So maybe you're been using your Roku for a while and everything is hunky-dory. Then one day you're stabbing at the buttons on your remote and nothing happens. Damn!!! My Roku remote stopped working - WHY????
This is an easy fix that you can do in just 3 minutes. There are a lot of blogs and forums that will give you bad advice on how to fix the 'Roku remote stopped working' situation - please, DO NOT do either of the following:
- Perform a factory reset on the Roku box.
- Swap out your remote and buy a new one.
Here's what you need to do if your Roku remote stopped working:
- Remove the batteries from the remote.
- Look carefully into the battery compartment of the remote and locate the purple button shown circled in red, below:
- Unplug the power from the Roku.
- Wait for 5 seconds.
- Connect the power back to the Roku.
- Wait for Roku banner to bounce around on the screen.
- Put the batteries back in the remote.
- Press and hold the purple button in the battery compartment of the remote for 5 seconds.
- Wait for the Roku to finish booting up.
Before we gloat maybe this didn't work for you. If you've tried this a couple times with no success, now you're REALLY pissed and I don't blame you. I'll tell you how to get this straightened out in just another 5 minutes, my friend.
Take a cleaning breath, grab your smart phone and go get the Roku Remote Control App from here or just go to the App Store on your phone and search for "Roku Remote Control". They have both an Android version and an iPhone version.
The fact is that the Roku Remote Control App is superior to the Roku remote control - period. If for no other reason, it's a great backup when the Roku Remote gets lost in the cushions or after Fido stimulates his gums with it.
I hope you're watching your program by now. If neither of the above suggestions work, keep looking around on the web. Maybe there's another post that will get you back on track.
My Roku remote goes wonky about every other week or so. I've figured out this work around - if you have the Roku Controller App. Take the batteries out of your remote, and use your smart phone to to get to the Roku Settings menu. From there, pick pair new remote. Put the batteries back in the remote, and hopefully it will pair up. Works for me most of the time.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kristi! This really helped me a lot! Finally, the remote is working again. The phone app is really cool and will come in handy since I'm always burying the remote. Thanks a million!
DeleteEllen
Thanks so much, the app works great, was able to use the app to pair the remote again, now I have a back up. Thanks Again!
DeleteThank you for posting this. A version of this help
Deleteed me too!
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DeleteWorked well. Thanks!
DeleteWorked great and very easy to do. Thanks Kristi!
DeleteWorked like a charm! Had looked first at the online instruction manual and saw remote diagram showing reset button. However, nothing else in the manual even referenced reset. (I did a search). Glad I tried you instructions before trying reset! Many thanks!
DeleteThanks so much for posting. Remote working again AND I have the remote app on my phone. So glad I found this!!!
DeleteThank you, darlin! Your advice saved the day!
DeleteMy ROKU remote doesn't have a purple button. So, this doesn't work for me.
Deletemine didn't either. it is a tiny black button
DeleteMy roku remote's button is black but this process worked wonderfully. Thank you ever so much.
DeleteMy Roku doesn't have "pair new remote"
DeleteMy 83yr old mother thanks you!
DeleteThank you!!
DeleteThank you Chris I was sooo upset-- it worked like a charm‼️
DeleteAwesome!
DeleteFirst suggestion worked the first time. I installed the app as insurance. All info on the web should be so good! Thank you, my friend.
DeleteWhat if you were stupid and did the factory reset. Remote won't work and didn't have the app :(
DeleteThanks this worked great!! And now i have an extra remote.
DeleteThanks! This is the second time this happened to me. I am so glad I did not have to purchase a new remote! You're awesome!
DeleteThanks a million , first I thought have to buy a new one!
DeleteThank you!!!
DeleteThis is beautifully detailed and thank you. ONE LITTLE PROBLEM: My remote has no purple reset button inside the battery compartment. What do I do, now?
DeleteIt worked!! Thank you thank you thank you....
DeleteMy Roku 2 game remote occasionally gets stuck screaming out 'tilt' commands, drains the battery, and loses pairing. This fix always works for me:
ReplyDelete(1) Replace batteries in remote and put it face up next to Roku box. The flashing lights indicate it has entered pairing mode.
