Forum Discussion

rkw747's avatar
rkw747
Reel Rookie
2 years ago

My Roku Express Isn't Working

My Roku Express is not connecting the remote. I'm not sure of the series. I got it in 2000, and can update once I find that info. When I try to access it using the phone app, the app can't find it. I've restarted it and unplugged it. 

It's not very old. I got it in 2000. The only thing that happened lately is I've opted to watch services directly through my TV instead of via Roku, but I use Roku for the Live TV options, which are fun to explore. The batteries in the Roku remote went bad. I changed them out, but there was battery residue in the battery area of the remote. However, it was working up until a day or so ago. 

I'm unsure how to solve it as the device isn't showing up even on the phone app after I restart or disconnect it from the power.

Has it just burnt out and it's time for a new one? 

FWIW, my wifi is fine. Everything, including my TV, is connected to it. I can't get to Roku because the player seems to have tapped out. I can stream other services via my TV like Disney+ or Netflix. I can't get to Roku because the player won't connect to either remote. 

TV & Player Setup

3 Replies

  • renojim's avatar
    renojim
    Community Streaming Expert
    2 years ago

    Do you have a voice remote with a microphone button and TV controls for power and volume?  If not, you have a simple remote that either works or doesn't and doesn't have to be paired.  If you have a voice remote, you may need to pair it again.  For the simple remote, you can see if it's transmitting by pointing it at a digital camera like the one in your phone.  When you press buttons on the remote you should see a glow of light coming from the end of the remote on the camera's screen.

    • rkw747's avatar
      rkw747
      Reel Rookie
      2 years ago

      Thanks.

      It’s a very basic model. There is no voice pairing or anything fancy. I just have an Express that seems to have died.

      The remote can’t find it. The remote on my phone can’t find it either. Even the screensaver I had saved isn’t running. Right now, my TV is showing the out-of-the-box Roku screensaver with a voice prompt to pair, which I can’t do. I just tried it again via my phone. I used to be able to control it with my phone from another room, and now it’s not finding the device. 

      I think she’s officially dead. It seems like it. 🥺😢

      • RokuJechealR's avatar
        RokuJechealR
        Retired Moderator
        2 years ago

        Hi rkw747,

        Thanks for posting to the Roku Community!

        We apologize for the inconvenience you have gone through. And we express our gratitude for your effort in resolving the issue.

        Are there any changes in the setup or settings of your Roku device or your network provider that might cause the problem? In addition, who is your ISP? (Internet service provider)

        Please note that if you are unable to connect or even find any of the Roku devices with the Roku mobile app, verify that your mobile device (phone) is using Wi-Fi and connected to the same network as your Roku devices. Ensure you are not using your phone on the phone data but connected to the Wi-Fi network.

        Feel free to keep us posted on what you find out, and we'll continue assisting you from there.

        All the best,
        Chel