CBolton
Newbie

Having issues with my remote not connecting

Only power and volume buttons working. Have read all the questions and answers and tried all the options to correct the problem. Nothing works. Should I just buy a new remote? 

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9 REPLIES 9
HDMIGuy
Roku Guru

Re: Having issues with my remote not connecting

@CBolton The power and volume buttons are controlling your TV.  The remote is not paired to your Roku device.  I know you say you have tried all the options but have you unlplugged the device and then plugged it back in after 30 seconds?

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GafferfrCanada
Channel Surfer

Re: Having issues with my remote not connecting

My enhanced remote (that came with the Roku3) stopped working, so I bought a new remote and it also did not connect to the Roku 3.  The enhanced remote tries to pair unsuccessfully. However, I should point out that my Android phone app (which I downloaded as an experiment) "Roku" was able to connect, and is now the only thing that works.  I have ethernet cable to my Roku 3 but not sure if the device is able to use infra-red anymore.  My Galaxy must be using wireless because I can point it in any direction == is this bluetooth?  Is it thru wi-fi? So confusing.  Should I give up and buy the 4K+?

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renojim
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Having issues with my remote not connecting

@GafferfrCanada, it sounds like the Wi-Fi in your Roku 3 is dead.  If you go to Settings->Network->Set up connection and click on "Wireless" do any networks show up?

The remote that came with the Roku 3 and the new voice remotes connect via Wi-Fi Direct.  The phone app uses the network connection to send commands.  In your case, the wired connection.  All Roku players except sticks (which plug directly into the TV without the need for an HDMI cable) support IR remotes.  I thought the voice remotes operate in IR mode when not paired.  If you restart the Roku and just try using the remote without pairing does it work?  Note that you'll have to have a clear line of sight from the remote to the Roku 3.

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GafferfrCanada
Channel Surfer

Re: Having issues with my remote not connecting

Thank you renojim.  Very useful.  Restarting the Roku3 does not help the remotes (old and new) connect in any way.  (The new remote is just a simple IR controller.)  Only the phone app works.  I'll keep using the phone app until I can pry my wallet open for a Roku 4+.  I'm part Scottish.

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GafferfrCanada
Channel Surfer

Re: Having issues with my remote not connecting

I forgot to mention that yes, network connections showed up and I switched from the wired to the wireless.  This proves I have a choice, as before I was on "wired".  Not sure how this helps.

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renojim
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Having issues with my remote not connecting

@GafferfrCanada, it helps because if the Wi-Fi receiver in your Roku device doesn't work then no enhanced/voice remote will ever work.  So since it does appear to work, we're left with a faulty remote, but the likelihood of the old remote and a new remote both being defective seems remote (no pun intended), but it is a possibility.

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HDMIGuy
Roku Guru

Re: Having issues with my remote not connecting

@GafferfrCanada Are you sure the new remote is the correct remote for your device and not a Roku TV remote?

 

GafferfrCanada
Channel Surfer

Re: Having issues with my remote not connecting

Amazing!! I stifled the urge to say no, and double-checked "my order" on Amazon and you are right. My order history says I ordered a universal remote for Roku TV! I remember trying not to do that, and focusing on "Roku 3" compatability. Burnout might have dulled my determination. So, now to return the remote. Perhaps that's why the new one has a on/off switch at the top and that's how I should have known. There are a plethora of Roku remotes on Amazon, and only 1 in 10 are for a Roku 1-4. The rest are for TVs.  So far only the EWO and the G-Virtue brands are listed for Roku3s, and all are infra-red only. As I recall, the original remote worked via infra-red because I had to dodge the TV tray to control the box.  I attempted to pair it recently, but to no avail. as the green light just kept flashing, and nothing came up on the screen. A couple days ago, fiddling with it, the orig. remote finally stopped flashing the green light.  Many thanks to all.

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GafferfrCanada
Channel Surfer

Re: Having issues with my remote not connecting

I received another Roku remote thru Amazon, but am convinced this is not the EWO I ordered, as it has an on/off button at the top.  The one I ordered has no such button.  Also, the label on the little plastic bag begins with "Universal Replacement for T ...ix" (yes exactly like that) and it came without batteries unlike the one ordered.  Different buttons, different button layout etc.  Oh, and it doesn't work on my Roku3.  So now to return both.

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