I have got an email back from the support team. I have followed the instructions and so far it worked. I haven't changed the batteries yet. Find the reply below. Hope it helps.
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Thank you for letting us know about the remote battery drain issue you are experiencing. Our engineering team has released a remote firmware update which should resolve the issue you are seeing.
In order to update the remote firmware you will need to perform a device restart. This can be performed by navigating to Settings > System > System Restart
Your remote will update to the latest firmware version 4098 and can be verified by navigating to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Remotes > About
There is no fix for the problem of Roku's remotes using up batteries. By now, Roku's engineers -- whether employees or contractors -- must know exactly what the underlying issue(s) is/are. Hardware? Firmware? Both? Their apparent need to continue collecting serial numbers seems laughable at this point. There needs to be a formal public statement describing what's been going on with this long-standing problem that spans multiple generations of products.
Hi everybody, I had the same problem, wasn't willing to jump through hoops with Roku to get a replacement remote after seeing no luck on this thread. After I couldn't even get my Roku to respond at all (even with new batteries) RIGHT IN THE THE MIDDLE of the Packers game last week, I ordered an Amazon Fire stick (only $25 on sale!) and so far am very happy after ditching Roku. I recommend the same to all of you!
In addition to my two Roku sticks, recently purchased, I have a 2-year-old Amazon 4K Fire TV stick with the original batteries still working in the remote.
