If your Roku remote does not have a pairing button and you need to sync it, no worries at all. Although many Roku remotes feature a pairing button for great syncing, there are alternative methods if your device doesn’t just click. In this blog, lets look into how to synchronize your Roku remote if it doesn’t have a pairing button.
How Does a Roku Remote Work?
There are two main primary methods the Roku remotes use to communicate with your Roku device:
Infrared (IR) Remote
Roku player remotes are a couple of years old or older and use IR signals to communicate commands. However, the remote must have a direct line of sight to the Roku device. If you have an IR remote, it does not have to be paired and only has to go within the player’s line of sight.
Enhanced Wireless Remote
Newer Roku remotes now use Wi-Fi Direct for their wireless connection. That means they have to be pointed at the Roku device in order for that two-way communication. The remotes with the pairing button will need you to pair them with your Roku device for security purposes.
What Is Pairing/Syncing a Roku Remote?
Pairing or syncing a Roku remote simply means connecting your Roku device to your wireless network. This is required for Enhanced Wireless Remotes to work with certain Roku devices.
Key Points about Pairing/Synching:
Purpose: Pairing links the Roku device with the remote, making it easy to control.
Process: It usually consists of pushing a pair button on both the remote and, often, the Roku device as well. The remote and the device sync, which includes signals validating their connection.
Indicators: A blinking LED on the remote or an alert on your TV screen are often signs that pairing went correctly.
How to sync Roku remote without pairing button
1. Check Your Remote’s Battery
Before proceeding to the more complicated solutions, ensure your remote has new and properly installed batteries. If the battery is either weak or dead, it can prevent your remote from connecting properly.
Steps:
Remove the back cover of your remote from where the battery compartment is.
Insert the fresh batteries, ensuring proper orientation by positive/negative polarity markings.
2. Power Cycle Your Roku Device
Power cycling your Roku device refreshes the connection between it and its remote, potentially resolving issues.
Steps:
Disconnect the Roku device from the power source.
Wait for about 30 seconds.
Connect the power source to your Roku device and ensure it boots up completely.
3. Use the Roku Mobile App as a Remote
The Roku Mobile App that you can download on your phone functions as a temporary remote. You can use it to navigate the Roku interface and sync your physical controller.
Steps:
This application is available for iOS devices on App Store or Android through the Google Play store.
Make sure your smartphone or tablet is also connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device.
Start the app and go to “Remote” in the main menu.
Navigate to Settings > Remotes & devices and select Set up a new remote.
4. Reboot Your Roku Device via the Mobile App
If your Roku device is powered on, you can also reboot it using the Roku Mobile App, which may resolve pairing issues.
Steps:
Open the Roku Mobile App.
Click on Settings > System > System Restart> Restart
Wait for your Roku device to restart, and try re-pairing your remote.
5. Perform a Hard Reset on Your Roku Device
Sometimes, a hard reset is required to remove all stored Bluetooth data from your Roku. But do remember that this will erase all of the settings and preferences, so use it wisely as a last resort.
Steps:
Reset Roku Device .The button is generally very tiny, and you may need to use a pin or paper clip to press it.
Hold the reset button down for 10-15 seconds until you see Roku logos on your TV.
Return the button and await a reboot from your Roku.
6. Try Using Another Remote
Try turning on the other Roku remote to pair it with your Roku device. If the second remote is successful, there might be something wrong with your first one, and you have to fix or replace it.
Steps:
Make sure that new batteries are inside the substitution remote.
Review the standard pairing procedure for your spare remote and check if it pairs.
7. Contact Roku Support
And if none of the above works, it might be time to call Roku Support. They can provide guidance tailored to your particular model and will be able to troubleshoot any issues that matter.
Steps:
Access the Roku Support site for instructions and more info.
When you contact the support team, provide details of your Roku device and remote model.
Fortunately, syncing a Roku remote without a matching button is doable with the following steps. A simple fix is checking the batteries, power cycling your device, using the Roku mobile app, and sometimes performing a hard reset. As a last resort, you can ask Roku Support for help.
Also Read: Turn On Onn TV Without Remote
FAQs on Syncing a Roku Remote Without a Pairing Button
How do I check if my Roku remote has a pairing button?
Look for a small, circular button in the battery compartment or on the back of the remote. If there’s no button, it might be an IR remote, which doesn’t need pairing.
What if my remote doesn’t have a pairing button?
Your remote may be an IR model, which doesn’t require pairing. If it’s supposed to be a wireless remote, try other syncing methods below.
How do I use the Roku Mobile App for syncing?
Download the app, connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device, and use the “Remote” feature to navigate to “Settings” > “Remotes & devices” > “Set up a new remote.”
What if the Roku Mobile App doesn’t detect my Roku device?
Ensure both devices are on the same network, restart your Roku and the app, and check for updates. If issues persist, contact Roku support.
Can I sync my Roku if I lost the original remote?
Yes, use the Roku Mobile App to control and set up your Roku device.
