How to Sync Roku Remote without Pairing Button?

Syncing your Roku remote without a pairing button can seem like a challenging task, but fear not! Whether you have lost your original remote or are using a replacement remote that doesn’t have a pairing button, there are alternative methods available to get your Roku remote up and running.

We will list down step-by-step instructions on how to sync your Roku remote without a pairing button or if the button is not working. By following these simple and effective techniques, you’ll be able to regain control of your Roku device or TV.

Usage of the Pairing Button on Roku TV Remotes

The purpose of a pairing button on a Roku remote is to establish a connection between the remote and your Roku device or TV. You will press the pairing button on the remote till a light appears on the top of your remote and then the remote will be paired with your device or TV. This process ensures that the remote is only synced with the intended device or TV, preventing it from controlling other devices or TVs nearby.

Types of Roku Remotes

The process to sync your Roku remote without a pairing button depends upon the type of the remote, so, let’s understand these types first. There are two types of Roku remotes

1. IR Remotes
2. RF Remotes

IR Remotes

The Roku Simple Remote, also known as an IR (Infrared) remote, is the most basic type of Roku remote available. These remotes do not require pairing and automatically connect or sync with your Roku device or TV. Consequently, they do not feature a pairing button. To operate a Roku Simple Remote, merely point it directly at your TV or device. It must be in the line of sight for the commands to be received correctly. It’s worth noting that these remotes typically do not come with Roku devices; they are usually purchased separately as replacement remotes by customers.

It’s important to keep in mind that Roku Simple Remotes are only compatible with devices or TVs that support IR functionality. This includes Roku consoles like Express, Ultra, or Premiere, as well as box devices. However, these remotes will not sync with Roku sticks that rely on Wi-Fi connectivity. While it is uncommon, certain older IR remotes may have a pairing button, although this is a rarity.

RF Remotes

RF (Radio Frequency) remotes are also known as voice remotes, smart remotes, Wi-Fi remotes, or enhanced remotes. These remotes operate using radio or Wi-Fi signals. These remotes offer convenient features such as being able to operate the TV or device without needing to point the remote directly at them, earning them the nickname “point anywhere remotes.” They can be used from different rooms within range.

To ensure exclusive pairing with a specific TV or device, RF remotes generally come equipped with a pairing button. This button is commonly located on the back of the remote or within its battery compartment. However, in some rare instances, certain models of RF remotes may not have a dedicated pairing button. Instead, a combination of buttons can be used to initiate the pairing process for such remotes.

TV or Device Remote

It is worth noting that if the word “TV” is written anywhere on the remote, it indicates that the remote is capable of controlling both your Roku device and your TV. In this case, you can use the remote to control the functions of both devices. However, if the remote does not have the “TV” label, it will solely operate the Roku device and will not have the capability to control your TV.

Check the Type of Remote

To determine the type of remote you have and proceed accordingly to sync the remote without a pairing button, follow these steps:

1. Examine your remote for a button that displays a microphone symbol or a magnifying glass. If you find either of these symbols on your remote, it indicates that you have a Wi-Fi or RF remote.

   

2. Conversely, if your remote does not feature the microphone or magnifying glass symbol, it is most likely an IR remote.
3. Additionally, check if your remote has a key with a crescent moon symbol. This is another characteristic of an IR remote.

   

4. Another identifying feature of IR remotes is the transparent plastic piece located on the front of the remote, known as an IR blaster.

   

Once the type of remote is identified, proceed with the appropriate syncing method for your specific remote as discussed below. 

To Sync an IR Roku remote

1. Connect your Roku device to a TV and power on both devices.
2. Make sure the correct input source is selected on your TV. For this, you can use the Input button on the TV. 

   

3. Put batteries into the IR Roku remote and point the remote to the TV.
4. Press any button on the remote and wait for a few seconds.
5. Syncing will be done and you can use your remote without a pairing button.

To Sync an RF Remote

You can use the pairing button on the RF remote to pair it with the device or TV. But if the button is not present or not working, then you can use the following easy methods to do so.

Use the Remote Buttons

1. Power on your TV or device and hold down the following buttons on the remote:

   Back
   
   Home

2. Wait till the top light flashes green (around 5 seconds) and the RF remote will be paired with your TV or device. On some remotes, this combination may be different and you may need to check the user manual to find the exact combination. 

   

Use the Roku App

For this option to work, your smartphone and the Roku device or TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

1. Install the iOS Roku app or Android Roku app on your smartphone.
2. Launch the Roku app and log in using the same credentials as used on the Roku.

   

3. Go to Devices and search for all the Roku devices connected to your Wi-Fi network. 
4. Select the required Roku device and use the app to go to Settings > Remote & Devices > Set up a New Device.

   

5. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the process and now your remote will be synced without a pairing button.

By Using a Browser Extension

If you do not have your smartphone at hand or it is not connected to the same Wi-Fi as the Roku device, you can use a browser extension on your PC, given that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi as the Roku.

1. Install a Roku remote browser extension such as Remoku extension for Chrome.
2. Launch the extension by clicking its icon in the browser and then open Settings.
3. Scan for the Roku device. This may take time. If you manually know the IP address of the Roku device, manually entering the IP will speed up the process. You can find the IP of your Roku device through the router settings. 
4. Once found, go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Set up a New Device.

   

5. Use the prompts on the screen to complete the process and you will successfully pair your Roku remote with the TV or device.

By Using the TV Buttons

If you do not have Wi-Fi or the Roku device is not connected to the Wi-Fi, you can use the physical buttons (if present) of the TV to pair the remote.

1. Power on the TV and Roku device.
2. Use the TV buttons to navigate to Settings > Remote & Devices > Set up a New Device.
3. Follow the prompts on your screen to complete the pairing process and you will be done.

If you can borrow a Roku remote compatible with your setup, you can also use it to pair the problematic remote by following the steps above.

Try Another Remote

If the Roku remote still does not work, try using another Roku remote (borrowed from a friend or family member) or get a Roku remote compatible with your TV and device. Make sure the problematic remote does not work with any other device. If it does, then the problem may lie with the TV or Roku itself, and it is recommended to reach out to their respective support teams.

If you have any inquiries or suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comments section for further discussion.