(2) Unplug Roku box for a few seconds and plug it in again. The leaping Roku logo indicates it has entered pairing mode.
(3) Lights on remote should stop flashing after a few seconds indicating that pairing has succeeded.
I use two pairs of rechargeable batteries to keep the battery bill down.
worked! Roku support kept wanting me to push the purple button on remote for it to pair up and nothing was working. I did just as you said and it worked. Thanks Jonathan!
DeleteThis worked for me too....thank you!
Deletethanks I think it did it
DeleteWendy no entendi bien los pasos de jonathan me los puedes explicar por hotmail? Gera_net@hotmail.con gracias
Deleteworked for me too , thank you !
DeleteThanks, Jonathan. I tried the other way and it worked three times, but then...not this time. Saw your reply and tried your easy method, Woop! Woop! It worked and got my ol' man happy again. Lori n GA :))
DeleteThis worked perfectly for me. Couldn't find the info on the Roku website. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy problem is, my remonte doesn't have the little pairing button... and I can't get the linking ID from my roku box for my iphone roku app because my remote doesn't work...ugh. =(
ReplyDeleteIt worked! Unfortunately I threw out 2 perfectly good Duracell batteries... But I'm glad it's working! Thanks for writing this.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant!
ReplyDeleteI do not have a purple button on my remote. now what???
ReplyDeleteMine didn't either, but mine has a little black button located just outside the battery compartment, and works the same as the purple button 😊
DeleteThank you, this worked perfectly--now why doesn't Roku offer this info??
ReplyDeleteHi there. I have a Roku XD and bought it about a year ago. It does NOT have a purple button like the one you mention in your picture. However, simply taking out the batteries and switching to the Roku app on our Kindle and iPhone and Android phones works fine. If you know where the purple button is on my remote, then please post more details. Otherwise, the Roku-app workaround is AOK with us. Thanks. -- Mark Kamoski
ReplyDeletewhere do i get the app..its not in the roku store.
ReplyDeleteIt should be in your phones Android store or Iphone store, it should also be free.
DeleteIt should be in your phones Android store or Iphone store, it should also be free.
DeleteYes, it is.
DeleteYes, it is.
DeleteIt's in the App Store, but its under iPhone apps, so if you're on the ipad, select iPhone apps.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't have an iPhone or iPad ... is there anything I can do to reset my remote?
ReplyDelete@Jeff Boes,
DeleteIf you don't have any type of smart phone or tablet, that's OK. Have you confirmed you have good batteries in your remote? After that, Did you try the re-pairing instructions at the top of this page?
Personally, I pressed the purple button until the lights on the front of the remote started flashing (indicating it was ready for pairing) but I have the second generation Roku. I'm not sure if the first gen has those lights, so as noted, make sure you press it at least five seconds.
Thanks folks! Found this page while waiting for Roku online support and the pairing method (Jonathan's) fixed my problem. But not before I downloaded the android app too, which worked great too and also let's me play phone video through the Roku box. Amazing stuff.
ReplyDeleteawesome!! thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! This worked like a charm. Many thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis worked, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI did the steps, now the light is flashing and the remote still isn't responding.
ReplyDeleteworked thanks
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteThis works great. I thought I would have to take my Roku back. Lots of site shows how to reset Roku box but do not inform you that you will need to reset the remote as well.
ReplyDeleteThankx
thanks for the info! My ROKU remote goes out about every 2 months - I'll write down the steps and hopefully won't be AS frustrated the next time.
ReplyDeleteWorked like a charm the 1st time...thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! The stay calm and do reset option was brilliant and did help greatly.:D
ReplyDeleteMy remote (for a ROKU 2) doesn't have a purple button. What now?
ReplyDeleteNo purple button on my Roku2
Deletedamn, I don't have a purple button either Roku 2
Deletedamn, I don't have a purple button either Roku 2
DeleteThat's weird. Not to be insulting but, are you sure? You have to take off the battery cover - the photo might be a little misleading. If you still can't find it, can you take a quick picture of your remote and post it? That would help us figure this out....
