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marklyn's avatar
marklyn
Channel Surfer
5 years ago
Solved

Can you use a universal remote with a Roku TV or streaming player?

I travel a lot and would like to have a universal remote that also works with my Roku Streaming Stick Plus. I know the remote works with some TV's (on/off/volume) but I want a universal remote to control other aspects of a tv too. 

Does the Roku Streaming Stick Plus use a proprietary signal that universal remotes cannot work with? If not, any recommendations would be appreciated.

  • The only universal remotes that will control a Roku Stick+ is expensive Harmony remote with hub, which is being discontinued and the prices are going up. 

    Switch to roku express that takes IR remotes, and so a cheap $10 universal remote would control it. And be programmable for your tv. Express aren't that much bigger then the stick, its just that it'll need a hdmi cable. 

  • Yes! If your Roku player or Roku built-in smart TV uses an IR sensor, then you can program GE universal remote to a Roku device using a universal code. The list of programming codes is available from the official websites of URZ and ByJasco.

    But when you are using Roku devices with voice remote control, and having RF (Radio frequency) connection, you can't.

    Use third-party remotes with the Roku built-in smart TVs like Hisense Roku TV, Insignia Roku TV, Sharp Roku TV, etc.

    Reference : 

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  • If you always have a smartphone within reach of where you watch TV you could always use the Roku app.

    • marklyn's avatar
      marklyn
      Channel Surfer

      But how does that help with a given TV brand? I travel a lot so I need a universal remote for the Roku and a TV.

      • Tivoburkee's avatar
        Tivoburkee
        Community Streaming Expert

        The only universal remotes that will control a Roku Stick+ is expensive Harmony remote with hub, which is being discontinued and the prices are going up. 

        Switch to roku express that takes IR remotes, and so a cheap $10 universal remote would control it. And be programmable for your tv. Express aren't that much bigger then the stick, its just that it'll need a hdmi cable. 

  • renojim's avatar
    renojim
    Community Streaming Expert

    marklyn wrote:

    Does the Roku Streaming stick plus use a proprietary signal that universal remotes cannot work with?


    Yes, it uses Wi-Fi direct.  I'm not aware of any universal remote that does the same.

  • Yes! If your Roku player or Roku built-in smart TV uses an IR sensor, then you can program GE universal remote to a Roku device using a universal code. The list of programming codes is available from the official websites of URZ and ByJasco.

    But when you are using Roku devices with voice remote control, and having RF (Radio frequency) connection, you can't.

    Use third-party remotes with the Roku built-in smart TVs like Hisense Roku TV, Insignia Roku TV, Sharp Roku TV, etc.

    Reference :