Forum Discussion

Rdm81563's avatar
Rdm81563
Reel Rookie
4 years ago

Do all Roku’s drain remote batteries so fast?

My #Roku Streaming Stick + (3810, 3811 series) remote went through new batteries about every 3 months (average use; never used the headphones feature). I read here that it was a#Roku Streaming Stick + (3810, 3811 series) specific problem, so I replaced it with an #Roku Ultra (4800 series) about 10 weeks ago.  Just got the low battery warning yesterday.  I’ve exclusively used Roku’s since 2011 and never had this problem until I bought a Stick+ in 2019. Now I replace batteries in my remotes every 2 to 3 months without fail.  Is there any fix for this?  It’s super frustrating b/c the Stick+ worked fine except for the remote’s battery issue and I effectively wasted $$ on a product that does the exact same thing. 

remotes
Roku Batteries Questions
  • RokuKariza-D's avatar
    RokuKariza-D
    Retired Moderator
    4 years ago

    Hi Rdm81563

    Thanks for reaching out here in the Community!

    It looks like your remotes aren't affected by the rapid battery drain issue on some of the Roku models. Please be advised that for normal use, the remote battery may indeed last for two months or longer. Most reports we are receiving that are related to battery drain only last for days or weeks.

    Thank you for your understanding.

    All the best,
    Kariza

    • Rdm81563's avatar
      Rdm81563
      Reel Rookie
      4 years ago

      I appreciate your quick reply.  My understanding from your reply is that it is normal for me to have to replace the batteries every 2-3 weeks in my Stick+ and every 8-9 weeks in my Ultra. Is that correct?

       

      If so, who may I contact to request a refund for my Ultra (purchased 2 months ago)?  I am extremely dissatisfied with these products after owning no other streaming device but Roku’s for 10+ years. 

      • RokuKariza-D's avatar
        RokuKariza-D
        Retired Moderator
        4 years ago

        Rdm81563

        Apologies for the confusion.

        Based on my understanding and on your post above, you're changing your batteries every 2 to 3 months. If you are replacing them in 2 to 3 weeks, we'd love to help you out.

        Please reply here with the serial number of the Roku device associated with the affected remote. It can be viewed by navigating to Settings > System > About.

        Once we have the information needed, we'll be able to forward it to our support team for further assistance.

        All the best,
        Kariza

    • Swoupy's avatar
      Swoupy
      Reel Rookie
      4 years ago

      Same issue w my Roku soundbar remote. Model RC-AL7

    • Troberson47's avatar
      Troberson47
      Reel Rookie
      4 years ago

      I have the same issue of drained battery on my remote within weeks.  Am using the ROKU stick with a purchased ROKU voice remote.

      • JLeeVP's avatar
        JLeeVP
        Newbie
        4 years ago

        I bought 2 streaming stick +, one remained boxed until June this year and the other has been in constant use for about a year. The newly installed device remote batteries last maybe 2 weeks(YHOOGO411024) with only occasional use while the other has been going strong with daily use and Iv'e changed batteries only once in 12 months.

  • 1EyedKristyRae's avatar
    1EyedKristyRae
    Newbie
    4 years ago

    I have a Roku Premiere+ Model 3921RW that I bought off Amazon a couple months ago.  My only complaint is that the remote goes through batteries about twice a week.  If I use rechargeable batteries, it's about every 2 to 3 days.  If I use non-rechargeable it's maybe every 3 to 5 days.  So frustrated!!  Why is this happening??  If I am going to have to buy a different remote (perhaps the more basic one that doesn't use as much battery life) then I might just replace the whole thing with an Android based streaming device.

    Please...help....

  • jff1885's avatar
    jff1885
    Reel Rookie
    4 years ago

    It seems like this is a common issue, but I haven't actually seen a solution from Roku in any of the other threads. I have a 4800X-Roku Ultra with a voice remote, which I purchased about a year ago. At first, the remote batteries would last for about 2-3 months before I had to replace them.

    But starting about two months ago, batteries would only last for about 2 weeks. In someone else's post about this from a few weeks ago (which I can't find at the moment), a Roku employee responded that the engineers had fixed the problem, and all we needed to do was restart the system and re-pair the remote. So I put in new AA batteries, restarted my Roku, and re-paired the remote about two weeks ago. Today, I checked the battery level. and I'm already down to 30%.