ReplyDeleteDefinitely do not have the pairing button. Now what?
DeleteAs I've read in other comments it may have a little black button instead, that is near/ the battery compartment, that does the same thing
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI also do not have a purple button inside battery compartment on remote
ReplyDeleteThe green lights are still blinking on mine after I've done this. Its really making me mad because its done this before to me and usually this fixed it. Idk why its being stupid today @.@ please help
ReplyDeleteI have 2 Roku XS and have never had an issue with either of them. My new Roku 3 showed up today and apparently, the remote hadn't been paired with the Roku 3 before it got to me. I was ready to request an RMA from the online store. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much - worked like a charm & now I have 2 remotes because I downloaded the app too & it also works great!
ReplyDeleteWOW!! This worked but I didn't find this solution til after I did the factory reset. Anyway, I'm a happy camper now. Thanks!
ReplyDeletethe older roku models do not have a purple pairing button... i'm in the same boat. will try the smartphone app and see if that works.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why you folks are all excited to keep pairing the remote. I want to know WHY I have to constantly re-pair the remote everytime I want to use it. Shouldn't it stay paired? Is this a major flaw?
ReplyDeleteI think if the batteries get weak or die the paring is lost. Thanks for the hints. The tablet/smartphone app helped get my system back and running.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that helpful advice...easy fix!
ReplyDeleteI was already having an irritable day and then my remote quit working too. It's a miracle I didn't smash the darn thing, haha... I fortunately composed myself long enough to search online for a solution and stumbled onto this page. I appreciate everybody's input here, they are all good tips! The original option worked best and I now have several other options logged in to my brain. Thanks for making this page! =)
ReplyDeleteAwesome.. Thanks a lot. It works.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
ReplyDeleteNice Post Thank You
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rokusale.com
I'm so glad I found this page. It worked. I was about to contact Roku about this too. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteIf you buy a refurbished package via Amazon, eBay, etc, they seem to frequently be shipped with dead batteries for the remote. Try new batteries if you can't pair after a couple of attempts with a refurb unit.
ReplyDeleteHas Roku ever formally issued an acknowledgement to this obvious known issue? Everyone is happy about a work around. I want to know why this keeps occurring. It's ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great solution. Just disconnected power,waited 5 sec, reconnected and I was back in business. Great Solution.
ReplyDeletenow im REALLLY pissed because that dosent work and i dont have a smart fone wtff!!! and on top of that i cant watch anything on netflix because it bail litterally every 1 minute.. ive had enough!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to find this. I tried re-pairing and it did not work. After the reboot, it worked. Sounds like a software glitch. Thank you for the information though.
ReplyDeleteThis worked! Just got the new Roku but this seems to be happening a lot especially every single time I start the HBOgo app.
ReplyDeleteMy roku banner wont show on the tv. For a few days it would come up but I couldn't get it to work. My daughter finally reset the whole tjing, got it to work but put I g in my bedroom. I unplugged it to put it back i n the livingroom now it wont cone on at all. Tried everything......
ReplyDeleteMany thanks. Worked for me.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've come to the conclusion that the Roku Streaming Stick is just a pile of %&#@ and I am returning it to Radio Shack. I could never get it to connect to my wireless network, when everything else in the world does just fine, but this POS. I have turned off my firewall and every other trick on Roku help sites and by other people that have this crap product). And with my most recent attempts to get it working, the remote for mine stopped working. I am sure this trick works, but I refuse to put anymore time into it. This is by far one the worse product ever made.
ReplyDeleteWorked for my Roku 3. You are a godsend, sir.
ReplyDeleteIt seems there is a problem with moving these devices between networks (or network addresses.) once you move the player/remote from the original IP address/Network, the remote cannot be paired and the new/second location. I even tried to configure the second network in the player before I moved it but that wasn't successful. Roku had me do the factory reset which finally stuffed everything!!
ReplyDeleteYes your the best . THANKYOU
ReplyDeleteProblem with IPhone! I use the remote mini plug to access my Yamaha stereo. Critical when your monitor speakers suck! :D So What options do I have?
