Roku Express 4K Remote Not Working? (Fix It NOW!)

Is your Roku Express 4K remote not working? Then, this guide will help you fix the problem!

Well, it’s such a headache when you press a button on the Roku remote, but nothing happens. This usually occurs due to an issue with the batteries, the remote, or the TV.

Luckily, there are several fixes to address this issue, and we’re about to explore them in this short solution guide.

To fix the Roku Express 4K remote that is not working, restart your TV and swap in new batteries in the remote. Then, test the IR sensors, update your Roku system, and re-pair your remote with your Roku streaming device.

Let’s move further and discuss everything in more detail!

Roku Express 4K Remote Not Working (Simple Remote)

If your Roku simple remote is not working, it could be due to a system bug or a problem with the remote batteries, IR functionality, or the remote itself. 

However, it is crucial to note that your remote communicates using infrared signals, so you must point it toward the TV for it to work.

With this in mind, let’s jump into the solutions!

1. Test Remote from Different Angle

As mentioned, the simple Roku remote works via IR and sends and receives infrared signals.

If there’s an obstruction in the sight between the remote and the Roku Express, the signal may not reach properly, so you’ll need to ensure a clear line of sight.

Testing your remote from different positions may help!

• Hold the remote higher and point it downward to the Roku.
• Turn the remote to the left side and point it towards Roku.
• Turn the remote to the right side and point it to the Roku.

While testing from different positions, if your Roku device becomes responsive, check that no obstructions are blocking the front of your device.

Clean the IR sensor and relocate your Roku Express to a different position, if possible, for a better line of sight with the Roku remote control.

Tip: If Roku still does not respond, test the remote by standing right before your Roku!

2. Reset the Remote & Roku Express

Sometimes, temporal electrical or system errors restrict the remote from communicating via IR signals, even with fresh batteries.

To fix this, soft reset your Roku and remote by discharging them from the power supply, as it may hopefully get them back on track!

To reset the Roku Express and remote:

1. Unplug the Roku TV from the power source.
2. Remove the batteries from the compartment.
3. Hit the “OK” remote button for ~10 seconds.
4. Leave both devices unplugged for 3 minutes.
5. Then, connect the Roku to the power source.
6. Re-insert the batteries back into the remote.

Note: Wait for a minute as the connection between both devices is re-established, and then point your simple remote directly toward the streaming device and test.

3. Replace the Roku Remote Batteries

A simple Roku remote requires adequate power to operate and send IR signals to the streaming device.

If the Roku 4K Express remote not working, it’s likely due to incompatible, weak, or dead batteries in the remote, hence, swapping in the new batteries will address the issue immediately.

To replace the Roku remote batteries:

1. Eject the batteries inside the compartment.
2. Use a clean cloth to clean the compartment.
3. Hold the “OK” button for 5 seconds afterward.
4. Wait until the battery compartment dries out.
5. Then, install the fresh set of 2 x AAA batteries.

Reminder: Test your remote by standing in front of your Roku Express!

4. Resolve Environmental Interference

There are cases when a Roku simple remote’s signal gets impacted by IR or Bluetooth-enabled devices due to their ability to work with IR. 

Even the sunlight on the surface of the streaming device could disrupt the IR signal and cause weird actions or behavior.

Here is a list of all interfering environmental interference:

Pro Tip: When dealing with any interference, it’s crucial to relocate all electronic devices away from your Roku Express 4K setup.

5. Test the Remote’s IR Functionality

The Roku simple remote and streaming device communicates by sending and receiving infrared signals, meaning the IR sensor is the core component. 

If nothing else helps, perhaps it is time to test whether the remote’s IR functionality is functional by using the camera on your smartphone.

This is a very clever technique since the naked eye can’t see IR signals, but the camera of your mobile can.

To test the Roku simple remote IR functionality:

1. First, clean the sensor on the remote and device.
2. Open the digital camera app on your smartphone.
3. Point the remote sensor toward your camera lens.
4. Press and hold any button on your Roku remote.
5. Look for the purplish flashing light on the screen.

The remote sensor works fine if you see a light in the camera app.

When your remote is not working, you might have to consider purchasing a brand-new Roku remote due to a fault.

Roku Express 4K+ Remote Not Working (Voice Remote)

If your Roku voice remote is unresponsive, it could be due to a system bug, pairing issue, or faulty remote batteries. 

Before you start, know that your Smart remote pairs over a wireless network, so you don’t need to point it toward the Roku for it to work.

1. Update the Roku’s Software

As mentioned, the voice remote pairs wirelessly, which means it is evident that if your Roku has bugs and glitches, it may cause communication issues. 

To fix this, update your Roku Express software to clear all software-related issues, improve its performance, and optimize the operating system.

To update the Roku Express software:

1. Press the Home button on the remote.
2. Scroll over and go to the TV Settings.
3. Go down to the end and enter System.
4. Select System Update → Check Now.

If a new update is available, select OK to download it and wait for completion.

After the update ends, restart your device and test your remote to see if it works by attempting multiple buttons.

Note: The update of your Roku Express requires a stable internet connection!

2. Recharge your Voice Remote

If you have a rechargeable voice Roku remote that does not have a battery compartment, it’s recommended to recharge it entirely if you have not attempted this yet. 

The remote’s power supply may be insufficient, leading to wireless connectivity issues.

So we strongly recommend using the steps below to charge the remote now:

• Grab the Roku voice remote charging cable.
• Plug the small end to the port on the remote.
• Plug the other end into a USB power adaptor.

Info: The status light on the remote will start flashing slowly and turn to a solid green once complete.

3. Replace your Remote Batteries

If you have a Roku voice remote with standard batteries installed, it’s recommended to swap them with a fresh set of alkaline batteries.

Doing this will ensure adequate power to the remote and allow it to communicate with the streaming device wirelessly.

To replace the batteries in your remote:

1. Remove the battery cover from the remote.
2. Remove both batteries from the springs.
3. Grab a cloth and clean the whole area.
4. Install the fresh set of 2 x AAA batteries.

When your remote is ready, check to see if the remote is working!

4. Reprogram your Voice Remote

If you have tried all the steps and your voice remote is not working, then it’s time to re-pair the remote with the streaming device.

This includes first putting your streaming device and remote in pairing mode and then pairing them using the default “Pairing” button.

To repair your Roku voice remote:

Step #1 Put Streaming Device in Pairing Mode

1. Unplug your streaming device from the power.
2. Wait for about 3 to 5 seconds while unplugging.
3. Plug the streaming device back into the power.

Note: When you see the Home screen on your TV screen, within 30 seconds of seeing it, put your voice remote into pairing mode.

Step #2 Put Voice Remote in Pairing Mode

Remote Without Batteries:

1. Press the pairing button on your remote.
2. Keep holding the button for 20 seconds. 
3. You’ll see a fastening flash of green light. 
4. Then, you can release the pairing button.
5. Press and hold the pairing button again.
6. Wait for the remote to connect to the Roku.

Remote With Batteries:

1. Remove both batteries from the compartment.
2. Wait 5 seconds and then reinstall the batteries.
3. Hold the pairing button until the light starts to flash.
4. Wait for the remote to pair with your Roku Express.

Note: If your remote doesn’t flash, try recharging your remote or replacing the batteries!

Quick Recap:

To fix when the Roku Express 4K remote not working, soft-reset your devices, test the IR functionality, swap in the new batteries, or recharge the remote.

Next, remove interfering objects and re-pair the remote with the streaming devices.

Follow us for more Roku Express player or remote troubleshooting!