The entertainment industry has been flourishing with new TV series and movies releasing every other day. However, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, the latest releases have slowed down to some extent. It means, now people are streaming their all-time favorite shows, like FRIENDS, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Sherlock Holmes, etc. With working-from-home being the new work dynamic, people have more time on their hands for other activities. So, everyone is turning on the best Roku channels and binging on their favorite shows. What could go wrong, right? Well, one thing can, and that is, Roku remote not working!
In this article, we have explained how you can fix a Roku remote that is not working. But first, let’s have a brief overview of Roku TV.
About Roku TV and Roku Channels
Roku, Inc. is an American company that develops digital media player hardware, including different Roku boxes and sticks. They developed their first model in May 2008, in collaboration with Netflix.
Their media players allow users to access content from different online streaming services, such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, etc. Moreover, their diverse collection of channels, a user-friendly interface, and affordable price range makes them a users’ favorite.
With Roku, you don’t need to have a free Netflix account. All you need is a working Roku remote, which comes with every Roku media player, and you’re good to go.
What is a Roku Remote?
Every Roku media player comes with a simple remote control device. This remote is used for controlling and navigating through the Roku player. Although different types of remotes available vary from model to model, they generally have the following features:
- home button
- back button
- directional pad
- play button
- pause button
- forward and rewind buttons
- channels quick-launch buttons
- volume controls and mute buttons on the side
Apart from the general buttons, some latest remotes also have a power button, a voice command button, and an instant replay button.
Types of Roku Remotes
Roku remotes vary depending on the media player’s model. However, there are three commonly used Roku remote control devices. These are explained below:
Simple Roku Remote
The older Roku devices came with the Simple Remote. It was included in cheaper TVs and streaming sticks. The primary way of identifying a Simple Remote is that it lacks a microphone. So, if a Roku remote doesn’t have a microphone button, it is a Simple Remote.
Voice Roku Remote
The Simple Roku Remote was upgraded to the Voice Roku Remote. Most users can upgrade their Simple Remotes for $20. It has a built-in microphone so that users can use voice commands.
Enhanced Voice Roku Remote
The latest Roku remote is the Enhanced Voice Remote, available for $30. It is just like the Voice Remote with some additional features, including:
- a headphone jack – users can listen to the streaming privately with their headphones
- a tiny speaker – it can be used for the remote-finding feature as it allows the remote to emit sound
- 2 shortcut keys – customizable buttons for opening other applications
How to Fix a Roku Remote Not Working?
A Roku remote is not essential for controlling Roku TV. It can be easily operated with a Smartphone application on Android or iOS. However, a remote makes the entire experience relatively convenient. But Why won’t My Roku Remote Work? Let’s see how we can fix a Roku remote that doesn’t work.
In order to use a Roku remote, it needs to be paired with the media player. However, sometimes, the remote doesn’t pair with the device or stops working. So, to fix a non-working Roku remote, users will have to reset it. Moreover, if they need to pair the remote with a different device, they will have to reset it.
Please keep in mind that the Simple Remote does not have a reset button. It means it can neither be paired with a device nor be reset. So, users can keep using it with a problem. However, the Enhanced Remotes need a reset every time they need to be connected to a different media player.
Steps to Reset a Roku Remote
It is very easy to reset the Roku remote by following the steps mentioned below:
- First of all, remove the batteries from the remote.
- After removing the batteries, unplug the power cable from the Roku player.
- Plug the player back after 5-10 seconds.
- Once the Roku home screen appears on the TV, insert the batteries in the remote.
- There is a reset button in the battery compartment. Press and hold it for at least 5 seconds.
- At this point, the pairing light will start flashing in the remote. Some remotes have the light on the remote’s front, while others near the reset button in the battery compartment.
- Once the pairing light starts flashing, the Roku remote should reset and pair with the Roku player.
Conclusion
If you want to enjoy uninterrupted streaming on the best Roku channels, you should fix your remote and start binging. Resetting a Roku remote not working is an easy process, and anyone can do it by following the steps mentioned above.