Roku is a streaming device that allows users to watch online content from various sources. It has become increasingly popular due to its ease of use and wide range of content streaming options.
While there is a multitude of Roku models, each includes a compatible remote which syncs to the device to enable user control.
This allows users to quickly connect their devices and start streaming without having to go through any complicated setup process.
Sometimes, you need to manually trigger the pairing button to sync the remote with the Roku.
However, there might be times when the pairing button is not functioning. Additionally, some new Roku devices don’t even feature a pairing button.
Therefore, knowing how to sync Roku without pairing buttons is a useful piece of knowledge for any Roku user.
See also: How to fix Roku remote volume not working
What Is a Pairing Button On a Roku For?
Before getting into the specifics of how to pair a Roku remote without a pairing button, let’s quickly address what a Roku pairing button does.
As its name implies, the pairing button allows you to “pair” your device’s remote to the Roku device in order to navigate around the menus.
In other words, pairing the Roku means being able to use the remote to control it.
How to Sync a Roku Remote Without a Pairing Button
Some Roku remotes have a small button emblemed with two intersecting lines to represent the pairing function.
However, many Roku models, especially more recent ones, do not feature a pairing button on the remote.
This is typically the easiest method since the lack of a pairing button means that the Roku remote pairs with a device it detects automatically.
On the rare occasion that the sync does not happen automatically, you can use a TV remote that uses the TV menu. This remote may also control the Roku menu.
You can either use it to navigate around the Roku interface, or you can navigate to Roku’s Setting menu, and choose the Pair Remote option. This will trigger an automatic sync with your Roku device.
How to Sync a Roku Remote Using a Smart Device
Roku takes into account a situation where a pairing fails and makes the official Roku app feature a fully functional Roku remote.
This app is an effective substitute for any type of Roku. It’s compatible with the majority of Roku models, and is available on both iOS and Android platforms.
The remote includes all the features of a proper Roku remote but also can allow pairing a remote with the device.
You can sync your Roku remote using a smart device via the following steps:
1. Download the official, free Roku App from your Google Play Store or Apple Store.
2. Log into the app with your Roku sign-in credentials.
3. One of the options presented will be a Remote option, so tap it to enter the remote functionality.
4. As long as you are in the proximity of the Roku device, the app’s remote will locate any nearby Rokus (yours) and pair to it.
You are now able to navigate around the Roku menu using the remote on the app. If this is convenient enough for you, you can stop here.
5. Use the app’s remote to go to the Roku Settings menu and find the Remotes and Devices option.
6. Keep your unpaired remote close to the Rokue device and ensure that there are fresh batteries in it, then select Pair New Device. This will trigger your Roku to start seeking out nearby remotes.
The remote will be identified and paired automatically with no need for the pairing button.
Do You Even Need an Actual Roku Remote?
Every Roku comes with a compatible remote that generally works well. As previously stated, users don’t need the Roku remote to operate their Roku device.
Those Rokus without pairing buttons on their remotes are designed to pair automatically. However, most of them are also compatible with almost all TVs through infrared sensors.
This means that the Roku will also seek out and pair to your TV’s remote in many situations. This allows you to simply use it to navigate around the Roku menu.
It is a little more challenging in menu access regards since the Roku remote is designed with certain features to help speed this up, but it is still entirely usable.
The more common and popular option is to simply use a smart device like a phone or tablet to either pair the compatible Roku remote or to just use the app instead of it.
Many users keep their phones nearby at all times. To use the Roku remote feature, they need to connect to the Roku app and navigate to the remote feature. This enables them to perform all the same functions as a typical remote would.
We hope this article was helpful in its explanation of how simple and quick the process of pairing a Roku is, even if the pairing button doesn’t function or is not included at all.
If the above steps don’t work, you may need to purchase a new Roku remote.