ReplyDeleteThank you! Thank you! You saved me from as seriously frustrating weekend trying to figure this out. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteYou can also get the roku app from Google and put it on your kindle fire hd 7
ReplyDeleteI just did.
My remote works fine until I put it down for a minute, then seems to turn off and won't respond to any button. I remove one of the batteries and put it back. The light will then turn on and it works until I set it down again, then the same happens. Have to do this every few minutes. It's paired fine and not the batteries, just seems to shut down after non use and won't come back on.
ReplyDeleteAny ideas? The problems above are similar but not exactly the same issue I'm having.
I have the same problem and I still can't have it fixed
DeleteI do not have a purple button on my remote. now what???
ReplyDeleteThank You :) Very happy children now :)
ReplyDeleteI did a Google search for
ReplyDeleteRoku XS remote control does not work
and scrolled down just a few entries and found this nicely titled blog entry.
I followed the re-pairing directions and PRESTO the remote is working again.
I shall do 2 things as a result of finding this article:
1. Repost it on all the social networks I have (a lot)
2. Write something useful to others with my own expertise.
This is the way the world is supposed to work, solving each others' problems.
Hello. I lost my roku remote. I went to Fry's and bought a roku compatible remote and did everything the instructions told me to do. I also entered the code 53061..and still not working. ..please help. .thanks.
ReplyDeleteHello, the app was a total score! Thank you blogger!
ReplyDeleteMy remote conked out from battery corrosion (which I've now cleaned with no visible damage to the circuitry) but now the signals it sends to the Roku box make the on screen menu scroll through at lighting speeds. and none of the buttons work properly except the down arrow.
The app works great but I think if I could reset the remote, it would still work (no purple button on my first generation Roku remote (100% sure of this).
The app is supposed to have a Pair new remote option (mentioned by Kristi above), but it doesn't on mine. Under the settings, these are my 3 SEttings options:
1. Roku player with sub menu: Rename & Sign in
2.Switch Device (scans for other Roku boxes) &
3. Play on Roku settings (adjusts play settings - no remote options here)
Any suggestion on how to find the Pair new Remote option that so many people seem to have successfully used? This is the app (same as link above) that I'm using:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roku.remote&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5yb2t1LnJlbW90ZSJd
thanks for any suggestions or help you can provide to reset my remote! :)
Very fun writing style. You're an excellent writer.!!
ReplyDeleteI unplugged from the HDMI port in the TV and the micro USB in the stick. I plugged them both back in. Trying to insert the batteries and pair during the bouncing logo did nothing. It got to the main menu and a purple loading screen kept flashing on-screen several times. I kept diddling around with the batteries and the pairing button 'til it decided to work. Meh. Very unstable system there..
just wanted to thank you. i'd bought a brand new roku stick, had trouble getting it to enter pairing mode the first time around. it finally did, but it worked for one day and quit on the second night. i'd already contacted amazon to send me a replacement when i found your page, followed your instructions, and it worked like a charm. i was able to cancel the replacement order. so thanks a million!
ReplyDeleteUnplugged power, took batteries out, and waited. Put everything back and it worked. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I found this. I didn't even know there was even a button hiding there. It worked perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThank you. This worked for me.
ReplyDeleteHow do I find out my IP address so I can use the iPhone app?
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL!! easy fix! thank you for your clear instructions.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! Worked like a charm!
ReplyDeleteI think I love ❤ you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, worked like a charm!!!
ReplyDeleteWorked perfectly, thanks alot! :-)
ReplyDeleteYour a Lifesaver! Thanks
ReplyDeleteI was about to be really angry as I just made this purchase a week ago and it stopped working! Thanks for your help!
ReplyDeleteUnacceptable for a product to keep losing remote connection. Returning it. Have no problems with my Amazon Firestick remote.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!!
ReplyDeleteIt works, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much - it worked!
ReplyDeleteOk so I had already hit the reset button on the Roku stick before I found this blog. I've tried to do these steps anyway but the remote keeps blinking and will not work. The Roku will load on the tv to the setup of language page... Any tips for me??
