How to reset Roku without remote? Well, you’re not alone in this considering how often the remote batteries go dead, leaving us without proper control over Roku.
In fact, the factory reset can be done in two ways without a remote, and this is what we’re going to explore next.
Any Roku device (streaming stick, player, TV) can be reset without a remote in two possible ways.
The 1st method is by unplugging the device from power (hard reset) and the 2nd method is to press the reset button at the back device panel (factory reset).
Let’s learn more about the remote-less reset on Roku!
Can You Factory Reset Roku Without a Remote?
The next major question is whether Roku devices (Roku TV and Roku streaming stick) can be reset without the remote.
The answer is yes – you can reset without a remote by unplugging from the power or by using the dedicated “factory reset button”, which is available on Roku.
About Roku Factory Reset – Must Know!
Before we begin, we may also go through the potential losses and aftermaths of the factory reset on any Roku device.
If you’re not familiar, a system reset erases all information stored on the Roku device meaning that you cannot get any of the files or settings back.
With or without the remote, here’s everything that will be lost after the reset:
- Personal files on the Roku player (TV, player, or stick)
- All audio/video and device configuration settings
- All stored media, data, files, and music on the Roku
- All installed applications and platforms on the Roku
Note: All of the information above is the type of irreversible data loss of the factory reset!
How to Reset Roku Without Remote? – All Roku Devices!
Important – Read This!
There are two types of resetting for your Roku.
While the Hard Reset will only discharge the device and erase the temporal cache (no data loss), the Factory Reset will erase all data on the Roku permanently, so the recommendation is to create a backup before proceeding further!
How to Reset Roku Stick Without Remote?
If you need to reset a Roku streaming stick without a remote, it can be done in two ways.
You could either power reset the Roku streaming stick or factory reset the system, both of which methods can be done entirely without the physical remote control.
- Keep in mind content loss after a factory reset is irreversible!
How to Hard-Reset a Roku Streaming Stick?
- Unplug the streaming stick from the back of your TV.
- Hold the reset button while the stick is unplugged.
- Plug the Roku stick back into your TV’s HDMI port.
- Turn on the TV as well as the streaming stick.
Tip: Keeping the Roku device unplugged for longer also helps with overheating issues!
How to Factory Reset a Roku Streaming Stick?
- While the Roku is still plugged in, hold the reset button for 15 seconds.
- Wait for your Roku indicator lamp to blink several times and reset.
- Release the reset button on the Roku streaming stick and wait.
Note: In case the reset didn’t work, try again by pressing and holding the reset button more tightly and for longer!
How to Reset Roku TV Without Remote?
In case the Roku TV remote is faulty or the batteries are dead, you could easily factory reset by holding the in-built “reset” button on the back.
In case you’re only interested in doing a hard reset, you don’t need the reset button, instead, you only need access to the power adapter.
Alert: The factory reset process on your Roku TV, will erase all content and settings!
How to Hard Reset Roku TV Box?
- Unplug the power cable out of your Roku TV.
- Disconnect the other end of the A/C adapter.
- Wait for 60 seconds while the power is out.
- Reconnect the Roku TV box power equipment.
- Use the power button to start the Roku TV box.
How to Factory Reset Roku TV Box?
- Locate the factory reset button at the back of the device.
- Hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds without letting go.
- Release the reset button when the TV screen goes black.
- Turn on your Roku TV using the power button on the panel.
Info: Turning on your Roku TV after the factory reset should bring you back to the initial setup page of the device.
You will have to re-configure everything on your Roku TV from scratch!
How to Reset TCL TV Roku – With No Remote?
If you’re using a TCL TV Roku, then don’t worry, performing a factory reset is easy even without the Roku physical remote.
Note: The TCL TV Roku can as well be hard-reset and factory reset!
How to Factory Reset TCL TV Roku?
Simply turn off and unplug the TCL TV Roku power adapter from the outlet for 3 minutes!
How to Factory Reset TCL TV Roku?
- Locate the reset button pinhole on the back of the TCL TV.
- Acquire a paperclip or a needle to be able to reach inside.
- Press and hold the button in the pinhole for 15 seconds.
- The TCL TV Roku will display “Recovery Mode” and reset.
- Tip: The reset process has ended when the TCL TV restarts.
Info: Unlike the hard reset, the factory reset will erase all information stored on your Roku player.
This means that you will have to set all up on the device from scratch.
How to Reset Roku Remote Without Pairing Button?
In case the Roku TV remote does not include a pairing button, this means that you have the IR Roku remote.
Since these remotes do not have advanced connectivity software, they are as simply reset as taking the batteries out and then placing them back in!
Follow these instructions to reset the Roku remote without a pairing button:
- Place the remote with the buttons facing down.
- Locate the latch of the battery compartment cover.
- Pull the latch towards you and remove the cover.
- Take out both of the batteries inside the remote.
- Hold the power button at the remote for 15 seconds.
- Press each of the buttons at the remote for 2 seconds.
- Place the batteries back into the remote and close it.
How To Reset Roku Without Remote? – Via Roku App!
In case the Roku remote is not working or is faulty, you can reset the Roku through the settings by downloading the mobile app on your smartphone.
The app is called “The Roku App” and it’s official on the iOS – App Store and Android – Google Play.
When the application is downloaded on your device you need to connect the phone to the same WiFi and Roku account as the Roku TV.
Once this is done, you will be provided with the option to control the Roku TV via WiFi, by using a digital remote in the Roku app.
Once you can control the Roku TV from the app, here’s how to reset it:
- From the entry screen go to Settings.
- Then select “System” from the list.
- Next, is “Advanced System Settings”.
- Then select the “Factory Reset” option.
- Finally, follow all of the prompts to reset.
Info: While your Roku TV remains connected to the home WiFi, your Roku mobile app can entirely replace the remote and the need of a physical unit.
Why is the Roku (TV/Stick) Remote Not Working?
Now that we know all possible ways to reset Roku without a remote, it’s time to wonder why the remote isn’t working.
Well, if you’ve lost your remote there is nothing you can do, but in case the remote is still there, you might want to attempt to help the device start working together.
Here are some basic troubleshooting tips for a non-working Roku remote:
- Replace the batteries with a fresh AA or AAA pair
- Clean the battery compartment using a soft cloth
- Clean any dust accumulation on the infrared “eye”
- Remove obstructions between remote and Roku TV
Note: In case the remote isn’t working and appears to be faulty, the best course of action would be to contact Roku Support or attempt to claim your warranty!
Quick Recap:
After learning how to reset Roku without remote, we’ve learned that any Roku device can be reset without a physical remote control.
We also know that we don’t even need a remote to control our Roku TV as long as it’s connected to the WiFi and mobile app!
Read Next: Can You Use Roku With Hotspot? – All You Need to Know
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.