Remotes

[wred42]

The Roku remote that came with my TV (purchased in May 2020, remote model RC350) has become increasingly nonfunctional. It started a week ago by revealing a low battery icon in the upper right corner of the screen whenever I pressed a button. Inserting new batteries did not stop this from happening. When I go into the system to check the battery level, brand new batteries would frequently fluctuate between levels from 30% to 60%, with frequent drops to 0%. At this point, the remote controls the power on/off and no other functions. 

I have done a system restart on the TV several times. I have attempted to repair the remote, with the result that the "About" screen now reads "Unknown" for the battery level and firmware version. I have also tried unpairing the remote to no effect. 

How can I make my remote work again?

[DBDukes]

@wred42 

Could be a couple of things going on. Keep in mind that a new set of batteries could be bad. It happens. Batteries from a different pack entirely, or different brand to help ensure this, may resolve it. But, it may not.

Could be the older batteries left some potassium carbonate behind on the connectors. They may need to be cleaned.

And, of course, it could be the remote is bad.

However, there is one thing to check first. Depending on your TV, it could be controlled through the Roku remote, to the Roku, via CEC. If that's the case, it could be a software glitch that's causing the controls to not work properly.

Roku Voice Remotes also support IR signals to many/most TVs.

Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes > [your remote] (In use) > Set up for TV control

Might this resolve the issue?

[wred42]

I forgot to mention that I had tried cleaning the connectors previously just in case that was an issue. 

When I go into remote settings, it sees my remote (listed as Voice Remote) but doesn't have the "in use" marker. The only option when I select the remote is "About" - which, as I've mentioned, has multiple pieces of information listed as "unknown."

[DBDukes]

@wred42 

Settings > Remotes & devices > Set up a new device > Remote > Continue

[wred42]

It just spins on "Searching" forever. I've tried using the pairing button but nothing happens. 

[wred42]

The pairing light flashes a little and then goes dark. Eventually the TV told me "no remote found." But the remote does still control the TV's power. 

[DBDukes]

@wred42 

Gotta ask. You are within a few feet of the Roku when trying this, not across the room, right?

[wred42]

Yeah, I'm right in front of it. 

[DBDukes]

@wred42 

Wait. You're trying to pair the remote? Why? If it controls the Roku, it's paired. You can stop doing that.

What you should be doing is trying to use the menu to configure the remote using the menu item I suggested. The pairing light won't enter into it. And if that's the case, you really don't need to be close to the device. You just need to have line of sight, since this will configure the IR settings.

[StreamerUser]

@wred42 

The pairing light should continue flashing until it pairs - the fact that it goes out after a few seconds coupled with all of the other behavior you mentioned suggests a defective remote.

If what @DBDukes  suggests doesnt work to restore full remote functionality, and since you are probably out of warranty for your Roku TV (manufacturer/model unknown), consider getting a replacement $20 Voice Remote or $30 Voice Remote Pro available at Roku.com or Walmart/Best Buy/Amazon/etc.

https://www.roku.com/products/accessories/roku-tv