You can buy a replacement Roku remote from Roku directly, Amazon, or electronics retailers, and pair it to your device in under a minute

A Roku remote stops working for a few common reasons: the batteries are dead, the buttons wear out, or the remote gets lost or damaged. The good news is that replacement remotes are inexpensive — usually between $15 and $30 depending on the model — and pairing a new one takes less time than it takes to find your old one.

The process is straightforward: buy a remote that matches your Roku device type, put batteries in it, and hold the pairing button until your Roku recognizes it. You do not need to reset your Roku, change any settings, or do anything on your TV. The remote and the device will find each other on their own.

Key Takeaways

  • Roku remotes are sold by Roku, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, with standard remotes costing $15 to $25 and voice remotes costing $25 to $35.
  • You need to match the remote type to your Roku device — a remote for a Roku Streaming Stick will not work with a Roku TV, and vice versa.
  • Pairing happens by holding the pairing button on the back of the remote for 3 to 5 seconds while your Roku is powered on and nearby.
  • If pairing fails, check that your Roku is on, the batteries are fresh, and you are holding the button long enough for the light to flash.

Identify which Roku remote you need

Roku makes different remotes for different device types, and a remote designed for one type will not pair with another. Before you buy, you need to know what kind of Roku device you own.

If you have a Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Express, Roku Ultra, or Roku Premiere, you need a remote made for that specific model line. If you have a Roku TV (a television with Roku built in), you need a Roku TV remote, which is different. The easiest way to find out is to look at the device itself — the model name is usually printed on the back or bottom. You can also go to your Roku's Settings menu, select System, then About to see the exact model.

Once you know your model, search for "Roku remote [your model name]" on Amazon or the Roku website. The product page will confirm whether the remote is compatible. Roku also sells universal remotes that work with multiple device types, but these cost more and are only necessary if you own more than one Roku device.

Where to buy a replacement remote

Roku remotes are sold in several places, and prices are usually the same across retailers. Amazon typically has the widest selection and fastest shipping. Roku's official website (roku.com) sells remotes directly and sometimes bundles them with other accessories. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all carry Roku remotes in stock or available for online order.

Standard infrared remotes (the kind that point at your device like a TV remote) cost $15 to $25. Voice remotes, which let you search by speaking, cost $25 to $35. If your remote is still under warranty — usually one year from purchase — contact Roku support to ask about a replacement; they sometimes send a free remote if the original failed due to a defect rather than damage or loss.

Put batteries in the new remote

Most Roku remotes use two AAA batteries. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote by sliding or unclipping the cover, insert two fresh AAA batteries with the correct polarity (the + and − symbols inside the compartment show which way they go), and close the cover.

Use new batteries, not old ones. Old batteries can fail mid-pairing and make the process frustrating. If you do not have AAA batteries on hand, you can buy a pack at any grocery store, pharmacy, or convenience store for a few dollars.

Pair the remote to your Roku device

Make sure your Roku device is powered on and within 10 feet of where you are standing. Hold the remote so you can see the back of it. On the back, you will see a small button labeled "Pairing" or sometimes just a dot. Press and hold that button for 3 to 5 seconds. You should see a light on the remote start to flash or blink.

Keep holding the button until the light stops flashing and stays steady, or until you see a message on your TV screen that says the remote has been paired. This usually takes 5 to 10 seconds total. Once the light is steady or the message appears, release the button. Your remote is now paired and ready to use.

If nothing happens after 10 seconds, release the button, wait a few seconds, and try again. Make sure your Roku is actually on — if the screen is black, press the power button on the device itself or check that it is plugged in. Also check that the batteries are inserted correctly and are not dead.

Troubleshoot if pairing does not work

If the remote still does not pair after a second attempt, try these steps in order. First, remove the batteries from the remote, wait 10 seconds, and put them back in. Then try pairing again. Second, unplug your Roku device from power, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart before trying to pair. Third, move closer to the Roku device — sometimes distance or obstacles like furniture can interfere.

If pairing still fails, the remote itself may be defective. Contact the retailer where you bought it to return it for a replacement. If you bought it from Amazon or Roku directly, you can start a return through your account. Most retailers accept returns within 30 days.

What to do with your old remote

If your old remote still has batteries in it, remove them first — batteries should not sit in a device that is not being used. If the remote is broken but still has value as recycling material, check Earth911.org or call your local waste management to find an electronics recycling center near you. Many Best Buy locations also accept old electronics for recycling at no charge.

If the remote is just lost, you can still use your Roku without it. Download the Roku mobile app on your phone (available for iOS and Android), open it, select your Roku device, and use your phone as a remote. This works as long as your phone and Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Roku remote with a different Roku device than the one it came with?

Not usually. Roku remotes are paired to specific device types. A remote made for a Roku Streaming Stick will not pair with a Roku TV or a Roku Express. However, Roku does sell universal remotes that work across multiple device types if you own more than one Roku.

What if I lose my remote and do not want to buy a new one?

You can control your Roku using the official Roku mobile app on your smartphone. Download it from the App Store or Google Play, sign in with your Roku account, and select your device. Your phone will work as a remote as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Do I need to reset my Roku before pairing a new remote?

No. Pairing a new remote does not require any reset or settings change. Just hold the pairing button and your Roku will recognize it automatically. You do not need to touch your TV or Roku settings at all.

How long do Roku remotes usually last?

Most Roku remotes last several years with normal use. Buttons may wear out or become unresponsive after heavy use, and batteries need replacing every 6 to 12 months depending on how often you use the remote. If a remote fails within one year of purchase, Roku may replace it for free if the failure is due to a defect.

Can I buy a used Roku remote?

Yes, but be cautious. Used remotes sold on eBay or Facebook Marketplace may not pair to your device if they are already paired to someone else's Roku. Ask the seller whether the remote has been factory reset. You can also buy refurbished remotes directly from Roku, which come with a warranty and are may provide to work.