It’s normal for anyone to panic when buying a new Roku remote but can’t find a pairing button. But if that happens to you, know that you are not at a dead end, as there are workable solutions you can DIY to fix the issue.
Sync your Roku remote without a pairing button by pointing its IR sensor to the TV’s receiver. Also, use the official Roku app or an HDMI-CEC controller to navigate the menu and sync the Roku remote control.
In this guide, we’re showing you how to sync Roku remote without a pairing button using three alternative methods. Plus, we’ve included a troubleshooting guide for resolving common Roku remote control issues so you can enjoy the show quickly.
How do I sync my Roku remote without the pairing button?
To sync a Roku remote, you must first know there are two different types of Roku remote controls. It’s incumbent on your part, therefore, to discern which model you’re getting.
The Roku simple remote control is equipped with an IR sensor and doesn’t have a dedicated pairing button. As such, syncing the Roku simple remote control is easy as you only need to point its IR sensor to the TV’s receiver to establish the connection.
Meanwhile, the Roku voice remote control comes with a dedicated pairing button. It’s a bit tricky as these remotes harbor the same buttons as your simple remote, except for the voice button that allows you to issue voice commands once pressed.
You’ll know you have a Roku voice remote control if it has a voice search and control button. The pairing button can be found on the back panel of the rechargeable Roku voice remote control or inside the battery compartment of the regular voice remote.
While the Roku’s simple remote control makes the syncing process easy, it’s not flawless. You may also experience some syncing issues with this remote control, and it might be more challenging to troubleshoot sans a dedicated pairing button.
If the simple remote control doesn’t sync properly due to an error, you might wonder how to sync the Roku remote without pairing button options available. We suggest using the methods below to sync your Roku remote without a pairing button.
FIX 1. Use the official Roku smartphone app to pair your remote.
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 9 |
| Time to Perform Fix | < 5 minutes |
| Things Needed | A mobile Android or iOS deviceA working internet connection |
Roku devices have a pairing option under the settings menu that lets you manually search for a compatible remote control nearby. The only issue is that you can’t operate your Roku device and navigate its menu if your remote isn’t synced.
Our recommended solution for this issue is use the official Roku app, which can serve as a temporary remote control to operate the device in a pinch.
Once it’s installed on your Android or iOS smartphone, use its remote control buttons to navigate the settings menu on your device. From there, you should be able to sync your Roku remote control that doesn’t have a pairing button.
Below is how to sync Roku remote without pairing button options using the official Roku app on a mobile Android or iOS device. Follow our instructions below step by step for downloading, installing, and using the Roku app on your smartphone.
| Step 1: Go to your phone’s Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download and install the official Roku app. |
Step 2: Launch the official Roku app on your Android or iOS phone and click the Devices tile on its menu panel. |
Step 3: Select the Roku device after it’s detected by the Roku app and wait until both devices are connected.  |
Step 4: Go to the Remote tile on the menu panel to access the app’s remote control function for the connected Roku device. |
Step 5: Use the Roku app’s remote control buttons to operate the Roku device. |
Step 6: Press the home button on the Roku app to go to the home screen. |
Step 7: Scroll down and click Settings to open the Roku device’s settings menu. |
Step 8: Select Remotes & devices to open the Roku device’s remote settings menu. |
Step 9: Select Pair new device or Set up a new device to sync your Roku remote. Wait as the Roku device searches for a nearby compatible remote control to sync with. |
A little patience can go a long way for you. Technically, it shouldn’t take that long for the Roku device to find a suitable remote nearby (assuming you’ve followed the steps above to the letter).
FIX 2. Use HDMI-CEC to pair sync your Roku remote.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Time to Perform Fix | < 1 minute |
| Things Needed | A Smart TV remote control |
The official Roku app isn’t the only alternative option to operate your Roku device and navigate its settings menu. Enable the HDMI-CEC feature on your Smart TV for its remote control to work on your Roku device and gain access to its menu.
Enabling HDMI-CEC allows you to do this since it gives your Smart TV control over the HDMI devices connected to it. In doing so, you can operate various HDMI devices using only your Smart TV remote control as the master control option.
| WARNING: Using the HDMI-CEC feature will only work if you’re using a Roku stick or player plugged into a Smart TV’s HDMI port. You can’t use this method if you own a TV model with a built-in Roku OS installed instead. |
With this, you can access the settings menu of your Roku device and set up the remote pairing process from there. This method is very similar to the first one, with their only difference being the alternative remote control option.
