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When trying to replace a lost or broken Roku remote, you can quickly fall down a rabbit hole of options. Between Roku’s various replacement remotes, apps that turn your phone into a remote, and countless unofficial alternatives, the best choice isn’t always obvious. This guide will help you sort through the possibilities. For Roku players that are more than a few years old, you might want to replace the Roku itself, as a new device might not cost much more than the remote alone. I recently wrote a guide to help you choose between Roku models. But for Roku smart TVs or recently purchased players, replacing the remote makes more sense. Read on for your options. First, troubleshoot a misbehaving Roku remoteBefore you replace your Roku remote, try fixing the one you already have. Roku itself has an extensive support guide, but here are the main takeaways:
If none of that works, and you’re no longer eligible for a replacement under warranty, it’s time to consider swapping out the remote. Option 1: Roku’s official replacement remotesFrom left to right: Roku’s Simple Remote, Voice Remote, and Voice Remote Pro Roku Roku currently sells three replacement remotes, but not all of them are compatible with every Roku model.
Option 2: Replace a physical remote with the Roku appRoku’s mobile app offers a virtual remote and quick video launch options. Jared Newman / Foundry If you’d rather not buy another remote, you can always use Roku’s mobile app for iOS and Android. It offers on-screen buttons that mimic an actual Roku player, along with shortcuts to quickly launch apps and content. You can also connect a set of headphones or earbuds to your phone for private listening. Just note that you’ll need to set up HDMI-CEC on your TV or use a separate remote to turn the TV on. A word of caution: Unofficial Roku remote apps run rampant in the iOS and Android app stores, and many of them either demand payment or bombard you with ads. Avoid these options and use the links above to get the real deal. An exception: Reelgood’s iOS and Android apps are a great alternative way to control your Roku. You can create a watchlist for tracking your favorite shows, launch content directly on the Roku, and access an on-screen remote for basic controls. Option 3: Replace your remote with an unofficial Roku remoteGeneric Roku remote replacements, like this one from a brand called “LOUTOC,” are readily available on Amazon.Amazon Look on Amazon, and you’ll find countless lookalike Roku remote replacements from obscure vendors, some selling for less than $10. None of them support voice control, however, and device compatibility can vary. Most of these remotes, for instance, only support an infrared connection, so they have no pairing process and are incompatible with Roku’s Streaming Stick models. Others, meanwhile, are only compatible with Roku TVs, and not with any Roku players. Read the descriptions carefully, and make sure these devices are eligible for return if you end up buying the wrong remote. A premium option: If you don’t mind spending a bit more, I recommend One for All’s $25 Streamer Remote, which I wrote about a couple of years ago. This programmable infrared remote works with Roku TVs from TCL, Hisense, Sharp, and others. It also supports the Roku Express and the Roku Ultra, but like the cheaper remotes above, it doesn’t support Roku’s Streaming Sticks. One for All’s Streamer Remote is full of extra features, though you have to program itJared Newman / IDG One for All’s remote has lots of neat features that aren’t available on Amazon’s cheaper lookalikes, including backlit keys, an input switcher, macro support, and channel up/down buttons for your TV antenna. You can also program it to control a TV, AV system, and a Roku player, all with a single remote. In my testing, the IR emitter works from up to 20 feet away, and the remote has a hefty feel with comfy, rubberized buttons. On the downside, setting it up involves programming some key codes found in a printed manual. And like the cheaper options above, it doesn’t support voice control. Choose wiselyAs I’ve written before, the remote control can make or break the entire streaming experience, being the thing you interact with more than anything else. Whatever replacement you choose, make sure you enjoy using it. Check out my Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter to get more streaming TV advice in your inbox every Friday. Jared Newman has been helping folks make sense of technology for over a decade, writing for PCWorld, TechHive, and elsewhere. He also publishes two newsletters, Advisorator for straightforward tech advice and Cord Cutter Weekly for saving money on TV service. Which Roku remotes have a pairing button?The Roku Voice Remote has a pairing button, but if it's not working, you can use your smartphone to control the Roku. Roku's Simple Remote doesn't have a pairing button and doesn't need to be paired, because it uses infrared.
What if my Roku remote doesn't have a pairing button?Use the Roku Controller App
The Roku controller app is an all-in-one system that helps you control the Roku device even if you don't have a Roku remote. It also allows you to pair a Roku remote with the device in case its pairing button is damaged.
Can I get a replacement remote for my Roku stick?Option 1: Roku's official replacement remotes
Roku currently sells three replacement remotes, but not all of them are compatible with every Roku model. Roku Simple Remote ($15): This basic Roku remote uses an infrared emitter that requires line-of-sight to the Roku, so it's won't work Roku's Streaming Stick models.
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