Does the blinking light on Roku remote interrupt your streaming? Stay with us!
When the Roku remote is flashing green light, typically means that the device is unpaired from the TV/streaming stick.
In order to solve the blinking light, make sure the remote is receiving power and perform a thorough inspection of the Roku setup.
Let’s start with unwrapping the most important questions first!
Green Light Blinking On Roku Remote – Explained!
The blinking light of the Roku remote is the primary indicator that displays the activity of the remote.
The blinking green indicator means that the Roku remote is in Pairing Mode and ready to connect with a receiver.
Therefore, the reason for this problem could be anything that impacts the remote’s pairing to the Roku TV or streaming stick.
Top 6 Reasons For Flashing Light On Roku Remote
- The batteries of the Roku remote expired
- The pairing of the remote was interrupted
- There’s an issue with the Roku TV/stick
- Interference exists in your Roku setup
- The remote’s buttons are faulty or stuck
- Outdated Roku firmware (Operating System)
How to Solve Blinking Green Light On Roku Remote?
1. Pair the Remote *Correctly*
The very first step that we should undertake is to sync the remote to the Roku device.
This problem could have been incidental or rather a one-time occurrence that should go away after simply reconnecting the remote to the Roku TV or stick.
Here’s how to pair a Roku remote in easy steps:
- Ensure your remote has batteries inserted.
- Turn on your TV and Roku device.
- Press the Pair button on the Roku remote!
- Keep holding the pairing button for 5 seconds.
- Wait for a prompt to appear on your Roku.
Info: When Roku detects the remote, a message should appear on the screen of your TV that contains pairing information.
The message will say “Successful” when it’s complete.
2. Reseat or Replace the Batteries!
Moving on, we will inspect the batteries of the Roku remote. The first thing that should come to mind when our Roku remote is flashing in green is, precisely, the batteries.
If they are starting to wear out, the remote will keep unpairing until it stops working completely.
- The Roku remote uses either 2 x AA or AAA alkaline batteries!
Reseat the batteries that are already inside your Roku, as you switch their position. That should be enough to give them at least a couple more days of life.
However, mind replacing the batteries with a fresh pair as soon as possible, if you don’t have any at home right now.
Choosing a The Right Battery!
When looking for a battery for the Roku remote, we strongly recommend getting something that would last such as Duracell Optimum AAA Alkaline.
3. Power Cycle Roku Setup!
Our next course of action is to reboot the Roku device as we add a “power cycle” to the equation.
With the power cycle, we’ll achieve a refresh of the Roku’s both hardware and software, only by interrupting the power supply of the device for several minutes.
Power Cycle Roku TV/Stick:
- Turn off the Roku TV or streaming stick.
- Disconnect the Roku stick from the TV.
- Wait for at least 2-3 minutes for the reboot.
- Reconnect the stick or turn on the Roku TV.
Power Cycle Roku Remote:
- Take the batteries out of your remote.
- Press all buttons on the remote for 2 seconds.
- Tap and hold the Pairing button for 20 seconds.
- Reinsert the batteries in the Roku remote.
- Wait for the device to fully reboot.
Reminder: Use the guide in step #1 to pair the Roku remote!
4. Resolve Wireless Interference!
Interference can be caused by plenty of factors and can disrupt the communications between the Roku remote and the receiver.
Interference as it is can exist in two types – “physical” (caused by solid objects) and “wireless” (caused by other electronic devices).
Let’s learn all about physical and wireless interference in the table below!
| Physical interference | Wireless interference | Solution? |
| Distance (proximity) | Electronic devices | Roku relocation |
| Obstructions (furniture) | Conflict in frequency | Clear line of sight |
| Reflections (sunlight) | Signal strength impact | Prevent Overheating |
| Dust (accumulation) | Remote (IR) receivers | Roku maintenance |
Tip: Move away other Roku devices/streaming sticks/TVs that could also accept signals!
5. Check The Internet/WiFi
Even though the Roku remote doesn’t require WiFi for basic tasks such as controlling the menu and playback, the itinerant can have an impact.
Some of the features such as private listening and voice search, do require the Roku to be connected to the internet.
- When the Roku goes offline, the remote will blink as an indication!
Hence, you’ll need to reboot your router to restore the WiFi’s consistency and call your ISP in case you’ve identified further networking issues.
6. Clean the Roku Remote
There’s a chance that debris has fallen within the hardware of the Roku remote, obstructing the movement of the buttons inside.
If that’s the case, you’ll be unable to pair the remote to the Roku and the blinking light on Roku remote will indicate the problem.
- To clean the Roku remote, you must disassemble the device apart!
Follow these instructions to clean the Roku remote internally and externally:
- Open the compartment and eject the batteries from the remote
- Use a clean dry cloth to clean the interior/exterior of the remote.
- Undo the screws attaching the bottom part of the Roku remote.
- Gently remove the bottom compartment, minding the wires.
- Use the same dry cloth to collect debris inside the Roku remote.
It’s necessary to avoid using abrasive cleaning materials when wiping debris off the Roku remote or getting moisture inside the device. This could seriously damage the remote.
Tip: For tougher stains of grime, you could use a small amount of rubbing alcohol liquid.
7. Reset the Roku Device
One of the best methods to deal with the Roku remote blinking remote light, is to factory reset the Roku receiver.
This method really is the last course of action that you should take only when none of the previous solutions managed to help!
- Factory resetting Roku will erase all content, apps, and data on your device!
Accessing the Settings is Possible:
Here’s how to reset the Roku when accessing the settings is possible:
- Press “Home” on the Roku remote.
- Scroll and select “Settings”.
- Choose “System”.
- Tap on “Advanced System Settings”.
- Select “Factory Reset”.
- Highlight the “Factory Reset Everything” option.
- Wait…
Accessing the Settings is Not Possible:
If you do not have access to a universal remote or cannot control the Roku in any way, then the factory reset could be done by pressing the physical reset button.
- Tap and hold it’s reset button for 15 to 20 seconds and set up the device!
Important: Based on estimates and performance, the Roku could take up to 5 minutes to complete the reset so do not interact with the device during the process.
8. Use Roku Mobile App! (Workaround)
The Roku mobile app (available for both iOS and Android) allows you not only to control the Roku TV or stick but has a bunch of features in addition.
For instance, you’ll be able to navigate to the Roku interface, issue commands with your voice, and much more!
Let’s set up the Roku app on your mobile device:
- Download the Roku app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Launch the app, sign in, and tap on the “Devices” section.
- Choose “Get Help” and put your phone away temporarily.
- On your Roku, go to Settings > Network > About and save the IP.
- Back on your phone, tap “Connect Manually” in the “Help” tab.
- Enter the IP address of the Roku and press “Connect”.
How to Learn Roku IP Without Remote?
If you are not able to operate Roku in any way whilst connecting the Roku mobile app, there’s an alternative method to check the IP of your streaming stick.
- To view the IP of your Roku, it must be connected to your WiFi network!
Start by going to “Your Router GUI” > “Network” > “Connected Devices” > “Roku” and save the IP.
Your streaming stick may not go directly by “Roku” in the network lists.
Quick Recap:
Here we’ve learned that to fix a blinking light on Roku remote, we must reboot Roku and change the batteries of the remote.
In addition, we should also reconnect Roku to WiFi, clean the remote’s interior, and then factory reset the Roku streaming stick/TV.
Follow us for more Roku-related solution guides!
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Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.