How to Sync a Roku Remote Without Pairing Button (Complete Guide 2023)

Oskar Fällman

Updated on:

Roku Remote Without Pairing Button on wood table

The first thing to check is if it’s a Roku remote with Wi-Fi pairing that has a pairing button or if’s the simpler IR model. The IR doesn’t need to pair to your device but has a limited list of compatible systems.

When you are getting your Roku player from the store it’s already synced with the remote control outside the box. These are using the Roku voice remote (Wi-Fi), and if you need to replace the remote or resync then you have to pair it again with your player.

The IR remote works on two types of devices from Roku, the consols like the ultra, express, or premiere and the Roku TV line. Both these use an IR remote.

In the article below, we will take a detailed look at determining the type of remote and how to use one without the pairing button.

Do all Roku remotes have a pairing button?

No, not all Roku remotes have a pairing button. There are two types of remote controls from Roku and they are not compatible with all devices, Roku simple remote and Roku voice remote.

  • Roku simple remote (IR)
  • Roku voice remote (Wi-Fi)

The Roku IR remote uses an infrared light beam to control your Roku Console or TV. The IR remote does not have a pairing button and can be used with multiple devices at use IR. This means that it doesn’t work on a device like the  Roku Stick that needs a Wi-Fi remote.

The Roku voice remote is a Smart Roku remote control that connects with your device over a wireless network. It needs to be paired with a specific device to function, this is done with the pairing button that’s found in the battery compartment.

How to check the model of remote you have

The simplest way to check if the model is to look for a pairing button in the battery compartment. If there is a button then you have a Roku voice remote and if there is none then you have the IR Roku simple remote.

Roku Remote Pairing button
Image: Roku

To Pair a Roku Simple Remote (IR)

The Simple IR remote will only work with some specific Roku devices that use an infrared sensor to control it, like the Roku TVs. 

  1. Connect your Roku console to a TV and power it on
  2. Select the correct input source on your TV for your Roku player
  3. Insert batteries into the IR remote control
  4. Press on any button while pointing the remote to your Roku device
  5. Wait for a few seconds for the syncing process to complete
  6. You can now use your new remote.

Note: this doesn’t work for a device without an infrared detector like the Roku stick. These need the Roku Voice Remote with a wireless connection.

A simple remote is included with many Roku TV models and some streaming players such as the current generation Roku Express, Roku Express 4K, and Roku Premiere.

Roku Remote Manual

To Pair a Roku Voice Remote (Wi-Fi)

The Roku WiFi remote will work with most Roku players as it uses a Wi-Fi connection to control the device remotely. Here is how to pair it to your player. 

  1. Connect your Roku console to a TV and power it on
  2. Select the correct input source on your TV for your Roku player
  3. Insert batteries into the remote control (if needed)
  4. Press and hold the pairing button until the status light begins to flash.
    • Note: the pairing button is either inside the battery compartment or on the back of the remote
  5. Wait for a few seconds for the syncing process to complete
  6. You can now use your new remote.

Note: The pairing button and status light are located on the back of a rechargeable voice remote (such as the Roku Voice Remote Pro), and under the battery cover on a voice remote that uses AA or AAA batteries (such as the Roku Voice Remote and Roku Enhanced Voice Remote)

To use your smartphone as a Roku remote:

If you don’t have a remote for your Roku player then you most likely can use your smartphone as a remote instead. This can come in handy if you break or have ost your current remote. Here is how to connect your phone, iPhone or Android, to your Roku player.

  1. Download the Roku app to your specific Smartphone (iPhone AppStore or Android GooglePlay)
  2. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the Roku player
  3. Launch the Roku app and follow the on-screen set-up instructions
  4. Go to Devices
  5. Allow the app to find all the connected devices
  6. Select the Roku device you want to control
  7. Tap on the Remote icon
  8. You should now be able to control Roku right from your smartphone

Do all Roku remotes have a pairing button?

No, the Roku simple remote (IR) doesn’t have a pairing button like the Roku voice remote (Wi-Fi) range. All voice remotes have a small, circular “pairing” button located inside the battery compartment or on the back of the remote.

About Oskar Fällman

Oskar Fällman, founder of FallmanTech, is a seasoned Onewheel rider and a visionary system engineer with a master's in Industrial Management and Engineering from Lunds University. With thousands of miles under his belt, Oskar combines technical expertise with a passion for technology and innovation. As a leader in the Onewheel community, he not only rides Onewheel's but also prioritizes safety, new innovations and the growth of the sport. As a system engineer he also holds a multiple patents and innovations. LinkedIn, Academia profile, Contact, Twitter, Patents.