The pairing button on Roku remotes makes pairing a remote to your Roku player easy. But, if the pairing button is not functional or your remote does not include one, you may wonder how to pair it with your Roku player. Is there another way to sync a Roku remote?

  • Connect your smartphone and Roku player to the same WiFi network.Download the Roku app.Sign into your Roku account.Activate the “Remote” feature.Navigate to “Set Up a New Device.”

Below, we will discuss how you can sync your Roku remote without a functional pairing button. Keep reading to learn more!

Syncing a Roku Remote Without Using the Pairing Button

Sometimes, a Roku remote’s pairing button simply stops working. If you’re having trouble pairing your remote with your Roku receiver, you can manually set your Roku player to recognize and pair with it.

Connect your smartphone and Roku player to the same WiFi network, then download and launch the Roku app. After signing into your Roku account, activate the virtual remote and navigate to “Set Up a New Device” on your Roku home screen.

Below, we’ll discuss this process in more detail to make the setup as simple as possible.

Connect Your Smartphone and Roku Player to the Same WiFi Network

Before you can use the Roku app to navigate your Roku home screen and manually pair your remote, you’ll need to connect the phone you’ll be using the Roku app with to the same WiFi network as your Roku player.

If both devices are not on the same network, the app will not be able to sync with the Roku player.

Download the Roku App

Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, depending on your smartphone’s platform, to install the Roku app. The app is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets.

If you already have the app, update it to the latest version. You might have trouble syncing your remote with an outdated app.

Sign Into Your Roku Account

Since you already have a Roku player, it is safe to assume you have a Roku account. Launch the Roku app on your smartphone, then sign into your account using your credentials.

Activate the “Remote” Feature

Once you’re signed into the Roku app, you will see different options on the bottom panel of the screen. At the lower left of this panel, you will see “Remote.”

When you tap “Remote,” a control pad will appear on your screen, signifying that the digital remote has been activated.

Point the phone at your TV and test the controls to check if your phone and Roku player are connected. If it works smoothly, you can continue with the next step.

If not, check to be sure that you’re logged into the same Roku account on both your phone and your Roku player, then restart your router to refresh the connection. After fixing any technical problems, you should have no problem pairing the devices.

Once your remote app is connected to your TV, navigate the Roku home screen to sync your remote. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Go to “Settings.”Scroll down to “Remotes and Devices.”Press “Set Up a New Device.” In some Roku models, you might see “Pair New Devices” instead.Choose “Remote,” then “Continue.”

Your Roku streaming player will automatically search for the remote and pair it with it. Note that your remote will not sync if it is paired with another Roku player.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues with Your Roku Player

You can connect other Roku remotes to your Roku player with the same steps. But, if your Roku remote keeps disconnecting or cannot sync at all, try the fixes listed below:

  • Check if the pairing button’s status light still works. If not, the remote is likely faulty, and you might have to get a replacement.Change the batteries. A low battery level may prevent your remote from pairing with your player.Ensure the remote’s batteries are properly installed. The flat side of a battery should always be in line with the spring in the compartment.Reposition the Roku device if you’re using an IR remote. Obstructions may be the primary reason your Roku cannot sync with the remote.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to solve any problems that are preventing you from syncing your remote to your Roku player.

In Conclusion

Many users give up on pairing their remotes with their Roku devices when the pairing button fails to work. But luckily, you also have the option to pair your remote to your player manually.

If you are in such a dilemma, try manually syncing the remote using the Roku mobile app to navigate to the settings screen. This does require a few extra steps, but it often fixes the issue quickly.