If you lost your Roku remote or replaced it, pairing is required. Modern Roku devices use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth instead of infrared, enabling features like voice control and no line-of-sight needed. To pair, unplug your Roku device, wait 5 seconds, plug it back in, then press the pairing button (under the battery cover) or hold Back and Home buttons for 5 seconds.

If the remote won’t pair, the Roku mobile app offers a convenient alternative. Connect both your phone and Roku to the same Wi-Fi network, launch the app, and tap Connect. The app mimics the physical remote’s layout with D-pad controls, playback buttons, and voice search via a microphone icon.

It also allows faster typing and headphone audio routing for late-night viewing. The app doubles as a content hub, making it a practical backup for lost or malfunctioning remotes. Pairing ensures seamless control of your streaming experience.