ReplyDeleteWorked a treat for me! Thanks for posting such a simple solution to a problem that wa making me crazy!
ReplyDeleteThe Roku remote is a piece of useless garbage. Any so-called "solution" is only temporary. There is no real solution other than Roku redesigning the remote so that it will work continuously. The best solution is to dump the remote and start using the Roku Remote App. It works flawlessly and even let's you use a keyboard.
ReplyDeleteThis worked for me, thanks! Will also download the remote app as another option.
ReplyDeleteThis worked great.. Thank you!
ReplyDeletedidn't work for me. my roku remote is stuck in headphone setting and it is super frustrating! how do I fix that?
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
ReplyDelete5 months old $10 for support. YOU SAVED ME. THANK YOU.
ReplyDeleteAnother thank you!! All the forums kept saying reset, I couldn't find the reset button so I kept looking and found this page!! Thank you so much!!
ReplyDeleteMy remote wasn't pairing. I thought it might be the batteries, so I changed them out for new ones. Every time I put the batteries in, though, the green light would just start blinking. I hadn't even pressed the pairing button and the light would be blinking. Well, after many attempts of restarting the Roku and trying to pair the remote, I eventually powered off the Roku and the wireless router. That worked. I'm not sure what got messed up but whatever...
ReplyDeleteI lost my remote. The roku device wont connect and when i downloaded the remote app it did not recognize the device error device not found. I have been trying to fix n googling it for ages no luck so i did a factory reset silly me now i am totally stuck nothing works :-( can anyone pls help me
ReplyDeleteI lost my remote. The roku device wont connect and when i downloaded the remote app it did not recognize the device error device not found. I have been trying to fix n googling it for ages no luck so i did a factory reset silly me now i am totally stuck nothing works :-( can anyone pls help me
ReplyDeleteThanks man...I thought i needed to buy a new Roku :)
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that the batteries in my Roku remote need replacing far more often than my TV and DVD player remotes do ...
ReplyDeleteI bought a Roku stick and the remote works for 15 minutes or so, then I have to change the batteries often. I tried the instructions at the beginning of the page. It works, 10 minutes, then...kaput! Don't what else to do. Any idea?
ReplyDeleteIf you have a tablet, you can download the Roku Remote app. I have a cheap Android tablet and installed the app. There is also one for the iPad/iPhone
DeleteYou ROCK! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks! This worked, and quick!
ReplyDeleteThe first fix worked. I gotta say, I'm a little bit in love with you right now!
ReplyDeleteThe first fix worked with my Roku Streaming Stick. Thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much ! I followed your steps as outlined and now my Roku XS box and remote are working fine.
ReplyDeleteGreat fix. Not only did my phone work as the remote, but the remote reset and began working.
ReplyDeleteYou are the bomb! This worked with my Roku stick!
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if this is a duplicate or not... I wanted to THANK YOU. I followed your instructions and we are back in working order. I was so happy with your help that I donated $1.00 as requested and I hope others do the same. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteNo that didn't work for me. Even if it did, that's not OK. How can a product like this not work right? Remote controls have been around for 40 years!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Thanks!
ReplyDeletePair new remote is NOT a choice in the settings menu of the app. Now what?
ReplyDeleteOK found that but it doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI tried all the steps and none worked. I also tried all the steps from the Roku site and still no go. I was able to use my tablet app, but still wanted the Roku remote to work. I have the Roku stick. Unfortunately, most stores will not accept it for return after 15 - 30 days, depending upon the store. The Roku steps recommend a factory reset as the last resort. Without thinking, I did it and still no go plus the tablet app could no longer connect as the remote could not be "paired" (nor the tablet). The one tip-off was the little LED light on the bottom top of the remote never lit once during all the different attempts.
ReplyDeleteAnd for those who were going to suggest that II make sure I am using fresh batteries, I was - more than a couple of pairs. The remote wore out the batteries in just a few short weeks. I have TV and other electronic remotes and they all last more than a year on a pair of batteries (I have had remotes that lasted 2 or 3 years on the same batteries). I'd recommend when not using the Roku to remove the batteries (a PITA, but can save the batteries). I would also recommend unplugging the power connection to the stick as it gets excessively hot.
