Forum Discussion

JudyJames's avatar
JudyJames
Binge Watcher
3 years ago
Solved

Two separate remotes for the same Roku Express?

Will the Roku Express 4k+ respond to two different remotes?  Before we had Roku, we had a universal remote on each end table, and didn't have to chase one remote around the room.  I ordered a non-OEM replacement remote from Amazon, hoping it would co-exist with the original, but it doesn't work.  They also have an OEM remote that I'm willing to order, but wanted to check first to see if anyone else is using more than one remote in the same room.

remotes
  • JudyJames's avatar
    JudyJames
    3 years ago

    I took makaiguy 's advice and returned the defective remote.  Ordered another cheap IR one as well as an OEM Roku Voice Remote.  Both work just fine, and pairing the OEM one was easy.  Now we have remotes on both end tables in the family room, plus the IR unit that can move back & forth between family room and bedroom Rokus.

    Thanks to everyone to responded to my question.

14 Replies

Replies have been turned off for this discussion
  • Tivoburkee's avatar
    Tivoburkee
    Community Streaming Expert
    3 years ago

    Yes, you can have more than  one remote control the express at the same time. Remember the original express 4k+ is wifi, so it can control the Roku even when it's buried behind a tv. Where a cheap universal remote controls the Roku by IR, it will need a clear line of sight to the Roku for the IR commands can reach. Or just buy a second wifi Roku remote from walmart or best buy. 

    • JudyJames's avatar
      JudyJames
      Binge Watcher
      3 years ago

      Thanks for your response!

      The cheap remote I bought is IR, but didn't work even when aimed directly at the Roku from just a few feet away.  I wasn't aware that the express 4k+ operates by wifi, so I'm assuming that my best bet is to buy the OEM $20 voice remote even though we never use the voice option?

      • Strega's avatar
        Strega
        Roku Guru
        3 years ago

        The express can use both IR and Wi-Fi remotes.  (All current Rokus except "stick" models can use IR remotes if you wish.)

        What remote did you buy?  Note there is a difference between a Roku and a Roku TV on IR codes.

  • Strega's avatar
    Strega
    Roku Guru
    3 years ago

    Is it an IR remote or an RF remote?  I thought all non-OEM remotes were IR, meaning you can have thousands of them and the receiving device can't even tell one from another.  Of course, this is assuming it's an appropriate remote with a Roku player codeset and not a Roku TV codeset.