Lost Roku Remote? We Have an Easy Quick Fix and Alternative
As long as remotes have existed for us to lose, we have found new and interesting ways to lose them (did you check in your refrigerator?). But now with new and more complicated devices, like the Roku streaming device, we have even more remotes to misplace. If you’re facing the all-too-common issue of a lost Roku remote control, then don’t fear! Help is here.
Even if you have a lost Roku remote and your Roku can’t connect to WiFi, we have a few fixes that are sure to get your Roku streaming once again.
Follow the troubleshooting and Roku remote recovery steps below to get back to streaming with your Roku.
Courtesy of Smart DNS Proxy Youtube
Use Roku Mobile App
- Open the Roku app on your device (Make sure to connect your phone to the same Wifi network as your Roku).
- Go to the Remote section and click on the “Lost your Remote?” option.
- Finally select “Ping Remote”, making your lost remote play a sound for 60 seconds.
Press the Remote Finder Button
Devices like the Roku Ultra have a button called “Lost Remote Finder”. It can be found on the top or side of the Roku device. Once clicked your lost remote will play a sound for 60 seconds, click the button again if you have yet to find your lost remote
Roku Voice Remote Pro Voice Command
This works only if you have the Roku Voice Remote Pro with the hands-free switch turned on. Use a clear voice and say “Hey Rokue, Where is my remote?” With luck and your remote heard you, it will make a sound for 60 seconds.
Use Roku App for Android and iPhone
Most likely, unless something drastic happened like you dropped your Roku remote in the fish tank or your dog ate it, that Roku remote is going to show up sooner or later. Sometimes, all you really need is something to help you keep watching content until one day you move the couch and find it under a pile of dust bunnies. If that’s the case for you, then you need to get the FREE Roku app for your phone!
The Official Roku App is actually super useful! It does a few really important things for us.
Roku Remote App Alternatives
If the original doesn’t have exactly what you’re looking for, sometimes you can find it from third-party developers who have more of an incentive to listen to what users really want. It never hurts to look at the competitors to see what else is out there if you have a lost roku remote.
- The Roku App (Official) (Google Play Store and iOS)
These apps are third-party spin-offs of the official Roku app:
- Roku Remote Control: RoSpikes (on Google Play Store)
- Roku Remote Control: RoByte (also on Google Play Store and iOS)
NOTE: Roku Relay is not a Roku remote app. It’s an app to set up a device called Roku Relay
How to Use Roku Remote App
1. Begin by downloading and installing the Roku app. It’s accessible on both the Google Play Store for Android devices and the Apple App Store for iOS devices like iPhones.
2. Open the app and follow the setup instructions displayed on the screen. If you’re using the Roku app for the first time, you’ll need to agree to the terms of service and complete a brief tutorial.
3. Tap on the Devices option, which you’ll find at the bottom of the screen. If this is your first time using the app, you’ll need to press OK to allow the app to find your Roku devices.
4. Select your Roku device from the list.
5. Next, tap the Remote icon, represented by a plus-shaped symbol when you select your device.
6. You can now use the app’s remote feature to control your TV. Ensure that both your smartphone and Roku device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for uninterrupted control.
Connect Roku via Ethernet & Use Phone App
This is a great solution if you’re also having trouble connecting your Roku to WiFi (sometimes, when it rains it pours). Your WiFi will still need to work for other devices, but it does let you get around pesky Roku WiFi connection problems.
Another upside is that cable connections are frequently faster and much more reliable than wireless connections, so you may see improvements to your Roku’s speed after you implement this solution.
To get started you’ll need to:
- Make sure that your Roku has an Ethernet port
- Connect your Roku to your cable modem or router using an Ethernet cable
- Use the Roku app to control your device
Since your phone should be connected to your WiFi already (same network as the Roku) the two devices should be synced up just fine. If you need help getting your Roku to connect to WiFi, we’d recommend taking a look at our article for some extra guidance: Roku Not Connecting to WiFi.
Buy a New Roku (Remote)
It’s never the first or the preferred choice, but if everything else has failed, your remaining option may be to consider purchasing a new Roku Remote. Fortunately, a replacement remote is not too pricey, and you’ll only need to spend $20 to get a new Roku Remote on Amazon.
Although, counter-intuitively, it’s a better deal to just buy an entirely new Roku remote that comes with a remote. If you haven’t bought a new Roku TV in a while, it might be a good time to consider upgrading your hardware. So consider purchasing a new Roku and just using the remote from that – or replace your old Roku with the new one.