Its a shame the quality is not there, but being made in China where quality is a taboo concept IMO. Also, I think the Roku has the best apps - it is just lacking a browser.
I will be contacting Roku support and also searching for a cheap universal remote that could be paired with the Roku stick. I will also search the internet to see if I can find a "cheap universal remote" that will work with the Roku Stick.
Good luck. I have the same problem, when I called ROKU, they eventually sent a new remote which didn't work any better. I would be interested to know if you are ever able to get it working
ReplyDeleteI did some digging, but have not found anything for the remote. There was an article I read somewhere that claims you can get a certain (but it was not specified) universal remote and pair it with the Roku (uses Bluetooth, maybe?) and it had a 5 digit code. I plan on calling Roku later today and also do some more googling. I have been tied up with other things the past few days.
DeleteI did make the mistake without thinking and did a factory reset. I have 2 tablets, an iPad and an Android and both have a Roku Remote app that worked. The Roku lost the WiFi connection when I did the factory reset (button on the side of the Roku) and the tablets could no longer connect to it and the Roku Remote app doesn't have sufficient smarts to re-establish the pairing. If I had not done the factory reset out of frustration, I could use them as remotes. They were working fine even after the Roku remote crapped out.
If your Roku has not be reset and you have a tablet/smart-phone, then download the Roku Remote app and you will be able to connect using the IP address - you get prompted as I recall. If you did a factory reset, then you are in the same boat as I am. I was going to buy another Roku for another set, but having the remote die in a couple of months makes me think twice about its bad quality - especially after seeing it is one of many common problems others are experiencing.
I made the same mistake when my remote wouldn't pair with my Roku Stick. I did a factory reset and can no longer connect with my android app. I have changed the batteries on my remote, but there are no LED lights coming on at all. This is such an inferior product by Roku. They should be embarrassed due to the high number of issues with pairing.
DeleteI called Roku support and they sent me a new remote. The sheet said 1 year limited warranty, but the support person told me it was only 90 days for the stick. He said I still had 3 days left on my warranty. After I paired the remote, I reconnected my tablet and then took out the batteries in the remote and set it aside. I also disconnect the power from the Roku stick until I want to use it. Its a PITA, but it should prolong the life. I still intend to check further for a universal remote that will work (if there is one). I did read a post where someone said the Sony RMVZ220(???) will work, but haven't verified. One can be found at WalMart for around $10. They didn't say if it only worked once the Roku Remote was paired with the Roku unit or if it can be used to pair with the Roku. BTW, the Roku Phone Support is: 1-888-600-7658 (ROKU)
Deleteworked like a charm, thank you
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete@Lois I talked with Roku tech support and they are going to send me a new remote. Since I had the Roku stick (3500R) less than 90 days, he said I had 3 days left of the warranty (he claimed 90 days only for the 3500R). I told him the warranty in the box said it was 1 year. He said that was wrong. So not only is Roku sending bad quality devices, but also not living up to the warranty included for the product. The CSR also tried to sell me a two year warranty for $20. I told him there was a store I could buy a factory refurbished for a couple of dollars more (which I may do for a second TV - a 28" Vizio "not-so-smart" TV with poor apps - Yahoo store).
ReplyDeleteI don't know how long the Roku stick will last, hopefully for many years. It does run hot - almost hot enough to burn your hands. It also takes off occasionally when scrolling - like a run-away freight train - even using the tablet as a remote. The apps are quite good - better than the apps on my other smart TV - a 40" Samsung - which does have a browser and the ability to attach a mouse and keyboard via the USB ports. For a device with no moving parts, one would think it should not have any problems - at least for a few years. Its a shame as it is a great device otherwise (app-wise).