    Most of the threads I've seen on this, the Roku employees' responses don't actually offer any help. The one "solution" that I did see didn't actually do anything (see above). Is there any real fix for this? Or is it time to switch to a Fire Stick? I've been a loyal Roku user for years, but I've been seeing more and more technical issues over the last few years, and my patience is wearing thin.

    • RokuKariza-D's avatar
      RokuKariza-D
      Retired Moderator
      4 years ago

      Hello jff1885

      Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

      The remote battery drain issue requires help from our Support team. Please reply here with the serial number of the Roku device associated with the affected remote. It can be viewed by navigating to Settings > System > About.

      Once we have the information needed, we'll be able to forward it to our support team for further assistance.

      All the best,
      Kariza

      • jff1885's avatar
        jff1885
        Reel Rookie
        4 years ago

        Ah, okay, got it. Sorry I got a little snippy in my post, and thank you for the help!

        Serial number is: X01000047MEDS

    • Imrosed's avatar
      Imrosed
      Binge Watcher
      3 years ago

      I agree. I was told to provide my serial # etc and once I did, was told it was no longer under warranty. Oh, and I could buy another Roku…right I’m going to run right out and do that…This remote is barely a year old, if that.  I’ve owned multiple roku devices and never had the issue with batteries draining in a week or less. In fact, they would last months, as this one did when I first got it.

      I recently tried another solution that was offered by Roku to do a factory reset on the Roku itself . Definitely a pain, because you have to re-log into half of your channels. That was about a week and a half ago, and am currently at 78%, so we’ll see. It seems like it can show a high number and then stop working suddenly 

      Sorry for the rant, but agreeing that Roku is not offering a solution to something that’s obviously their problem. 

      • Wolbachc's avatar
        Wolbachc
        Binge Watcher
        3 years ago

        I will never buy a Roku again.  I have 3 with the same issues.

  • mjkatona's avatar
    mjkatona
    Newbie
    4 years ago

    My remote for the Streaming Stick + is eating batteries in about 7-8 days.  sn/213164381348.  I bought it three weeks ago and have just installed my third set of new batteries.

    Please help

    • RokuKariza-D's avatar
      RokuKariza-D
      Retired Moderator
      4 years ago

      Oldtimeuser mjkatona

      Thanks for reaching out.

      I have passed along your information and concern to our Support team. They will follow up and further assist you through email.


      All the best,
      Kariza

      • Choppy's avatar
        Choppy
        Binge Watcher
        4 years ago

        I was sent a replacement remote by Roku and its working perfectly with no overnight battery drain or the batteries getting hot,thank you, its all resolved 

  • wentwest's avatar
    wentwest
    Newbie
    4 years ago

    I'm also a member of this club, buying batteries.  They last about 10 days, and I carefully turn off the television at a power strip when I'm done with it, daily.  The Roku is only powered from the TV USB port(s).

    Device Number:   3810X  Streaming Stick+

    Serial Number:  YH0074350621

    Device ID:  C13957350621

    Software OS/ver:  10.5.0,  build  4208-50

    Steps to reproduce problem?  None.  It happens constantly.

    • DrinksFF's avatar
      DrinksFF
      Reel Rookie
      4 years ago

      So I accidentally fixed the issue. One night as my girlfriend and I chilled on the couch, the remote was kicked into a large glass of water. After drying it in rice for 3 days, I put in the same batteries and tried it out. Not only did the remote still work the same as before, it no longer eats batteries. It has the same batteries in it as when it fell in the water and it's still working like a dream. No issues anymore. 

    • RokuMary-F's avatar
      RokuMary-F
      Community Moderator
      4 years ago

      Hi wentwest,

      Thanks for posting in the Roku Community!

      Please be aware that your device is no longer under warranty. If you need a replacement remote for your Roku device, you can purchase a compatible remote on our Products page here

      For more information about our device warranty, visit our Support page here: Player warranty and license agreement 

      If you need further assistance, feel free to contact Roku Support or keep us posted here.


      Best regards,
      Mary