Forum Discussion
Which type of remote you need depends on which type of Roku you have.
Except for Roku Streaming Stick models, all other Roku devices respond to the same set of infrared (IR) commands so any IR Roku remote, or a universal remote that contains the Roku code set should work. The IR remote from Roku is called the Simple Remote and can be purchased from Roku and other retailers. Third party clones are also available from many stores. Be sure the remote is for Roku DEVICES, as Roku TVs (with built in Roku functionality) use a different set of IR commands.
Roku Streaming Stick models, with minor variations, look essentially like this, with a male HDMI plug at the end that can be plugged directly into an HDMI socket on the TV. Non-Streaming Stick models have a female HDMI jack that requires an HDMI cable to connect it to the TV. Streaming Stick models are typically used behind the TV where IR signals can't reach, so they do not contain IR detectors. They can ONLY be controlled by wifi remotes from Roku. The current wifi remotes are the Voice Remote ($20) and the Voice Remote Pro with an earphone jack for private listening and a rechargeable battery ($30). You can find them at many retailers and from Roku itself.
- BOILERMAKER19723 years agoReel Rookie
Thank you. I guess I bought a ROKU controller that is for the embedded ROKU in a TV and that is why it did not work. So now I got it straight and clear. Thanks again
Steve
- atc980923 years agoCommunity Streaming Expert
BOILERMAKER1972 wrote:Thank you. I guess I bought a ROKU controller that is for the embedded ROKU in a TV and that is why it did not work. So now I got it straight and clear. Thanks again
The Roku model that is embedded within the TV is an MHL Stick. Yes, it does not work with an IR remote, and unfortunately it doesn't work with the WiFi remotes that makaiguy mentioned. That old of a Roku is no longer supported, and replacement remotes are not available for them.
Is there any way you can identify the model Roku you have? That's really the only way to know for certain if a replacement remote is available. You might be able to find the model number printed or embossed on the case somewhere. I realize that without a remote you can't get into the settings menu.
If the Roku is still connected to your home WiFi network, you could use the Roku app on a phone or tablet to control it, but if you ever lose the network connection there's no way to get it back online without an actual remote.
- Strega3 years agoRoku Guru
For what it’s worth, I read “embedded ROKU in a TV” as “a Roku TV”.
- BOILERMAKER19723 years agoReel Rookie
One other question. On some of the instructions on adding a controller to a ROKU device, the remote has a pairing button inside the battery compartment. The old one I found does not. How do I add a controller if there is no button on the new controller?
- makaiguy3 years agoCommunity Streaming Expert
Remotes that control via infrared (IR) are not paired, and they have no pairing buttons. They work with ANY Roku that contains an IR receptor, i.e. anything OTHER than a Streaming Stick model, as explained previously. Again, that's why it is important to report what model Roku you are trying to work with.
Roku TVs and Roku devices use different IR command sets so, again, IR remotes for Roku devices cannot control Roku TVs, and vice versa.
Roku Voice Remotes control via wifi and must be paired with the specific Roku (device or TV) they are to control. Most have pairing buttons in the battery compartment.
Some recent Roku Voice Remotes do not have a pairing button in the battery compartment. The first such remote is model RC-GZ1. This comes with installed batteries and a pull tab you must remove to engage them. To put these remotes into pairing mode, after pulling the battery tab, press and hold both the BACK and HOME buttons near the top of the remote for 5 seconds or more.
Reference: https://support.roku.com/article/360011621473