Pairing devices such as Roku with a new remote might appear tricky, particularly for those unfamiliar with the steps needed. However, there's plenty of help available for all kinds of remote controls.
Types of Roku Remotes
To understand exactly how the pairing button works, it is important to know that there are two kinds of Roku remotes – both of which are outlined below.
Infrared (IR) Remote
The first type is the traditional infrared remote. The IR remote needs a clear connection to your Roku player. It will not connect if there is an object in between the remote and the player. This type of remote doesn’t have a pairing button.
Enhanced Remote
The other remote is a lot more advanced. It is the so-called “point anywhere” remote that doesn’t require a clear line of sight to connect with your Roku player. The enhanced remote has a pairing button that’s located where the batteries are. Open up the battery compartment and you’ll see the button. It will be located at the bottom.
How to Pair the Roku Infrared Remote
If you have the Roku infrared remote, the pairing process is a little bit more difficult, since there is no pairing button. However, don’t worry, it won’t take you longer than a few minutes! You won’t need any professional assistance and the remote should connect with no trouble at all. Follow the instructions below to connect your remote to the Roku player.
- Start by getting your Roku player set up. Connect it to the TV and plug it into a power source.
- Now it’s time to turn it on. Change the television to the HDMI input that is the Roku player. Do so by clicking on Input on the TV’s remote – we haven’t gotten to the Roku remote just yet.
- Put batteries in the Roku remote.
- Make sure you are near the Roku player, and there are no physical barriers between the remote and the player. Press a button of your choice on the remote. That will automatically initiate the pairing process.
- There are no further actions required from you. Your Roku player and remote will pair without your help. Once they do, you can start using the remote as you normally would.
How to Pair the Roku Enhanced Remote
If you own an enhanced remote, pairing it to the Roku player is extremely simple. You don’t even need to be in the direct line of sight of the device when you’re using the remote. In short, all you have to do is put batteries in your remote and let the on-screen prompts guide you. Follow the instructions outlined below to know exactly what to do.
- Start by setting up the Roku device if it isn’t set up already. Plug it into a power outlet and connect it to your television.
- Click on Source or Input on your TV’s remote and select the Roku device. Now, you will see your Roku player pop up on the TV screen.
- Place a set of fresh batteries in the Roku remote and close the battery compartment. If you’re missing new batteries, just remove the old ones and use them again.
- Put the Roku remote next to the Roku player. The devices will start to pair.
- Follow the screen for clues. Once the pairing process is over, the screen will let you know.
Things to Consider When Pairing Your Remote
If you cannot seem to pair the remote to the Roku player, there are a few other things you can do. You can start by checking the compatibility of the remote and the player.
Compatibility
Make sure that the remote you’re using is an authorized Roku remote. You can do so by checking with Roku or the retailer that sold you the remote. Chances are, the remote you’re using is simply not compatible with the player, which is why you can’t seem to get them to pair.
Signal Interference
If your remote isn’t synchronizing, it might be down to signal interference. If you are using an IR remote, the signal will be blocked if anything is between the remote and the Roku box. Furthermore, newer remotes may face some interference if similar devices are nearby and trying to pair with the box instead. Make sure anything that could interfere with the pairing process is moved out of the way before trying anything.
Common Questions Relating to Pairing a Roku Remote Control without a Pairing Button
The pairing button makes it easy to connect your remote to the Roku device. When the two are connected, you can use the remote to control the Roku player from afar. You can still connect the remote if it is missing a pairing button but it may take some alternative strategies.
You can usually locate the pairing button in the battery compartment. To get to it, you need to pop the lid off and expose the batteries. It should be located underneath the batteries. Sometimes, the button is also located on the front side of your remote.
The newer models don’t have pairing buttons because they don’t need them. The TV will sync with the remote automatically once it’s close enough.
The Verdict
In conclusion, not having a pairing button on your Roku remote is not as big a disadvantage as you may think. In fact, you can pair your remote without a pairing button just as easily as you would if it had one. It all depends on what type of remote you own.
Some new remotes sync automatically whilst older ones have hidden buttons in which to do this. No matter what type you own, it’s worthwhile to know how to pair a Roku remote without a pairing button in order to always ensure you can use your Roku TV in the simplest way possible.