The basic steps to pair your remote

A new Roku remote pairs automatically the first time you power on your Stick, but if you're replacing a lost remote or switching to a different one, you'll need to pair it manually. The process takes about a minute and requires only your Stick, the new remote, and fresh batteries in the remote.

Start by inserting two AA batteries into the back of the remote. Point the remote at your Roku Stick from about six feet away. Press and hold the pairing button (a small button on the back of the remote, usually near the battery compartment) for about three seconds until you see a pairing light flash on your Stick. The light will blink while the remote searches for the Stick, then stop blinking once they've connected. You should see a message on your TV screen confirming the pairing is complete.

If nothing happens after holding the pairing button, check that your batteries are fresh and inserted correctly. The positive end should face toward the spring inside the battery compartment. If the remote still doesn't pair, try moving closer to the Stick or removing any obstacles between them.

Key Takeaways

  • Insert fresh AA batteries into the remote before attempting to pair it with your Stick.
  • Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the remote for three seconds while pointing it at your Stick.
  • A blinking light on your Stick indicates the pairing is in progress; the light will stop blinking once the connection is complete.
  • If pairing fails, check your batteries, move closer to the Stick, and remove any objects blocking the signal path.
  • Different Roku remote models have slightly different pairing buttons, so check your remote's manual if you can't locate the button.

Where to find the pairing button on your remote

The pairing button location varies depending on which Roku remote model you have. On most standard Roku remotes, it's a small recessed button on the back of the remote, usually near the battery compartment or below it. You may need to use a fingernail or a small tool to press it since it's designed to be pressed only when needed.

On Roku Voice Remotes (the ones with a microphone for voice search), the pairing button is typically located on the back as well, but sometimes it's positioned differently than on standard remotes. If you can't find it, look for a small circular indent or a button labeled with a pairing symbol. Your remote's manual or the label on the back of the remote itself often shows the button's exact location.

What to do if your remote won't pair

If your remote isn't pairing after multiple attempts, the problem is usually one of three things: dead batteries, interference, or a Stick that needs to be reset. Start by replacing the batteries with a fresh set, even if the old ones seem to have some charge left. Weak batteries are the most common reason pairing fails.

Next, check for interference. Move your Stick away from other wireless devices like routers, cordless phones, or microwaves. These devices can interfere with the remote's signal. Also make sure there's a clear line of sight between the remote and the Stick — don't point the remote through walls or around corners.

If you've tried new batteries and cleared the area of interference, restart your Roku Stick. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot up. Once the home screen appears, try pairing the remote again. If it still won't pair, your Stick may need a factory reset, which will erase all your settings and apps — contact Roku support before going this route.

Pairing a Roku mobile app as a remote alternative

If your physical remote isn't working and you need to control your Stick right away, you can use the Roku mobile app as a temporary remote. Download the Roku app on your phone or tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app, select your Roku Stick from the list of devices, and you'll have access to basic remote controls including volume, channel navigation, and the home button.

The mobile app remote works over your home Wi-Fi network, so your phone and Stick need to be on the same network. The app won't work if your Wi-Fi is down or if your Stick isn't connected to the internet. Once your physical remote is working again, you can stop using the app, though many people keep it installed as a backup.

Connecting a different Roku remote model to your Stick

Roku makes several remote models, and most of them work with most Roku Sticks, but not all combinations are compatible. The standard Roku remote works with virtually every Roku device made in the last five years. Roku Voice Remotes (with the microphone) also work across most models, though some older Sticks may not support voice search even if the remote pairs.

Before buying a replacement remote, check your Stick's model number on the back or in Settings to confirm which remotes are compatible. Roku's website lists compatible remotes for each Stick model. If you already have a remote that isn't pairing, the pairing process is the same regardless of which model you're using — the difference is only in where the pairing button is located.

Resetting your remote if it's paired but not responding

Sometimes a remote pairs successfully but then stops responding to button presses. Before assuming the remote is broken, try a soft reset. Remove the batteries from the remote, wait 10 seconds, then reinsert them. This clears the remote's memory without affecting the pairing.

If the remote still doesn't respond after a soft reset, try unpairing and re-pairing it. Go to Settings on your Stick, select Remotes and Devices, then select your remote and choose "Unpair." Once it's unpaired, follow the pairing steps again from the beginning. This often fixes remotes that have become unresponsive or sluggish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pair my remote every time I turn on my Stick?

No. Once paired, your remote stays connected to your Stick even after you turn it off. The pairing only needs to be done once, unless you switch to a different remote or factory reset your Stick.

Can I use one remote with multiple Roku devices?

Yes, but you'll need to pair it separately to each device. A remote can be paired to only one Stick at a time, so if you move it to a different Stick, you'll need to unpair it from the first one and pair it to the second.

What if I lost my remote and can't find the pairing button?

Check the manual that came with your remote or search for your remote model number online to find a diagram showing the button location. If you don't have the manual, you can control your Stick with the mobile app while you wait for a replacement remote to arrive.

Why does my remote keep losing connection to my Stick?

Frequent disconnections usually mean your batteries are low, even if the remote still works sometimes. Replace them with fresh batteries first. If that doesn't help, move your Stick away from other wireless devices and make sure there's a clear path between the remote and Stick.

Can I pair a Roku remote to a different brand of streaming device?

No. Roku remotes only work with Roku devices. If you have a Fire Stick or Chromecast, you'll need the remote designed for that device.