Are you wondering why Roku Express no volume control? In this guide, we got you covered!
The Roku’s volume control is an essential feature that the user must have access to, and when you cannot adjust the sound, your device becomes unusable.
So, we’ve gathered only the best working solutions in this guide, and if you read the article until the end, your issue will be solved.
When the volume control is not working on your Roku Express, restart the device, update the system, and replace the remote’s batteries.
To update the solution, keep reading!
Roku Express Remote No Volume Control – Why?
Roku Express is an excellent streaming device that connects via HDMI to your TV, and if you have an IR-only remote, there are no volume controls.
Only the Wi-Fi-enabled remotes can control the volume of your TV, and Roku Express models before 3700 only work with IR remotes.
However, if you have a Wi-Fi remote, but cannot control your TV’s volume or look for alternative ways to manage the sound, we got you covered.
So, let’s explore some tricks and solutions…
How to Fix the Roku Express No Volume Control Issue?
To solve the issue quicker, follow the steps in order!
1. Use the TV’s Remote Control
If you can’t control the volume on your Roku Express by using the device’s remote, simply use the television’s remote control.
The remote control of your TV indeed has both the Power and Volume buttons and will increase and decrease the volume of the TV.
However, using two remotes is an easy solution, but it’s not very convenient, so we recommend to keep reading to explore more ways to solve the problem.
Info: The television’s remote control is an IR remote, which requires a direct line of sight with the TV’s infrared receiver.
2. Power Cycle the Roku Express
If you’re using a Wi-Fi (Voice) remote for your Roku Express but cannot control the volume, then there is a problem.
A straightforward and secure way to address potential problems with Roku’s operating system is the power cycle, which won’t erase anything from your Roku Express or TV.
Here’s how to power cycle your Roku Express and TV in easy steps:
- Power OFF your TV and Roku Express.
- Unplug the power adapters of both units.
- Wait for up to 60 seconds for a full cycle.
- Plug the adapters directly into the outlet.
- Power ON the Roku Express and the TV.
Tip: When you’re ready with the power circulation, test controlling the volume of the setup by using the Roku Express remote and TV remote.
3. Check for Infrared Obstruction
If you’re using the Roku Express or TV’s IR remote, you must be aware of obstructions with the infrared signal, which could be preventing the volume control.
As mentioned, the IR remotes require a direct line of sight with the receiver, and if your Roku Express or TV’s IR “eye” is covered or obstructed, the volume won’t work.
Here are some tips and tricks to resolve IR obstructions:
- Dislocate any physical objects covering the IR bulb.
- Move the remote closer to the TV or Roku Express
- Using a soft cloth, clean the IR receiver/transmitter.
Infrared Signal Test – Does it Work?
If you’re wondering whether your IR remote is working, there is a quick way to find out by using your smartphone’s camera.
The human eye can’t see IR signals, but the cameras can, so you need to point the camera towards the IR “eye” of your remote and start pressing the buttons.
Conclusion:
- If you see a blinking purplish light on the press, your remote works.
- The remote is not sending signals if you don’t see the blinking light.
If your remote is not sending IR signals, perhaps the batteries are dead!
4. Replace the Remote Batteries
If your Roku Express remote control can’t control the volume, whether it is a Wi-Fi or IR remote, the batteries are the fundamental reason.
The Roku Express remote controls take two AAA batteries, so we strongly advise replacing the current units with a fresh pair.
If you don’t have brand-new batteries, you can take batteries from any other working appliance just to check where the volume control problems come from.
Important: Verify that the Roku’s remote compartment polarity springs are not missing, bent, or defective.
5. Update Your Roku’s Software
Another very good method to solve problems with the Roku Express volume control is to update the operating system to the most recent firmware build.
Sometimes, functionality problems may arise when you’re using outdated firmware on Roku, and sadly, those issues can’t be solved without updating.
Here’s how to update Roku Express in easy steps:
- On the Roku Express, go to the home screen.
- From there, scroll down and enter “Settings.”
- Move right, scroll down, and select “System.”
- Again, go down and enter “Software Update.”
- Finally, select “Check now” and start updating.
When the operating system is updated, any underlying problems must be gone, so you should be able to control the volume of your system.
Info: To update your Roku Express, the device must have access to a stable internet.
6. Adjust the Roku’s HDMI-CEC
The Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) is an HDMI feature allowing users to control the Roku Express using only one remote control.
So, if you have multiple remotes, these settings may allow you to start controlling the volume using the Roku remote.
However, if you only have one remote control and this setting is enabled, the outcome may be different, and the CEC feature may start causing issues rather than helping.
Hence, enable or disable the CEC on the Roku in the following way:
- Press the “Home” button on the Roku remote.
- Go to “Settings” and enter the “System” tab.
- Then, choose “Control other devices (CEC).”
- Next, locate the “System audio control” tab.
- Enable or Disable the “1-touch play” feature.
We advise enabling the feature and checking whether the Roku Express volume control is now working.
If not, uncheck the “1-touch play” box, restart the Roku Express, and test the volume.
Reminder: Try controlling the volume of your Roku Express’s output with your Roku and TV’s remote controls.
7. Set the Remote For TV Control
If you can’t control the volume on your Roku Express, your remote might have been unpaired from the device, so you can’t use the volume functions.
Well, there is a quick and easy way to reprogram your remote control to the Roku Express and regain access to functionality options such as volume control.
We’re going to set up the remote control to be able to interact with the TV’s volume, which will solve your volume issues.
Here’s how to pair your Roku remote to Roku Express easily:
- Navigate to your Roku’s Settings menu.
- From there, select “Remotes & devices.”
- Choose “Remotes” and select your type.
- Press the “Set up remote for TV control.”
Now, your Roku remote control must be able to adjust the volume of your TV, so check to see whether the functionality is working.
Tip: When ready, reboot your Roku Express and your television!
8. Factory Reset the Roku Express
If nothing helps, the volume control problem on your Roku Express may come from a system bug, which can’t be solved with simple steps.
The ultimate solution is to factory reset your Roku Express, which will erase all your device’s content, data, and settings.
Well, in turn, you’ll receive a fresh reinstallation of Roku’s OS and will be able to set all settings and features cleanly, which may just resolve the volume problem.
Warning: The data loss after a factory reset is irreversible!
Here’s how to factory reset your Roku Express in easy steps:
- Press the “Home” button and enter the “Settings.”
- Go to “System” → “Advanced System Settings.”
- Choose “Factory Reset” → “Factory Reset Everything.”
Now, you only need to wait.
That was the most potent solution against the Roku Express no volume control problem, so the issue must be gone when the reset procedure is completed.
Note: The factory restoration may take up to 15 minutes!
Quick Recap:
So, when your Roku express no volume control, you will need to restart and update your Roku, as well as replace the remote’s batteries.
Also, disable the HDMI-CEC feature of your Roku and perform a factory reset.
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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.