Fi setup, then switch to the app if you prefer.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sign	What to do
Remote feels warm or hot	Stop using it, unplug the charger, and do not remove hot batteries. Put it on a hard, non-flammable surface such as tile and let it cool
Remote stays hot	Contact Roku support
New batteries, restarts and re-pairing all fail	Contact Roku support through chat at support.roku.com; the remote may be faulty
Remote is lost or broken	Buy a matching replacement from Roku accessories or a major retailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Roku remotes need to be paired?

No. Only Roku voice remotes pair. A Roku simple remote has no pairing button and uses infrared, so it works as soon as you insert fresh batteries or pull the battery tab and point it at the Roku device.

How do I pair a Roku remote to a Roku stick?

Restart the Roku Streaming Stick, then hold the remote's pairing button, or Back + Home, for 5 seconds until the light flashes. If the remote keeps dropping out, use the wireless receiver on the stick's USB power cable or Roku's free HDMI extender.

How do I pair a Roku remote to a Roku Ultra or Roku box?

The steps are the same as any Roku player. Restart the box from the power cable, wait for the Home screen, then hold the pairing button, or Back + Home, for 5 seconds. Wait for the pairing message on screen.

How do I pair a Roku remote to a Roku TV or TCL TV?

On a Roku TV, including TCL Roku TV models, pair a voice remote the same way: restart the TV, then hold the pairing button, or Back + Home, for 5 seconds. A Roku TV simple remote needs only batteries and a clear line of sight.

How do I pair a Roku remote to a Samsung, LG or Vizio TV?

You pair the remote with the Roku device plugged into the TV, not with the TV. For TV power and volume, turn on HDMI-CEC on the TV, then choose Set up remote for TV control under Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes.

How do I pair my Roku remote to control TV volume?

Press Home, go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes, choose your voice remote and select Set up remote for TV control. Turn the TV volume up and follow the sound test. Only remotes with TV control buttons support this.

Why won't my Roku remote pair with my TV?

Usually the batteries are weak or the Roku needs a restart. Fit fresh batteries, unplug the Roku for 5 seconds, then pair again. If only TV volume fails, turn on CEC on the TV and rerun the TV-control setup.

Why will my Roku remote not pair with an LG TV?

The remote pairs with the Roku, and controls the LG TV through IR or CEC. Turn on SIMPLINK, LG's name for HDMI-CEC, then set up TV control again from Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes.

Can I use my phone instead of a Roku remote?

Yes. The free Roku mobile app for iOS and Android has a full remote. Your Roku must already be on Wi-Fi and your phone on the same network. The app cannot set up Wi-Fi on a new or reset Roku.

Final Tips

Check for a voice button first, then restart the Roku and pair with a 5-second hold on the pairing button or Back + Home. Most failures come from treating a simple remote as a pairing remote, weak batteries, or confusing TV volume control with pairing, and each has a quick, separate fix.