How to Sync Roku Remote Without Pairing Button? (2023)

The tech junkie in me wants to always have the latest and greatest technological devices. Except for the TV in my home office, I’ve replaced most of my home’s equipment with smart ones in the last few years. Instead of investing in a new machine, I installed a Roku as a workaround. There are also alternative methods for transforming a conventional TV into a smart TV.

It’s been almost a year since I first connected a Roku to my TV and started streaming content to it over HDMI. The pairing button on the remote ceased functioning after a few months of use, even though the system had been operating well up until then. Since the batteries need to be changed often, I have to use other ways of pairing the remote with devices that don’t use the pairing button.

It took me a while to find several ways to link your Roku remote with the streaming player without pressing the pairing button. If your pairing button doesn’t function or is damaged, I’ve included instructions in this post to save you time and effort.

Look to see if the remote has a separate pairing button. Purchase an IR remote control that is compatible with your Roku as it does not need pairing if that does not work. The only other alternatives are to buy a new remote or use the Roku controller app.

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Roku Remote Has the Pairing Button in a Different Location

In the event that you are a new Roku user, you may not be able to find the pairing button right away. Two different remotes are included with Roku devices.

  • A typical infrared remote control
  • an enhanced directional remote control that may be pointed anywhere

There is no pairing button on the default IR remote. To send orders to the Roku device, you must aim the remote at it. There is a pairing button on the upgraded “point-anywhere” remote. The remote control works even if a barrier separates your TV from the Roku device, thanks to its Wi-Fi connection.

Open the battery compartment on your Roku remote to see whether it has a pairing button. To link the device, press and hold the pairing button at the bottom of the battery case. The bottom right or center of the remote control depends on the model.

IR Roku Remotes Don’t Need to Be Paired

There are a few Roku remotes on the market that don’t have pairing buttons, so you may use any of them without connecting the Roku device.

In order to avoid problems, never link an IR-censored remote with the system. In accordance with the system, the remote is pre-calibrated. To send orders to the Roku device, just aim the Stick at it. Like normal remotes, they’re easy to use.

Roku Models that Support IR Remotes

Except for Roku sticks, almost all Roku products are IR-compatible. A Roku remote with no pairing button is most likely an infrared (IR) remote. Infrared remotes may be used with the following Roku devices:

  • YouTube TV (Twitch)
  • Roku is a streaming media player.
  • Roku Streaming Stick Plus
  • Nook Color
  • Roku Ultra High-Definition
  • Netflix’s XDS and XDs on Roku
  • There are three Roku models: 1, 2, and 3.
  • First Look at Roku’s Programming
  • a few Roku televisions
  • Roku 2 High Definition
  • Apple TV 4K

Your Pairing Button Does Not Work

Despite being carefully hidden in the battery compartment, the Roku remote pairing button may be broken if the remote is spilled on or dropped. The pairing button may be rendered ineffective in any of the above-described scenarios.

The button will not work to link the remote to the Roku player. The Roku controller app, on the other hand, may be used to connect the remote. Later on in the piece, the approach will be discussed.

Use AirPlay to broadcast material from your iPhone or Chromecast to project content from other phones or laptops to your TV as a workaround while you fix your Roku control.

Replace Your Roku Remote

The remote control may be replaced if it has been damaged by water or drops and no longer works correctly. However, keep in mind that attempting to fix an old, broken gadget may be quite harmful.

As a result, if your Roku remote is unreliable, often disconnects, or lacks a pairing button, it’s time to upgrade. The Roku remote, as opposed to the Roku player, is susceptible to damage from vigorous handling. The Roku device may malfunction first, but that’s not certain.

Roku’s remotes are always being updated with new functionality. As a result, purchasing a new remote will not only be a wise decision, but it will also allow you to take advantage of the latest features.

Instead, search for RF blaster-enabled smart remote controllers. They operate well and are a great alternative to your Roku remote or any other kind of remote for that matter.

How to Reset Roku TV Without Remote 1

Unpair Your Old Roku Remote

It’s necessary to unpair the old Roku remote before you may pair a new one or a remote from another device with your Roku. The freshly linked remote will not work correctly if this is not done. The pairing button is required to unpair the previous remote. Here are the actions to take:

  • Hold down the home button while simultaneously pressing the pairing and back buttons.
  • The LED light should flash three times before you let go of the button.
  • Please be patient for a short period of time. The remote will automatically detach from your device if you don’t use it.

The previous remote may be unpaired by removing the batteries if the pairing button does not function. Wait at least two minutes before changing the batteries.

Pair Your New Roku Remote

The pairing button must be intact on a Roku remote for it to work. Follow these instructions to link your new Roku remote with your Roku player.

  • Switch on the television.
  • Tune in to the Roku channel.
  • Insert the batteries in the remote control once the Roku logo displays.
  • Place the battery compartment pairing button on your palm.
  • The pairing light will begin to flash if you continue pushing the button after that.
  • The process of pairing will be initiated by the device on its own. It’s possible that this will take some time.
  • Using the Roku Controller app lets you couple your Roku remote even if your pairing button is broken or malfunctioning.
  • If you’re having trouble pairing your Roku remote, reset it and check the batteries.

Use the Roku Controller App

If you don’t have a Roku remote, you may still use the app to operate your Roku player. If your Roku remote’s pairing button is broken, you may still use it to link with the device.

Use your tablet or smartphone to download the Roku app. It’s in the App Store and Google Play. Check to see whether your smartphone or tablet is on the same network as your Roku box.

  • Go to the app store and download it.
  • Go to the menu and choose “Settings.”
  • Select ‘Remotes And Devices’ from the drop-down menu.
  • To pair a new device, choose ‘Pair New Device.’

The Roku remote will be immediately detected by the app. If this doesn’t work, try another approach.

  • Use the buttons on the Roku controller app’s main screen to get to the Roku device’s settings.
  • Go into the settings and choose Remote.
  • To pair your remote with your computer, click on the ‘Pair Remote’ button.
  • To go to the right, use the arrow keys. You’ll be sent to a page with instructions after you click this.
  • Connect your Roku control by following these steps.

It’s possible that your Roku control has a hardware problem if none of these approaches works. It’s possible you’ll have to make a fresh purchase.

Final Thoughts: How to Sync Roku Remote Without Pairing Button?

The warranty on your Roku device may be claimed if anything goes wrong with it or if it performs poorly. A gadget that has been dropped or is submerged will not be covered under warranty. The only way around this is to buy a new Roku control.

Furthermore, if you’re certain the problem isn’t with your remote, a shaky Wi-Fi connection might be to blame. This is due to the fact that upgraded Roku remotes communicate with the device through Wi-Fi.

As a result, if Wi-Fi isn’t operating correctly or the signals are spotty, it’s possible that the Roku remote and Roku device connection is becoming unstable.

If your remote is overheating and you need to unpair it, wait a few minutes before touching the batteries to give them a chance to cool down.

FAQs:

Where is the Roku reset button?

Either on the side or the back of your Roku is where you’ll find the reset button.

How do I reset my Roku remote without the button?

Resetting your Roku device does not need pressing the reset button.

How to Pair a Smartphone with a Roku Device?

Obtain the Roku app on your smartphone and look for nearby Roku units to connect.

-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.

Last update on 2024-03-29

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.