Please note that the HDMI-CEC feature will have a different name depending on your Smart TV’s manufacturer. You can refer to the table below for the different names the HDMI-CEC feature is known in various popular Smart TV brands.
| TV Brands and Manufacturers | Name For Their HDMI-CEC Feature |
| AOC | E-Link |
| Insignia | INlink |
| LG | Simplink |
| Mitsubishi | NetCommand |
| Onkyo | RIHD |
| Panasonic | VIERA Link/EZ-Sync/HDAVI Control |
| Pioneer | Kuro Link |
| Runco International | RuncoLink |
| Samsung | Anynet+ |
| Sharp | Aquos Link |
| Sony | BRAVIA Link/BRAVIA Sync |
| Toshiba | Regza Link/CE-Link |
| Vizio | CEC |
Aside from different HDMI-CEC names, the process of enabling it may also vary due to the differences in Smart TV menu layout.
If you have a Samsung Smart TV, follow the steps in this guide (anynet hdmi cec) to learn how to connect it to Anynet+.
Once that’s set up, use your HDMI-CEC remote to operate your Roku device and sync its remote. To do this, follow these steps:
| Step 1: Press the home button on the Roku app to go to the home screen. |
| Step 2: Scroll down and click Settings to open the Roku device’s settings menu. |
| Step 3: Scroll down and click the Remotes & devices option to open the Roku device’s remote settings menu. |
| Step 4: Scroll down and click Pair new device or Set up a new device to sync your Roku remote. |
| Step 5: Wait as the Roku device searches for a nearby compatible remote control to sync with. |
Again, a little patience can go a long way. It shouldn’t take long for your Roku streaming device to find your HDMI-CEC remote.
FIX 3. Sync the Roku remote from the setting’s “Pair Remote” option.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Time to Perform Fix | < 30 seconds |
| Things Needed | TV physical button controls |
This last method also syncs the Roku remote without pairing button options available using the same premise as the previous two methods. Again, you’ll have to do this by navigating to the settings menu of your Roku device to set up the remote control.
However, instead of using the Roku app or an HDMI-CEC controller, you’ll instead use the physical buttons on your TV. Therefore, this method only applies if your TV has physical button controls that let you navigate the Roku device’s settings menu.
| Step 1: Power on your TV and wait until you’re on the Roku home screen. |
| Step 2: Scroll down and click Settings to open the Roku device’s settings menu. |
| Step 3: Scroll down and click the Remotes & devices option to open the Roku device’s remote settings menu. |
| Step 4: Scroll down and click Pair new device or Set up a new device to sync your Roku remote. |
| Step 5: Wait as the Roku device searches for a nearby compatible remote control to sync with. Note: The syncing or pairing process between the Roku device and its remote control should happen automatically. Otherwise, your Roku remote control is faulty and requires troubleshooting. |
How to Troubleshoot Common Issues With the Roku Remote
Some common and known issues can cause your Roku remote to stop working and syncing with your Roku device. You can apply the troubleshooting techniques listed below to resolve the most common problems with your Roku remote.
ISSUE 1. The Roku Remote Isn’t Working or Syncing
Roku remote not working or syncing is a common issue that most Roku users have to deal with. The remote control of Roku devices has a green light indicator that blinks to let you know it’s in pairing mode, indicating a pairing issue.
Usually, the green indicator light will stop blinking after a few seconds once the remote control successfully pairs or syncs to the Roku device. Unfortunately, this indicator light won’t stop blinking green in the case of a Roku remote syncing issue.
There are two quick and easy ways to troubleshoot a Roku remote that isn’t working or syncing with your TV. To do this, you must restart your Roku device and soft reset the remote control by removing and reinserting its batteries.
The troubleshooting methods below are also effective if it’s hard to sync Roku remote without pairing button options to your TV. After all, the blinking green light issue is a common cause of pairing and syncing issues on Roku remote controls.
