Forum Discussion

Whiteysall's avatar
Whiteysall
Reel Rookie
3 years ago

Roku Remote IR only works 1 foot away from Roku Express receiver

I just bought, opened, and set up my Roku Express for my non-smart TV. At first, the remote's IR was working completely fine at a good distance. However, after simply updating the Roku's theme, the I...
remotes
Whiteysall's avatar
Whiteysall
Reel Rookie
3 years ago

Yep, after I reset it (another failed troubleshooting attempt), I ensured the theme was not only not active but also deleted.

RokuNimfa-C's avatar
RokuNimfa-C
Retired Moderator
3 years ago

Hi Whiteysall,

Thanks for your post. 

It seems that your Roku simple remote is not working as expected. Additional to the troubleshooting, may we ask what is the location spot of your Roku Express? If your Roku player is attached to your TV with the included adhesive strip, move it to a position where the signal is less likely to be blocked. Do not install it inside a closed cabinet or behind your TV.

If still no dice, kindly reply here with the serial number of your Roku device associated with the affected remote from Settings>System>About. 


Regards,
Nimfa

  • Whiteysall's avatar
    Whiteysall
    Reel Rookie
    3 years ago

    Hi Nimfa, 

    I did use the adhesive strip at first and I had my Roku player at the top of my TV. Then after having the issues begin, I moved it as far as the HDMI would let me in every possible direction with the player having no obstruction from the remote's signal. 

    The serial number is X004002V1J0G.

    • RokuNimfa-C's avatar
      RokuNimfa-C
      Retired Moderator
      3 years ago

      Whiteysall

      Thanks for the reply.

      I have passed along your information and concern to our Support team. I'd recommend keeping an eye on your email since they'll be reaching out to you from there.

      Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.


      Regards,
      Nimfa

      • JA7's avatar
        JA7
        Reel Rookie
        3 years ago

        Hi Nimfa

        I have this same problem. I recently bought a Roku Express and plugged it into my non-smart TV. Initially the remote worked from about 6 feet away from the Roku receiver but after a couple of days it only worked from 1 foot away from the receiver (so I have to get up and move very close to the receiver every time I want to use the remote). 

        There are no obstructions between the remote and receiver (which I have placed in front of the TV).

        I also tried replacing the batteries with new ones (but it made no difference).

        I wondered if you could please help me and tell me what to do to rectify this.

        My serial number is X00400H4VSUF

        Many thanks for your help.

    • doshcatoca's avatar
      doshcatoca
      Newbie
      3 years ago

      Hello,

      I too have a simple remote that will only work within one foot of the receiver.

      Roku Premiere

      Roku model #3920X

      Ser. # 0530D7521140

      • I checked the batteries with a multimeter. They register 1.59 volts
      • The batteries are installed correctly
      • There are no obstructions between the remote and the receiver.
      • The device worked correctly until one day recently it froze. I rebooted everything.
      • I restarted ROKU
      • I rebooted my computer
      • I rebooted my modem and router
      • I unplugged my TV and my ROKU for 10 minutes, then re-plugged.
      • The light is on on the receiver

      No success. The remote will only work if I stand within one foot of the receiver.

      SECONDLY:

      I thought I would use the Roku app on my iPhone. 

      • I have three out of four bars signal strength for WIFI but it cannot find my device
      • Message: Cannot find network
      • I am sitting 3 feet from my router and modem
      • My iPhone says it IS connected to my network with full signal strength

      As you can imagine I am rather frustrated with the amount of time that has been wasted trying to make this device work. Is there a fix for this or is it time to throw this Roku in the garbage and purchase something else??

       

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

        Hi doshcatoca,

        Thanks for your first post in the Roku Community!

        We appreciate you for letting us know about the behavior you are seeing with your Roku remote and we appreciate the troubleshooting steps you've done so far. 

        We can understand how that may be frustrating but do not worry, We're going to assign a member of our support team to reach out to you via email. They will be assisting you from thereon.

        If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know.


        Best regards,
        Mary