Remotes

[Zthing]

Whenever I use the earbuds/headphones with my Roku Ultra remote the new batteries drain rather quickly. Just recently started doing this. What'd wrong??

[makaiguy · Accepted solution]

@Zthing-

Be aware that whenever something is plugged into that jack it turns on the remote's internal earphone amplifier, which uses energy from the batteries and can significantly reduce battery life, whether or not the Roku is streaming anything. Be sure you unplug your earphones when they are not actively being used.

As an alternate means of remote listening, you can install the Roku app (not TheRokuChannel app) on a phone or tablet. In addition to being able to provide remote control for your Roku, it also includes a remote listening function. You can listen via your phone/tablet's built in speaker or via earphones or speaker connected to the device, without adding extra drain to your Roku remote.

[Zthing]

Thank you Makalguy. It's an extra step but helpful for sure. Still wonder why previously the batteries did not drain much at all even after 2 or more hours of use. It started draining the batteries in less than 1 hour. This started being a problem about a week ago.

[Zthing]

I suppose I should clarify that I went through three pairs of Duracell batteries in three days this last week of occasional remote (with the headphones) usage.

Whereas just using the remote w/o the headphones the batteries last a very long time. That involves viewing and remote use about 3 to 4 hours daily for at least a few months.

[RutDog]

Private listening on my Android similarly drains my phone's battery.

But I just plug in the phone and use Bluetooth headphones.