Pair Roku remote with TV

You settle in for the evening, content with a few snacks and your Roku TV™. You reach for the remote and press the Power button, but nothing happens. The TV stares back at you with a black screen. Then you realize you forgot to pair the remote when you bought your device a few days ago.

Asurion Experts are here for your home tech needs. Whether we're explaining how to set up a Roku 3 or reset your Roku® remote, you can count on us for straightforward solutions. Here's how to pair a Roku remote so you can get back to a relaxing evening. 

Types of Roku remotes

Roku remotes fall into two categories: simple and voice. Simple remotes use an infrared light to connect to the TV, while voice remotes rely on Wi-Fi for a connection. 

There are currently five remotes available through the Roku website. All of the remotes work with every Roku TV, with the exception of the Roku Players Remote. You'll know you have a Roku Players Remote if your device lacks a red power button. 

If you try to use a Roku Players Remote with a Roku TV, it won't connect. Replacing the remote with a regular Roku TV remote or one of the Roku Voice Remote options can fix the issue.

No pairing required for infrared light remotes

Older infrared light remotes don't require any pairing to work. Simply press the buttons on the remote to control your TV's functions. If the TV doesn't respond, replace the remote's batteries and try again. 

How to pair a Roku remote with a pairing button

Start by putting your TV in pairing mode. If this is the first time using your Roku TV, it automatically enters pairing mode during setup. If you're adding a new Roku TV remote, put the TV in pairing mode using an already-connected device or the Roku mobile app. Follow these steps to complete the process.

1. Press the Home button.
2. Locate Settings.
3. Select Remotes & devices > Add devices > Remote.
4. Select Continue.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Press and hold the Pairing button on your remote. You'll find it on the back of the device or underneath the battery cover. A status light flashes during the pairing process. 

How to pair a Roku remote without a pairing button

Some remotes don't include a pairing button. If that's the case for your device, you can use a button combination to connect the remote to the TV. 

To begin, put the Roku TV in pairing mode. You'll enter pairing mode during installation if this is your first time using the TV. Otherwise, you can use a working Roku remote or the Roku mobile app to navigate the options on your screen.

1. Press the Home button.
2. Locate Settings.
3. Select Remotes & devices > Add devices > Remote.
4. Select Continue.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Press and hold the Back and Home buttons on the Roku TV remote for at least five seconds. Once the status light flashes, you can complete the pairing process. 

General troubleshooting

If you continue to have problems pairing your remote to the Roku TV, try these solutions.

Reboot the remote

Rebooting the remote clears out any temporary hardware conflicts that prevent it from connecting. 

1. Remove the batteries from the battery compartment.
2. Press any two buttons on your remote.
3. Insert one battery, pushing the negative end in first.
4. Press any two buttons on the remote.
5. Insert the second battery, pushing the negative end in first. 

If your Roku remote uses a rechargeable battery, press the Pairing button for at least 20 seconds to reboot the device. To reboot a remote without a pairing button, press the Back and Home buttons simultaneously for 20 seconds. 

Reboot the Roku TV

A quick reboot refreshes the system software in your Roku TV.

1. Turn off the Roku TV and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Wait five to ten seconds.
3. Reconnect the Roku TV to the power source.
4. Power on the device.
5. Wait for the Home Screen to appear. Try using your remote again. 

Replace or recharge the remote battery

Dead or dying batteries can prevent you from pairing the remote to the TV. If your remote uses regular batteries, replace them with a fresh set. Before inserting the new batteries, press any two buttons on the remote to reboot it.

A remote that runs on a rechargeable battery may require charging. Connect the remote to a compatible cable and plug it into a power source. When the status light turns green, repeat the pairing process. 

If you continue to experience issues with your Roku TV, don't wait—get tech support from our team. We'll help you get your device working again in no time!