I did start looking for "universal remotes" which might work with the Roku and there are some, but I was interrupted and did not have a chance to investigate thoroughly. But there is a SONY remote (220?) which someone claimed worked - don't know if it was with the stick or one of the box units. It may work once you have the unit connected, but I want one that can be paired after a factory reset. If I find one that can't be "paired" but will work with a connected unit, then I will use the Roku remote (when I get it) to "pair" the stick and get connected and then remove the batteries and use the "uni-remote".
I LOVE YOU!! It worked : 0
ReplyDeleteThank you! I unplugged and waited 5. Replugged. Logo bounced, dialog box appeared saying "Roku enhanced remote synchronizing..." replaced the same batteries, but didn't have to press purple button or do anything at all :D Good to go!
ReplyDeleteAwesome !!!!!!!! Thank you sooooo much!!!!
ReplyDeleteBEST. ONLINE. HELP. POST. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI've lost my remote and have been using the iPhone app. Sometimes the phone app doesn't find my Roku Stick. I think it might be related to using the app at a friend's house. The problem is that when I see the "check connection" screen, I have no way to say OK because my phone won't go out of "discovering devices" mode. HELP! I have no TV so the Roku Stick is my only way to watch ANYTHING!
ReplyDelete@FernD - was that a typo when you said you have no TV? What do you have the Roku attached to? I will assume you have the Roku stick powered (the adapter). As long as you have not done a "Factory Reset", and the Roku is plugged into the HDMI port of the TV, you should see something on your iPhone. You could try unplugging the stick, power adapter connection for a minute (usually 10-20 seconds) and then replug everything, making sure everything is plugged in properly. The connection request on your iPhone may ask for an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.xxx - where xxx is the namber your router sees or the Roku device). However, it should see the Roku stick as another internet device and when you select it, you may have to re-enter your password (the one when you connect your PC/iPhone/etc. to the internet).
ReplyDeleteawesome fix! Worked like a charm for me. I also have the app on my phone, but I like to use the remote. I should say, I have two other Roku devices, and the only one where the remote doesn't work is with the streaming stick, but you helped fix that! Thanks a bunches
ReplyDeleteAWESOME! THANK you for taking the time to post this solution!!!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
ReplyDeleteMy roku will not work for some reason. I've read and tried all of this. My app keeps saying it can't find my roku. It worked the other day. .
ReplyDeleteOnce you loose wifi connectivity and the remote stops working, you're basically screwed if you've already done the factory reset.
ReplyDeleteI had contacted roku support about the remote issue, and they read step by step directions off of their FAQ site to fix the remote as I did many times before talking with them. They had me then do a hard reset on the stick, which dropped the wifi signal telling me that would turn the remote back on. It did not. Without the roku being online, mobile apps do not work and the remote is needed for initial setup.
Roku sent me a replacement remote free of charge, but that one also is defective; leaving me with a dead roku stick and now two junk remotes. This is a horrible product, such a shame. Should have went with Chromecast by Google.
Boom love u!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. At first I thought it was planned obsolescence. My other Roku went out when my family was here as well. I tried a version of the instructions on my own. But what really matters is doing it in the exact order as listed above. It worked the first time.
ReplyDeleteWorks great!
ReplyDeleteThere is no purple button on my roku remote!
ReplyDeleteThere is no purple button on my roku remote!
ReplyDeleteLaura, not all Roku remotes have that button and on some it is black. That post about the "purple" button should just have said button under the battery compartment cover. I have a Roku SE and t=the remote for it has no button. We have two tablets, I download the Roku Remote app on each. If you have a tablet or a smart phone, download the Roku Remote app and use that. I set my Roku remotes aside and use the tablets.
DeleteBTW, when you first set up your Roku, save the IP address if you always leave your Roku plugged in and powered, otherwise you will need to access the connection information from your router to find the IP address. This can be used when your Roku is "connected" and you want to pair/connect your tablet/phone to the Roku.
Thank you so much x.x
ReplyDeleteGlad I looked this up. I was just about to reorder a new remote. Thanks..
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing!!!!!
