Frustrated with trying to sync a Roku remote without a pairing button? You're not alone. This common issue plagues many home theater enthusiasts, but fortunately – there's a solution even for remotes that seem unpairable.
To pair a Roku remote without a pairing button, turn off the Roku device, remove the remote's batteries, wait 30 seconds before putting them back in and powering the device back on, then attempt line-of-site control. If that doesn't work, download the Roku app and pair the remote manually.
In this article, In this article, we’ll ensure your understanding of how to sync a Roku remote without a pairing button and provide you with some simple solutions to get it working again. Additionally, we will delve into solutions for frequent issues like disconnections and non-responsiveness.
Key Takeaways
- Syncing Without a Pairing Button: To sync a Roku remote without a pairing button, turn off the device, remove remote batteries, wait, and attempt line-of-sight control, or use the Roku app for manual pairing.
- Pairing Steps: For IR remotes, remove batteries and ensure direct line-of-sight; for RF remotes, use the Roku app for pairing. Check for compatibility and reset if necessary.
- Alternative Solutions: If lacking Wi-Fi or a power button, try syncing with a universal remote via HDMI-CEC, or control your Roku using smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home.
Which Roku Remotes Have Pairing Buttons?
When it comes to Roku remotes, there are three types: simple remotes and enhanced/voice remotes. Simple remotes are the basic ones that come with most Roku devices, while the Roku Voice Remote (on Amazon) is an upgrade that lets you control your Roku with, you guessed it: your voice.
So, first, let's make a pit stop to figure out what type of remote you have. And note that not all Roku remotes automagically work with all Roku devices.
Checking for a Pairing Button
The easiest way to tell if your Roku remote has a pairing button is to look at the remote itself. If it has a small button with a circular arrow on it, then it has a pairing button. This button is typically located on the bottom or back of the remote, near the battery compartment. (Source)
If your Roku remote does not have a pairing button, then it is an IR (infrared) remote, and you should attempt line-of-sight pairing. These remotes work with any compatible Roku device without pairing. This also means that for pairing an IR remote, you do not need a power button or Wi-Fi. However, if your IR remote isn't working or has unresponsive buttons, try changing its batteries.
The other kind of remote, the Voice remote for instance, uses radio frequencies, not IR. If you have a radio frequency remote and it is not working, reset and re-pair it with your Roku device using the Roku app or another method.
👉 Related reading: Watch Facebook Live on Your Roku With These Quick Tips
How to Sync Roku Remote Without Pairing Button
For IR remotes, the first method is to take the batteries out of the remote and point it directly at the Roku unit. After turning it back on, you might need to try a few times for success, but this method has worked for many users. For more detailed guidance, refer to the “line-of-sight” instructions below.
We'll also mention that you may need to reset your Roku, not just repair the remote, and we have a separate guide on resetting your Roku without a remote with a pairing button here.
If the first method below doesn't work, or if you have an RF remote, you can try downloading the Roku app (available for iOS/Android) and pairing the remote from there, as this app allows you to control your Roku device from your smartphone or tablet. More details are provided below.
How To Attempt Line-of-Sight Pairing (IR Remotes)
The line-of-sight method involves ensuring that there are no physical objects between the remote and the player, then trying to pair the remote. So, when you have a clear line of sight, take a look at the short video below and run through the step-by-step list:
- Turn off the Roku device: Power off your Roku device by either using the power button on the device or unplugging it from the power source.
- Remove the batteries from the remote: Take the batteries out of your Roku remote to ensure that it is completely disconnected from the device.
- Wait for a few seconds: Allow at least 30 seconds to one minute before proceeding to the next step. This gives the device and remote a chance to reset.
- Power on the Roku device: Plug your Roku device back into the power source and turn it on. Wait for it to fully boot up before proceeding.
- Reinsert the batteries in the remote: Put the batteries back into the remote, ensuring they are correctly oriented and properly seated. Pro-tip, use some rechargeable ones re: global warming etc. We recommend Energizer's AA rechargeable batteries (or AAA depending on the remote) and charger (on Amazon)
- Attempt line-of-sight pairing: Point the remote directly at the device and press any button to test its functionality.