Unplug your Roku device from the power source to restart it without a remote.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 3 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 1 minute and 5 seconds |
| Things Needed | A Roku TV remote controlA working power outlet |
Step 4: Unplug the power cable of the Roku TV from the power outlet to turn it off. |
Step 5: Press and hold the power button of the Roku TV for at least 60 seconds to discharge any residual electrical energy. Note: The location of the power button on a Roku TV varies depending on the device’s manufacturer. For example, Hisense might place their device’s power button in a different location than where TLC might place it on their devices. |
Step 6: Plug the power cable of the Roku TV back into the power outlet to power it back on. Note: You can press the power button on the Roku TV if plugging it into the power outlet doesn’t automatically turn it back on. |
Remove and reinsert the batteries of your Roku remote to soft reset it.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 6 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 20 seconds |
| Things Needed | A Roku TV remote control |
Step 1: Flip to the back panel of the Roku TV remote control and press the 3-line arrow to apply a small pressure on it. |
Step 2: Slide the back cover of the Roku remote control to the direction pointed by the 3-line arrow to open the battery compartment. |
Step 3: Remove the AAA batteries inside the Roku remote control’s battery compartment to turn it off. Note: It’s also advisable to clean the battery compartment before reinserting the AAA batteries to eliminate any dirt or dust buildup that may cause issues. |
Step 4: Reinsert the AAA batteries inside the Roku TV remote control’s battery compartment to turn it back on. |
Step 5: Reinstall the back cover to close the Roku remote control’s battery compartment. |
| Step 6: Point the IR sensor of the Roku remote control to the TV to sync both devices. Note: The blinking green light should stop if the pairing or syncing process succeeds. |
ISSUE 2. Overheating Roku Remote
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 9 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 1 minute and 20 seconds |
| Things Needed | A Roku TV remote controlA working power outlet |
For some reason, Roku remote controls might also experience overheating issues during use. As with any device, the easiest and safest way to combat overheating is to stop using your Roku remote control and allow it to cool itself down naturally.
You can do this by removing the batteries on your Roku remote control, as power sources will generate heat when powering the device. You must also keep your Roku remote control away from heat sources such as direct sunlight or cooking stoves.
Please remember that if the batteries appear corroded, you should refrain from touching them. We suggest using a pair of safety gloves when handling them.
Follow these steps to help your Roku TV remote cool down:
| Step 1: Flip to the back panel of the Roku TV remote control and press the 3-line arrow to apply a small pressure on it. |
| Step 2: Slide the back cover of the Roku remote control to the direction pointed by the 3-line arrow to open the battery compartment. |
| Step 3: Remove the AAA batteries inside the Roku remote control’s battery compartment. Note: It’s also advisable to clean the battery compartment before reinserting the AAA batteries to eliminate any dirt or dust buildup that may cause issues. |
| Step 4: Leave your Roku remote control in a well-ventilated area and away from heat sources. |
| Step 5: Reinsert the AAA batteries inside the Roku TV remote control’s battery compartment. |
| Step 6: Reinstall the back cover to close the Roku remote control’s battery compartment. |
| Step 7: Point the IR sensor of the Roku remote control to the TV to sync both devices. Note: The blinking green light should stop if the pairing or syncing process succeeds. |
FAQs about Syncing Roku Remote
How do I reset my Roku remote?
Removing the batteries inside your Roku remote control and reinserting them afterward is the only way to reset it. This quick and easy way is also an effective solution whenever the remote is malfunctioning due to a minor issue.
When should I buy a new Roku remote?
If troubleshooting is unsuccessful, it’s the best time to buy a new Roku remote control and replace the faulty one. Sometimes, letting go of your old Roku remote is the best thing you can do, saving you from unnecessary headaches.
After all, troubleshooting your Roku remote can be a stressful affair. This is especially true if no amount of troubleshooting can fix the recurring issues on your Roku remote control.
Luckily, the Roku Voice Remote Pro is a good replacement, as it’s designed to work with any Roku TV. However, the official app remains the most reliable universal remote option as it works compatible with all Roku devices.
How do I manually pair my Roku remote?
Go to the Roku Settings > Remote & devices > Pair new device or Set up a new device to pair your Roku remote manually. If your Roku remote control has a pairing button, press it and move it closer to your TV.
Can I set up Roku without a remote?
You can set up Roku without a working remote control. You can instead download and install the official Roku app and use it as your temporary remote control for setting up your Roku device.
Where is the pairing button on the Roku remote?
There are two possible locations for the pairing button on the Roku remote control. If it has a rechargeable battery, the pairing button will be at the back.
Roku remote controls with removable AAA batteries will have a pairing button hidden inside the battery compartment.
How do I pair my Roku with another remote?
The Set up a new device option under the Roku Remote & Devices menu is where you add and pair another remote control. Ensure your new remote control is already in pairing mode so your Roku device can detect and pair with it.
How do I find my Roku remote if it’s not paired?
Move your Roku remote closer to your TV and ensure you have pressed its pairing button if it has one. Doing so will enter your Roku remote control into pairing mode, allowing your device to detect it while it’s nearby.
