TV Answer Man, we are always losing our Roku remote and think we need a backup in case we can’t find it for real one day. Do you know if you can get a replacement for free? — Sheila, Plano, Texas.
Sheila, I have received several e-mails over the years detailing the difficulty in finding a lost remote control, particularly one for a Roku streaming device or stick. Fortunately, there is an easy solution, and if you so desire, you won’t even have to pay an extra cent to get a new Roku remote.
For starters, Roku.com, the streamer’s web site, sells several different remotes including one that is voice-activated as well as a basic one that’s no-frills. The cost ranges from $14.99 for the basic remote to $29.99 for a voice-activated model (Roku Voice Remote Pro) that includes a headphone jack.
The Roku site lists each Roku model that is compatible with each remote so you’ll know which one to buy. For instance, the $14.99 basic remote is compatible with all Roku players except the Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streaming Stick+, Roku® Streaming Stick 4K, and Roku Streaming Stick 4K+.
The $19.99 voice remote is compatible with all Roku TV models, Roku audio products, and most recent Roku players.
Now, you ask, what about that free version of a Roku remote I referred to?
Roku has a downloadable mobile app in the Apple app store (Look for ‘The Roku App’) and Google Play that includes a remote control. The app enables you to search for channels, connect headphones, turn up the volume, pause and do everything else that the physical remote does. And best of all, it’s free.
So if you’re okay with using your smart phone as your new Roku remote, you can replace that lost one for zero dollars.
Sheila, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!
Have a question about new TV technologies? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com Please include your first name and hometown in your message.
— Phillip Swann
@tvanswerman
My Roku remote is haunted or something I need to change mine thanks for sharing.
If ROKU would make a BIGGER Remote,it would be harder to loose.
The current ROKU Remotes are made for tinnnnny fingers and hands.
I am constantly hitting the Volume and Mute buttons when I pick up the Remote.
MOVE them to the Surface and make the Remote BIGGER.
Roku has a remote that is rechargeable that is called the Voice Remote Pro.
Eric, That is the one I have.
It is tooooooooooo small for adults to use easily.
And Easy to loose.
The rechargeable part is Great,
But using EVEN the tiny Voice button is a Bitch.
The tiny Buttons are all close together,
It is easy to push more than one Button
at the same time. MOVE them apart.
When you go to pick it up to us it for ANY function
you touch the Volume or Mute buttons.
They need to be MOVED to the Front Surface
like any other TV Remote.
The Bottom is ROUNDED and the Remote ROCKS
if you try any use the Remote while it is on a FLAT surface.
The UN-labeled buttons are tooooooo close together
to easily label them.
Compare the ROKU Remote to any other TV Remote.
It Rates at the BOTTOM of the list for being User Friendly.
It needs to be Completely RE-Designed and made BIGGER.