👉 Related reading: How To Cancel Fubo TV On Roku: Step-By-Step Guide
Common Issues With Pairing an IR Remote
It's important to note that line-of-sight pairing may not work for all remote models, so, if that didn't work we aren't at the end of the road yet. Take a look at the table below presenting some common issues and troubleshooting steps. If you are still having trouble, try the app-based solution in the next section.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Remote Not Responding | Clean the remote's buttons and contacts and check for damage. |
| Certain Buttons Not Working | Replace batteries and move closer for a stronger IR signal. |
| Delayed Response | Replace batteries, reset remote, and check for compatibility issues. |
| No Response to Button Presses | Restart the Roku device, check software updates, reset network settings. |
| Roku Device Resets or Behaves Erratically (our guide) | Restart the Roku device, check software updates, and reset network settings. |
How To Sync Roku Remote From The Roku App In 8 Steps
If your Roku remote doesn't have a pairing button or you're having trouble pairing it, you can still use the Roku app to pair your remote. Here's how to do it:
- Install the Roku app from your app store and open it.
- Make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device.
- Tap the remote icon in the bottom center of the screen (within the Roku app).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your phone or tablet to your Roku device.
- Once connected, tap the remote icon again to access the virtual remote.
- Use the virtual remote to navigate to the Roku settings menu on your Roku device.
- Select “Remote” from the list of options, then “Settings,” then “Remotes + Devices“
- Choose “Pair remote” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
Using the Roku app to pair your remote is a simple and effective solution if you're having trouble with the physical pairing button. Plus, the virtual remote can be a handy backup if you ever lose or break your physical remote.
👉 Related reading: Download and Watch the CBS Sports Network on Your Roku
Common Issues With Syncing Roku Remote Via The Roku App
Roku Not Responding To The Roku App
To fix a Roku device not responding to the Roku app, ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restarting the Roku device and the app usually resolves connectivity issues by clearing temporary glitches.
Roku App Not Finding Roku Device
If the Roku app is not finding the Roku device, the first step is to check the stability of the Wi-Fi network. Restarting the Wi-Fi router can resolve network issues, while a reboot of both the Roku device and your smartphone or tablet can refresh their network connection. You can perform a reboot by turning off your devices and turning them on after 30 seconds.
Frequent Disconnections
Frequent disconnections can be due to poor Internet connection on Roku. Improve the Wi-Fi signal by minimizing the distance or obstacles between the router and devices, and reducing the number of devices connected to the same network.
Disable power-saving settings on the Roku and your smartphone or tablet to maintain a steady connection. These steps usually ensure a more reliable connection between the Roku app and the device.
Can You Control a Roku with a Universal Remote?
It is important to note that not all Roku remotes are the same. With that being said, it's possible to use a more traditional universal remote to control your Roku streaming device, as long as your TV has HDMI-CEC and the Roku player or Roku Streaming Stick is connected through an HDMI-CEC port. (which is a feature that allows devices to communicate with each other over an HDMI cable – our guide).
By enabling HDMI-CEC on your TV and connecting your Roku device to an HDMI-CEC port, you can control your Roku device with a universal remote that supports HDMI-CEC. This means that you don't need a separate remote for your Roku device, which can help streamline your home theater setup.
One example of a universal remote that could be used to control your whole home theater system (or at least 4 devices) is this Philips Universal Remote Control (on Amazon). With this remote, you can easily switch between devices and control your entire home theater system with just one remote.
👉 Related reading: Roku Audio Out of Sync: Quick Solutions to Fix the Issue
Using Smart-Speakers To Control Your Home Theater
Smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home can synchronize with your home theater, including Roku TV. They allow voice commands to operate your TV, change channels, adjust volume, and launch streaming apps. This feature is popular among our readers who enjoy smart speaker content.
To begin, you need a smart speaker and a compatible streaming device (e.g., Roku, Amazon Fire TV). Ensure they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and activate the required skills in the smart speaker's app.
For those who might be interested in creating a smart speaker home theater system, the Amazon Echo Dot is an affordable, user-friendly choice. It's a great addition even to setups with high-end speakers that already have smart-assistant capabilities.
