The simple remote would control the Roku Streambar as far menu, cursor, transport functions. But what the Simple remote lacks is Volume and Mute keys, which are essential with speakers. The $20 Voice remote would work once paired:
Well, my simple remote does NOT control my streambar- for whatever reason.
The Simple Remote is IR only. I'm guessing that because you must have the volume buttons on the remote to control the audio, it's going to require a Voice Remote. If the Streambar will work at all with an IR remote (there's nothing to pair, IR doesn't require pairing) you must have a clear line of sight from the remote to the Streambar. But I have a hunch the Streambar models don't have an IR receiver, so the simple remote won't work.
Roku Streambar's do accept IR remotes, they respond to the original Roku IR codes with a few extra commands for volume and mute. The newest Roku Streambar SE comes with an IR remote.
We don't know what IR remote you bought, it might be Roku tv IR simple remote which won't control your Streambar at all. Does it have volume keys on the side?
The remote does have volume controls on the side.
BUT-- The side of the box the remote came in says it works with ROKU TV models but is NOT compatible with Roku Players. I assume the streambar must be a Roku Player.
If your simple Roku remote has no pairing button, make sure the batteries are fresh, point the remote directly at the Roku Streambar, and press any button to pair it automatically. If this doesn't work, try restarting the Streambar and ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the Streambar.
Right the Streambar is considered a Roku player and not a Roku tv. Sorry you just bought the wrong remote. 😞