You can replace a Roku remote by buying a new one that matches your Roku device model, then pairing it through the Roku settings menu

Roku remotes wear out, get lost, or stop responding — and replacing one is straightforward. You need to buy a compatible remote (Roku sells them directly, and they're available through Amazon and other retailers), then pair it to your device through Settings > Remotes & devices > Remote. The whole process takes about five minutes.

The main thing to know upfront: not all Roku remotes work with all Roku devices. A remote made for a Roku Streaming Stick 4K won't pair with an older Roku 3, for example. Before you buy, you need to know which Roku model you own and which remote generation matches it.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your Roku model number in Settings > System > About before buying a replacement remote, because remotes are model-specific.
  • Roku sells official remotes on roku.com and through Amazon; third-party remotes exist but may not support all features like voice control.
  • Pairing a new remote takes one minute: go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remote and follow the on-screen prompts.
  • If pairing fails, restart your Roku device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try pairing again.

Identify your Roku model before buying

The first step is finding out which Roku device you own. Go to Settings > System > About on your Roku and write down the model number — it will look something like "4802" or "9102". This number tells you which remotes will work with your device.

Once you have the model number, visit roku.com/en/products/remotes and filter by your model. Roku lists which remotes are compatible with each device. You can also search your model number on Amazon to see what's available there. Roku's official remotes cost between $20 and $35 depending on the model and whether it includes voice control.

If you can't find the model number on your device itself, you can also check your Roku account at roku.com — log in and go to My Account > Devices to see what's registered there.

Choose between standard and voice-enabled remotes

Roku makes two main types of replacement remotes: standard IR (infrared) remotes and voice remotes. A standard remote has buttons for navigation and power. A voice remote has a microphone and lets you search by speaking — you press a button, say what you want to watch, and Roku searches for it across all your apps.

Voice remotes cost more (usually $10 to $15 extra) but work with most newer Roku models. If your original remote had a microphone button, a voice remote will work with your device. If it didn't, a voice remote may still pair, but the voice feature won't function.

Third-party remotes exist — brands like GE and Philips make universal remotes that work with Roku — but they typically don't support voice search or some Roku-specific features like the home button. Stick with an official Roku remote unless you specifically need a universal remote for other devices too.

Pair your new remote through the settings menu

Once your new remote arrives, turn on your Roku device and grab the remote. On your Roku, go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remote. Select Set up a new remote.

Your Roku will display a pairing code on the screen — usually a number between 1 and 9999. On your new remote, hold down the pairing button (usually on the back, near the batteries) for about 3 seconds until the light on the remote blinks. Then enter the pairing code using the remote's number buttons. The remote should pair within 10 seconds.

Once pairing is complete, test the remote by pressing a few buttons — the volume, home, and back buttons are good ones to try. If everything responds, you're done.

Troubleshoot if the remote won't pair

If the pairing code screen doesn't appear or the remote won't respond after pairing, the most common fix is to restart your Roku. Unplug the device from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once it boots up, try the pairing process again.

If the remote still won't pair, check that the batteries are fresh — a weak battery can prevent pairing. Remove the batteries, wait 10 seconds, reinsert them, and try again. If you're using a voice remote, make sure the microphone isn't covered or blocked.

If pairing still fails after a restart and fresh batteries, the remote itself may be defective. Contact Roku support through roku.com/support or check the retailer's return policy — most allow returns within 30 days if the remote doesn't work.

Set up your old remote as a secondary remote

If your original remote still works but you want a backup, you can pair both remotes to the same Roku device. Go through the pairing process again with your old remote — Roku will let you add it as a second remote. Both will control the same device, which is useful if one gets lost or the batteries die.

To remove a remote later, go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remote and select the remote you want to unpair. Choose Remove. The remote will no longer control that Roku device, though you can pair it again anytime.

Where to buy replacement remotes

Official Roku remotes are sold on roku.com, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Buying directly from Roku or Amazon usually means faster shipping and easier returns. Prices vary by model and retailer, but expect to pay $20 to $35 for a standard remote and $30 to $50 for a voice remote.

If you're buying from a third-party seller on Amazon, check the listing carefully to confirm it's compatible with your specific Roku model — the product title or description should mention your model number. Read the reviews to see if other users with your device had success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old Roku remote with a new Roku device?

Not always. Older remotes may not pair with newer Roku models, and newer remotes may not work with older devices. Check the compatibility list on roku.com for your specific model before assuming your old remote will work.

What if I lost my remote and don't have the pairing code?

You can still pair a new remote without the original pairing code. Go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remote > Set up a new remote and your Roku will generate a new pairing code on the screen. Use that code with your new remote.

Do I need the original remote to pair a new one?

No. You can pair a new remote using your Roku's on-screen menu, even if the original remote is lost or broken. You'll need to navigate the menu using your phone's Roku app or a different remote temporarily.

Will a universal remote work with my Roku?

Yes, many universal remotes work with Roku, but they typically don't support voice search or Roku-specific features. If you only need basic controls like volume and navigation, a universal remote will work. For full functionality, use an official Roku remote.

How long do Roku remotes usually last?

Most Roku remotes last several years with normal use. Battery life depends on how often you use it — expect to change batteries every 6 to 12 months. If a remote stops responding after battery changes, it may be time to replace it.