ReplyDeletePhyllis eiland thxs a lot back 2 watching my movies
ReplyDeletePhyllis eiland thxs a lot back 2 watching my movies
ReplyDeleteHI !!!!! MY REMOTE CONTROL OF ROKU DOESN´T WORK. I TRIED A FACTORY RESET. UNTIL THIS ACTION, THE CONTROL DOESN´T WORK. PLEASE HOW CAN I MAKE THESE CONTROL WORKS?. THANKS A LOTS. I´M FROM ARGENTINE.IF YOU DON´T UNDERSTAND I WRITE IN SPANISH
ReplyDeleteYou may need to order a new remote. If you had not done a factory reset, you could have installed the Roku Remote app on your smart phone or tablet (if you have one). Once you do a factory reset, you lose the connection to your router. Without that connection, you cannot connect to the Roku with a phone/tablet app that I know of.
DeleteUsted puede tener que pedir un nuevo remoto. Si usted no hubiera hecho una fábrica reinicializada, usted podría haber instalado app remoto Roku en su teléfono elegante o pastilla (si usted tiene un). Una vez que usted hace una fábrica reinicializó, usted pierde la unión a su gestor de tráfico. Sin aquella unión, usted no puede unirse al Roku con un teléfono/pastilla app que sé.
It worked for me the 2nd time around. Thanks for a great concise solution to the problem. I have the Roku app on my smartphone as well, it's just that the remote works so well that I often forget that I have it installed on my phone.
ReplyDeleteyou saved me $8, I was about to buy a new roku remote from amazon, your steps worked like a charm. Thank you very much. Troubleshooting Steps in roku site didn't help, your steps did.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Great tip.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I love the Roku remote app on my Android!
ReplyDeleteThis worked for me before but now it's not working. I have a roku stick. damn green light on remote is flashing and it won't stop, it's like chinese water torture! I can't pair the remote if the roku is not connected to the internet, and it won't automatically connect so I'd have to do it manually but I can't do it manually since the remote is not working. I can't use the roku app becuase the roku is not connected to the internet and the app (and remote) work thru the router. This is driving me nuts!
ReplyDelete**Connected to router.. not internet. the roku remote on the streaming stick works thru the router, not directly. that's why you don't have to point it at the tv for it to work.
DeleteSorry for such a late reply, if you haven't fixed the problem, and you tried removing the batteries, pushing the reset button on the remote (remove the cover to the battery compartment), you most likely have a bad remote and will have to order a new remote. A search for that remote on the internet will produce sites that sell them cheaper than Roku. I have not tried "universal remotes" that connect through the router to pair with the Roku, so I can't recommend any (although I did find an RCA 3 button remote RCR314WR) which uses IR (Infra Red) to work with the Roku SE (I can't remember if it will pair with the SE or not as I bought it for my wife to use as a remote for the TV and the button for the cable box is the same button used by the Roku SE - different codes of course. I don't know if the Roku 2 or 3 use IR, I know the remote for the stick connects through the router. I believe the Roku 1 may have used IR also, but don't know for certain as I have read the SE is nothing more than an "upgraded" Roku 1.
DeleteI don't understand why as consumers people have to do any of this. Roku's answer is: sorry the product sucks, jump through these hoops for our design failure. Ya, we went with the solution of using our phones a long time ago but I'm thinking I just get rid of the Roku stick and get a streaming media solution with accessories that work.
ReplyDeleteThank You, thank you, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat did work. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteAWESOME!! Even an electronic illiterate like me did it! Very cool. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt didn't make any difference at all. It still doesn't work so it will be sent back today. This has been a complete waste of my time. Can anyone recommend a streaming that that actually works?
ReplyDeleteI think I might actually have a bad remote. It's a b-stock unit that I got on woot and I'm trying to set it up for the first time. I have not seen the light on the remote light up at all. I've tried 3 different sets of batteries and I've pushed all the buttons. Can someone confirm that regardless of whether the remote is properly paired or not, the remote LED should light up when I push a button?
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ReplyDeleteAs a senior citizen who keeps up with technology I must say this tip was so worth it. I wish to thank you from the bottom of my old heart! as we lost power due to a bad storm and as you know getting everything back to normal is a huge pain.
ReplyDeletethank you thank you thank you !!!!