To pair a Roku remote, you first need to know what type of remote you have. Simple infrared (IR) remotes do not require pairing and work instantly when you point them at your Roku device, while voice and enhanced remotes must be paired wirelessly using the steps below.
Before you start: Do you even need to pair your Roku remote?
Roku remotes come in two main types: simple infrared (IR) remotes and voice (enhanced) remotes. Simple IR remotes do not require pairing; they operate via line-of-sight and function immediately upon inserting batteries. If your remote has no voice button and no status light, it is likely an IR remote that works right away. Roku Voice Remotes and other enhanced remotes connect wirelessly (using Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth) and must be paired with your Roku device. If your Roku device came with a voice remote, it often pairs automatically during the initial on-screen setup process, but if you have a TCL Roku TV, you can pair TCL Roku remote using a slightly different button combination. If your remote lacks a dedicated pairing button, you can still pair Roku remote without pairing button using the Home and Back shortcuts.
How to pair a Roku voice remote with a pairing button
If your voice remote has a dedicated pairing button, often found in the battery compartment or on the back, follow these steps:
- Insert fresh batteries into the remote, ensuring correct polarity.
- Press and hold the pairing button for about 5 seconds until a status light flashes.
- Make sure your Roku device is powered on and displaying the Home screen.
- Wait for the on-screen pairing message to appear, which typically happens within 30 seconds.
How to pair a Roku voice remote without a pairing button
For voice remotes without a dedicated pairing button, use this alternative method:
- Insert fresh batteries into the remote.
- Press and hold the Back and Home buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds until the status light flashes.
- Ensure your Roku device is on and showing the Home screen.
- Watch for the pairing confirmation message on your TV.
Confirm the pairing was successful
After initiating pairing on the remote, ensure your Roku device is powered on and displaying the Home screen; a "pairing" message should appear on your TV within 30 seconds, confirming the connection. Test basic functions like navigation, volume control, and voice commands to verify everything works. After pairing a voice remote to the Roku device, you can set up TV power and volume control by navigating to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes, selecting your remote, and choosing "Set up remote for TV control."
What to do if your Roku remote won't pair
If pairing fails, try these troubleshooting steps in order:
- Unplug your Roku device from power for at least 5-10 seconds, plug it back in, wait for the Home screen to appear, and then attempt the remote pairing steps again.
- Always ensure fresh, matching batteries are correctly inserted into the remote, as weak batteries are a common cause of pairing issues.
- Reduce wireless interference by moving other electronics away from your Roku device and removing physical obstacles between the remote and the Roku.
- For rechargeable remotes like the Roku Voice Remote Pro, if it has a pairing button, hold it for 20 seconds; if it does not, hold Back + Home for 20 seconds, then recharge the remote for at least 5 hours using the provided cable.
- If you don't have a working remote or are having trouble pairing, the Roku mobile app can be used as an alternative remote to control your device and access settings.
- If all else fails, you can contact Roku support for further assistance.