If buying a new Roku TV remote is still not an option you want to entertain, it is possible that your old one may still be covered under Roku’s warranty. Contact tech support to find out.
Rare Case: Use a Phone With an IR Blaster
If you have a smartphone that has an IR blaster (which is uncommon these days), you can use an app called Remote For Roku – WiFi and IR to operate your Roku. This should also work for any device that takes an Infrared signal (such as Firestick).
It’s a really handy trick if you happen to have the right equipment.
Control Roku with Computer
Some folks just aren’t big mobile users, and that’s ok. There’s a solution for you too! It just happens that you’re able to use your computer to control your Roku using a Chrome web app called Roku URL Player and Remote.
As you might guess, you’ll need to download Google Chrome in order to take advantage of this solution, but it’s a solid browser and absolutely worth taking out for a test drive if you’re not using it already.
Bonus: Common Roku Problems and Their Fixes
Your Roku might seem fancy with its voice-activated configurations and features. However, you might still face the following common issues.
Connectivity Problems on Your Roku Remote
If your movie or audio quality is low, you’re dealing with Wi-Fi troubles. Additionally, if your Roku is slow to respond to inputs or you see “not connected,” you are dealing with the same issue. Hence, the obvious way to start is by checking the Wi-Fi signal strength.
Go to Settings > Network to monitor the validity of your Internet connection. The signal strength will be indicated as Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor, assuming a genuine connection to Wi-Fi. Of course, you must aim to better it if it’s Fair or Poor.
Moving your TV isn’t a possibility very often, but shifting the Roku itself may be beneficial. However, we would advise first repositioning it to see if that helps. Because Roku Sticks are usually plugged directly onto the TV, moving them is more complex. However, an HDMI extension cord can provide you with extra space.
Moreover, if your smartphone, tablet, or computer is connected to Wi-Fi in the same approximate area as your Roku, it indicates a password issue. Therefore, check the network settings on your Roku and try again.
What’s Error 009?
Roku error number 009 indicates that your device is connected to your network but cannot connect to the Internet. Hence, restart your Roku device if your other Wi-Fi equipment is working fine.
If the other gadgets cannot join, consider restarting your broadband and router before restarting your devices. If all else fails, notify your Network provider.
If moving your Roku streaming stick isn’t an option, consider switching your Wi-Fi router or, if it has any, modifying its external antennae. Even minor adjustments to your modem can significantly influence the way wireless signals travel throughout your home.
So if you’re having Wi-Fi issues with one or more gadgets in your house (not including your Roku), it might be time to switch to a new router.
A mesh network may be your best option if your home is large. Similarly, it’s also suitable if numerous partitions and windows between your media devices and your network. Your primary network will transmit to various smaller “nodes” across your home with a mesh network.
A gadget like a Roku will have a simpler link to one of your new network’s satellite nodes than it will with the main router.
Roku Remote HDMI Issues
Another frequent Roku issue is the use of HDMI cords. A “handshake” is required when multiple devices connect over HDMI. In most cases, the handshake governs the link without issue once it is established.
However, the handshake may not occur every time the devices connect, or the handshake may be stopped.
This can result in various issues, including black screens, flashing visuals, and HDCP error warnings. As with many problems, powering everything down, removing and reinserting the HDMI cord ends into each machine, and then restarting is a dependable repair.
Overheating Roku
Your Roku device can overheat if it is set on top of other apparatus or in an unventilated area. If this happens, an on-screen warning message will make it into the top right part of your screen. In addition, some Roku devices, such as the Roku Ultra and Roku Express, feature a front LED that turns solid red when overheating.
If your gadget overheats, switch it off immediately, unhook the power, and unplug any cables. Reconnect it and power it up after waiting at least ten minutes. If the solid red indicator or warning message appears again, repeat the steps above.
If this continues, you should approach Roku Support because it could imply a more severe issue with your device.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your lost roku remote does not have to ruin your streaming experience. The official Roku software for your smartphone can replace the remote, providing additional functionality such as a virtual keyboard and instant channel installation.
Simple troubleshooting methods, including as withdrawing and reinserting the batteries, re-pairing the remote, or performing a hard reset, can often resolve unresponsive remotes. Connecting your Roku via Ethernet and utilizing the app, or using a phone with an IR blaster, are also viable options.
If these options fail, you may need to purchase a new Roku remote or device. Creative alternatives, such as using a WiFi hotspot to deceive your Roku, can be useful in a pinch.
Addressing common issues like connectivity problems, HDMI faults, and overheating with simple troubleshooting ensures that when you find your lost Roku remote continues to function properly.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to get back to streaming quickly!