When you set up a Roku device for the first time, the remote is paired with the device during the initial setup. Roku guides you through the process, and pairing the remote is one of the standard steps required to complete the setup.
Things are different when you want to connect a new remote to a Roku device that has already been set up. Whether you are replacing the original remote or simply want to use a different one, the pairing process requires additional steps. A new remote does not connect automatically, even when you put it into pairing mode.
How to Pair a New Roku Remote Through the Settings Menu
If you need to connect a new compatible remote, you can start the pairing process through the Roku menu. To navigate the menu, you need either a working Roku remote that is already connected to the device or the Roku mobile app, which can be used as a virtual remote. If you do not have a working remote, install the Roku app on your smartphone and connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device.
Open Settings on your Roku device, then go to Remotes & devices. Select Add devices and choose Remote. Roku will start searching for a compatible remote.
The next step depends on the type of remote you are using:
- Remote with a pairing button: Press and hold the Pairing button for about 5 seconds, or until the status light starts flashing. On some remotes, the pairing button is located inside the battery compartment.
- Remote without a pairing button: Press and hold the Back and Home buttons simultaneously until the status light starts flashing.
- Roku Touch Tabletop Remote: Remove the battery compartment cover and insert two AAA batteries. Press and hold the Pairing button inside the battery compartment for 5 seconds, until the indicator starts flashing. The remote has a built-in speaker and will announce that it is searching for devices.
The Roku device will detect the remote and complete the pairing process. After pairing is complete, the Roku device will return to the Remotes & devices menu.
How to Pair a Roku Remote Without Using the Menu
If you can’t access the Roku menu because your remote isn’t working, you can start the pairing process by restarting the Roku device. When the Roku OS starts up, it checks for a previously paired remote. If none is detected, the device enters pairing mode for 5 minutes and searches for available remotes.
First, turn off your Roku TV or unplug your Roku player or Streaming Stick from the power source. Wait about 30 seconds, then turn the device back on.
Once the device starts and the home screen appears, follow the pairing procedure described above for your specific Roku remote. If your remote has a Pairing button, press and hold it for about 5 seconds, until the status light starts flashing. If your remote does not have a Pairing button, press and hold the Back and Home buttons simultaneously until the status light starts flashing. For the Roku Touch Tabletop Remote, press and hold the Pair button inside the battery compartment for 5 seconds.
After the remote is successfully paired, the screen will display “Remote control” along with the remote’s battery level. The exact message may vary depending on the Roku OS version.
