Remotes

[Ericcarroll1]

I was intrigued when I learned about the new backlit and ready to buy several right away. I have Rokus throughout my house and love them. I like to watch in near darkness but like many am annoyed with no backlight on the remote. I was incredulous and amazed when I noticed there is no jack. 

I don’t want to use my phone app and I don’t want to use 2 remotes. My nightstand is crowded enough. 

Please come out with a backlit model with a headphone jack or add a Bluetooth pair capability for headphones. I will pay more if necessary. 

[JWS9518]

Headphone jacks are pretty much going the way of the dodo and becoming obsolete in most devices, so it is unlikely you will see that.  I believe some of the newer Roku's have Bluetooth capability and/or can be pair through the app.

[makaiguy]

@Ericcarroll1-

Rokus generally are able to RECEIVE Bluetooth audio so you can send music from a phone or other external device to play on the Roku.

But only a few of the newer Roku units have the right chips to SEND audio via Bluetooth to headphones or external speakers

As of January 29, 2025, Roku lists these devices as having this capability:

• Roku Streambar SE

• Roku Streambar

• Roku Streambar Pro

• Roku Smart Soundbar

• Roku Ultra (models 4800, 4802, and 4850)

• Roku Ultra LT (model 4801)

• Roku Plus Series TV

• Roku Pro Series TV

See this Roku article for details and any updates: https://support.roku.com/article/12210854415383

Rokus other than the specific Roku models mentioned in that article are not equipped to send Bluetooth and this capability cannot be added by a software update. For them you must use the Roku Remote app on a phone or tablet, and connect the Bluetooth audio device to the phone/tablet.

[HallMarc]

I agree with the OP, please add a headphone jack to the remote. I have a Roku remote with a headphone jack and my wife loves it. She can watch her shows and not wake me. Problem is, not backlit causing us to buy a second, off brand remote that is backlit. BT sucks, always has. Could just add backlit buttons to the remote with the jack... just saying. Roku makes remotes with these features so why not just blend them into one super remote. Nobody is forcing anyone to use the jack and BT is available if you want it.

[JWS9518]

No one here is against having a headphone jack.  Heck, I still use an I-pod classic, so definitely not me.  However, there is one simple reason headphone jacks are going away and have gone away on other devices, such as phones.  Money.  Let's say that part cost 50 cents to make into a remote over millions of remotes, which can cost a company millions of dollars.  Doesn't mean people don't want it, but like most brands these days, they look at where they can save money or avoid massively increasing prices.  If they can implement one function, such as Bluetooth capability that has a similar feature, then they will opt to get rid of the more expensive part that has a similar purpose.

[Ericcarroll1]

The Roku remote app doesn’t work unless it’s live tv or streaming apps. 

[Inupstate]

If you have the Ultra, it is Bluetooth ready.  Just pair your buds.

[Ericcarroll1]

The app doesn’t work with headphones unless it’s live tv or streaming with headphones unless it’s the non pro or plus series. If you use other devices you’re screwed. And the newer series Pro/Plus have only been out since 2023. Most of the Rokus in use are neither. 

[Ericcarroll1]

I don’t. That’s the whole point. The sets I have are all 2-3 years old. 

[RokuTakashi · Accepted solution]

Hey, everyone.

Thanks for sharing your feedback.

The Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) doesn’t have a headphone jack, but no worries! You can easily use Headphone Mode in the Roku mobile app by plugging your headphones into your phone or tablet. Plus, you can connect through Bluetooth on compatible devices.

How to activate Headphone Mode

Make sure your wired headphones are plugged in or your Bluetooth headphones are connected before you start.

1. Open the Roku mobile app
2. Tap Remote   from the navigation bar
3. Tap the Headphone icon to activate Headphone Mode

To activate Headphone Mode, tap the Headphone icon and adjust the volume. To deactivate, tap the icon again.

For more information, you can visit this support article on How to use headphones with the Roku mobile app for Headphone Mode

I hope you find this helpful. Thank you so much for your support and engagement.

Happy Streaming! 💜

The Roku Community Team.