Roku remote does not have a pairing button

Did you get a replacement Roku remote? Or maybe your Roku remote is not working properly, and you can’t figure out why?

There are three methods that work- using the Roku app, power cycling the Roku device, or using the physical buttons on your TV.

To sync a Roku remote without the pairing button, install the Roku smartphone app, navigate to Remote > Settings > Remotes and Devices > Pair a New Remote. Alternatively, you can restart your Roku device and remote to automatically sync Roku remote without the pairing button during restart.

What is Pairing For A Roku Remote?

Roku remote does not have a pairing button

Pairing is when you connect a Roku remote to your TV to get media controls.

It lets you do things like changing the channels, turning up the volume, and muting, among other things.

We all know how annoying it is to use two remotes while watching TV.

The Roku remote’s ability to control your TV and the Roku box is why we all love it.

It is worth pointing out that not all Roku remotes offer this capability.

However, even if you have lost your Roku remote, all hope is not lost. That is because you can turn on Roku TV without a remote.

No Pairing Button on Roku Remote?

This is the part that confuses many Roku users when they try to pair their Roku remote that does not have a pairing button.

Not all Roku Remotes can be paired. Only Roku-enhanced remotes can be paired, while the simple remotes work out of the box without pairing.

How can you tell if the Roku remote you have is enhanced or simple?

This brings us to the two kinds of Roku remote controls you can buy.

Simple and Enhanced Roku Remotes

Roku remote does not have a pairing button

A Simple Roku IR Remote or an old remote for Roku (pre-2017) uses standard infrared technology to control the Roku player. It was designed to only control your Roku device. This standard IR Roku remote cannot control your TV.

If you have bought a standard IR remote to pair it, please return it (sorry).

These IR sensor remotes were never meant to be paired and work out of the box to control Roku.

An Enhanced Roku Remote or a voice remote, on the other hand, can be paired, even without using the pairing button.

You cannot use an enhanced remote without pairing it with your Roku device.

To identify an enhanced remote, look for a microphone button on the remote.

Alternatively, check the back of the remote or inside the battery compartment for a pairing button. Only Roku-enhanced remotes have these buttons.

Where is the Pairing Button on Roku Voice Remotes?

Roku remote does not have a pairing button

All enhanced remotes have a pairing button, usually located at the back of the remote or inside the battery compartment.

What are the Compatible Remotes For Your Roku Device?

Most of the confusion regarding the Roku remote pairing process stems from the lack of clear information from Roku’s side regarding remote compatibility for various Roku models, present and old. To find the model of your Roku streaming player, follow the steps below:

  1. Navigate to Home by pressing the button or by using the app
  2. Select ‘Settings’
  3. Choose ‘System’
  4. Select ‘About’
  5. The name of your Roku device and the model number should be visible there.

Here is a compatibility table we created to help you.

Roku DeviceCompatible Remotes
Roku TV Simple, Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Express Simple, Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Express+ Simple, Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Express 4K Simple, Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Express 4K+ Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Premiere Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Premiere+ Voice. Voice Pro
Roku SE Simple, Voice Pro
Roku 2 Simple, Voice, Voice Pro
Roku 3 Simple, Voice, Voice Pro
Roku 4 Simple, Voice, Voice Pro
Roku HD Simple, Voice
Roku Streaming Stick 4K Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Ultra Simple, Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Ultra+ Simple, Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Streambar Simple, Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Streambar Pro Simple, Voice, Voice Pro
Roku Smart Soundbar Simple, Voice, Voice Pro

Note: While Simple Remotes work with Roku TVs and Roku players, ensure that the specific IR remote you are purchasing is compatible with Roku TV and/or Roku player. This is because sometimes they are mutually exclusive.

How To Sync an Enhanced Roku Remote Without Pairing Button

Now that we know only voice remotes can be paired to work with Roku, let’s look at ways to sync it without using the pairing button.

There are three ways to do this:

  • Use the Roku app. This is useful if you bought a replacement for your lost or broken remote and cannot access on-screen Settings.
  • Power cycling your Roku Device. If your Roku remote pairing button is not working, this may be the move.
  • Use your TV’s physical buttons to pair your remote. This should be your last resort.

Use the Roku App To Pair Your Enhanced Remote

  1. Download and install the Roku app from Apple Store or Google Play store on your mobile device.
  2. You will need to create an account in the app if you don’t have one already.
  3. Ensure that Roku and your phone are connected to the same network.
  4. Once done, select ‘Remote’ > Settings > Remotes and Devices > Pair New Remote.

How to Sync Roku Remote Without Pairing Button and No Wi-Fi – Power Cycle

Roku remote does not have a pairing button
  1. Start by unplugging the Roku device from the power outlet.
  2. Remove the batteries from the remote.
  3. After 5 seconds, plug the Roku device back in.
  4. Once the Roku logo appears on your TV screen, re-insert the batteries into your remote.
  5. The remote pairing screen should appear and automatically start the pairing process with your remote.

Use Your TV’s Physical Buttons To Pair Roku Remote

Roku remote does not have a pairing button
  1. Navigate to the Home Screen on Your Roku Device
  2. Find the ‘Settings’ option by using the buttons on your TV to scroll down
  3. Select the ‘Remotes’ option
  4. Choose ‘Pair Remote’
  5. The remote should automatically pair at this point.

Replacement and Universal Remote For Roku

Roku remote does not have a pairing button

If you cannot pair the Roku remote, your best bet is to return it and get a new Roku voice remote or a compatible universal remote such as Logitech Harmony Hub that supports IR and Bluetooth technology.

This is especially if you have the Roku Streaming Stick that connects via HDMI input. A universal remote also makes sense if you want more media controls for your Roku TV, which usually comes with an IR remote.

Common Questions Our Readers Ask

How do I reset my Roku remote without the button?

There is no ‘reset’ button for Roku Remote. However, you can remove the batteries and re-insert them to restart the remote. If that does not work, try replacing the old batteries with new batteries.

How do I connect my Roku remote to my Roku without WIFI?

Navigate to Settings on the Roku app to connect your Roku remote to a Roku device without WiFi. Then select ‘Network’ > Set up connection. The app should guide you further.

How do I pair my Roku remote without the old remote?

The quickest way to do this is by using the Roku App. Navigate to ‘Remote’ > Settings > Remotes and Devices > Pair New Remote.

How do I manually connect my Roku remote?

To manually connect your Roku voice remote to your Roku device, unplug the Roku power supply and remove the batteries. Now plug in the Roku device and re-insert batteries. Once the Roku logo pops up on your TV screen, press the pairing button at the back of your remote or in the battery compartment for 5 seconds until the status light or indicator light starts flashing. Within 30 seconds, your remote should pair with your Roku device.

Where is the pairing button on my Roku remote?

Roku voice remotes with standard batteries and a microphone pinhole located below the power button have the pairing button and status light beneath the battery cover. Batteries come with the remote, but are not pre-installed. On some older voice remote models, the status light is located on the front of the remote.

How do I pair my Roku remote without the old remote?

How to Pair a New Roku Voice Remote.
Go to the Roku home screen. ... .
Then go to Settings. ... .
Next, select Remotes & devices..
Then select Set up a new device..
Next, select Remote and then Continue..
Finally, press the pairing button on your remote until you see the Status light flash green..