The standard Roku remote is so small, it tends to get lost very often. I’ve lost mine in the fridge, in the bathroom, and of course, in the couch cushions. What do you do when you just can’t find that important piece of hardware that is the only thing that allows you to watch TV? Use these tips to find your Roku remote, and cope when you are without it.
Use Roku App
If you’re desperate, you can download and install the Roku app on your phone or tablet and use the remote feature in the app as a replacement until the remote is found.
Get the Roku mobile app at Roku’s website
Use the Find My Remote Feature
The Roku 4, Roku Ultra, and some TCL Roku TV models have the Find My Remote feature. If you have one of those models, you are in luck.
Simply use the find remote button. This button is located on the top of the Roku 4, and on the side of the Roku Ultra.
TCL Roku TV users can use the buttons physically on the TV to navigate the TV menus and choose “Input” > “Find Remote“.
Program a Universal Remote
If you have a universal remote control sitting around, you might be able to program it to work with your Roku. Modern universal remote controls typically support streaming boxes like the Roku 1, 2, 3, 4, Ultra, Express, and Premier. Check the documentation for your remote control to see if you can program it to work with a Roku or Roku TV. You can usually find documentation by searching the Internet for the make and model of the remote. Roku also provides a list of codes for common cable TV remotes. A common code for the Roku is 52371 or 53061.
Where do you find the make and model of a remote? It is usually printed in the battery compartment.
FAQ
Why isn’t the remote finder feature working for me?
The remote may have low batteries or is not compatible with the remote finding feature. Only remote controls with a speaker on the rear of the remote will work.
Also, try resetting the Roku and the remote by removing the batteries from the remote, waiting 10 seconds, then replacing the batteries.
How do I change the sound for remote finder?
On the Roku, navigate to “Settings” > “Remotes & devices” > “Remotes” > “Change remote finder sound“.
This tutorial is valid for all versions of the Roku including TCL Roku TV, Roku Ultra, Roku Streaming Stick, and Roku Streaming Bar.