(Solved) Roku remote not working no pairing button
When your Roku remote is not working and there is no pairing button, there is no need to panic. You can probably fix the Roku remote without having to call tech support. Read on to find out why it is not working and how to fix it.
All media players by Roku are always accompanied by an effective remote control. The appearance of the remote varies depending on the Roku media player model. All Roku remotes have a directional pad, home pad, back pad and many other varying buttons. Some even have quick launch buttons created for common streaming services like Hulu and Netflix. Why doesn’t your Roku remote have a pairing button? There are two main types of Roku remote controls in terms of models. The first is the standard infrared remote that requires a direct sight with your Roku player to work efficiently. The other type is the enhanced remote which can work regardless of the direction the user points it from. A notable difference between the two Roku remotes is that the infrared models do not have a pairing button while the enhanced Roku remote have one below the battery compartment.
Table of Contents
Why you Roku IR remote is not working – troubleshooting IR Roku remote
There are multiple reasons why your Roku remote could stop working. The most common cause could be something as simple as a blocked signal or dead batteries or it could be a bigger issue like network abstraction. Other times, the problem simply lies within the remote.
Here is what to do when your IR Roku remote is not working
Replace / reset the batteries
The first solution should be to check the batteries. In most cases, dead and weak batteries are a common cause for the malfunction of the Roku remote. To reset the batteries, open up the compartment located at the rear of the Roku remote. Remove the batteries, and place them back into the remote correctly. Finally, point your remote in line of sight to the TV or streaming device to see if it works.
If resetting the batteries does not work, you might need to replace your batteries. You can chose to temporarily borrow a set from a device in your home if you don’t already have extra batteries or purchase new ones immediately. Remove the previous batteries and replace them with the new ones. Point the Roku remote directly at your media player to check if the issue is fixed.
Check if the remote has a blocked infrared signal
Like stated, the infrared remotes will requires a direct line or signal that is free from obstacles to work. Objects like walls, furniture and more can block the line of sight between your Roku remote and the media player. This prevents the remote from working as it should.
For a better signal, move the obstacles and make sure you have a clear signal or line of site between the remote and the player.
Restart the Roku remote and the Roku player/device
To do this, follow the instructions below;
- Remove the batteries from your Roku remote
- Detach the power cable from your Roku streaming device, wait 5 seconds then reconnect.
- Wait for the Roku logo to display o the home screen then reinstall the batteries into the Roku remote.
- Wait 30 seconds for an automatic connection between the device and Roku remote.
Re-pair the Roku remote
Re- pairing refers to the resetting of your Roku media player as well as the Roku remote.
Pairing an IR Roku remote is easy; follow the steps below
- Ensure your Roku device is plugged into a power outlet and your TV
- Switch the TV into the HDMI input of the Roku device. Do thus by pressing the source or input button on your TV remote or TV.
- Next, insert new batteries into the Roku remote
- Finally, push any button on your Roku remote. This final setup should automatically pair the remote to your Roku device. Make sure your Roku remote is in line of sight of the player while carrying out the final step.
Check the HDMI connection
If you use a Roku streaming stick as your device, check your HDMI connection. The HDMI to TV connection might have some interference, making it seem like your remote is not working. To fix this, you need an HDMI extension. Luckily, you can get an extension for free shipped on Roku’s website. All you need is the serial number on your streaming device to order the HDMI extension from Roku’s website.
You could also try moving the stick to a different HDMI port and resetting the Roku again. This can help you realise a faulty HDMI port on your devices.
Can’t get the remote to work? Install the mobile app instead
While the remote is very handy, it is not an essential part of the Roku media player. You can get the Roku app for free on your android or iOS device. The app comes with a variety of remote functions that work just as good as the advanced Roku remote. You can access features like keyboard and voice search, private listening as well as programme highlights and more.
Conclusion
Trying to work out problems with your Roku IR remote with solutions that require a pairing button can e frustrating. The fixes above should help you diagnose and solve issues with your infrared Roku remote so you can have smooth streaming.
FAQS
Do I need to replace my IR Roku remote with one that has a paring button?
No, you do not. While the “point anywhere” enhanced Roku remote does come with extra features, you do not need to spend extra money just for the pairing button. You can access the features on the Roku app remote.
What type of Smartphone do you need to replace your IR Roku remote with the Roku app?
A Smartphone with a front camera will do just fine when replacing your Roku IR remote with the Roku app. The Smartphone camera can see a wider range of light, therefore it is able to detect the infra-red light and work with the Roku media player or device.
