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Roku Remote Flashing and Not Working

I’ve been using my Roku for a while and have been loving it. But one day I noticed that my Roku remote started flashing and didn’t work. So, I researched how to fix it and here’s what I found.

There are 2 major types of Roku remotes. Each is a little but different but generally you want to remove the batteries from your Roku remote, and unplug your Roku device. Then turn it back on. If that doesn’t work there are a range of other fixes.

Remote in front of blurry TV screen

In this article I will cover everything you need to know about how to fix a Roku remote that’s flashing or not working. Whether it’s been flashing for a while or has just started happening, read on to discover how to fix it…

Roku Flashing White Light Remote Not Working

TV streaming devices

When your Roku flashes it tells you exactly what’s wrong with it, and here’s how to fix your Roku when there’s a white flashing light and your remote isn’t working.

A flashing white light means that the remote isn’t paired to your Roku. To fix it you first want to unplug your Roku, and take the batteries out of your remote. Then wait 5 minutes after that plug your Roku back in, and turn it on. And put the batteries back in your remote.

Doing that will completely reset both devices and has a good chance of fixing the issue. If that doesn’t work then the next thing you’ll want to do is replace the batteries on your remote.

And finally a factory reset is the last thing you should try to fix the issue. It’s a little complicated to do and explain, so here’s Roku’s step-by-step instruction for how to do a factory reset. Some people have also suggested plugging the Roku into your screen.

If none of these fixes work contact Roku customer support and have them try to troubleshoot the problem for you.

Two types of Roku remotes

There are two types of Roku remotes. One type has a pairing button underneath the battery compartment and is called an Roku enhanced “point-anywhere” remote. The other doesn’t have a pairing button and is called an infrared remote. But, the steps to fix them are the same.

One issue that can occur when you’re using an infrared Roku remote is that it needs to have a clear line of sight to your Roku, and needs to be pointed at it. Otherwise, it won’t work. Sometimes, a piece of paper, a book, or another object might be in front of your Roku and block the sensor on your Roku.

So, it pays to check there isn’t anything in the way of your remote and you’re pointing it at your Roku.

Ports your Roku is plugged into

You have 2 options when plugging your Roku into your TV. You can use your TV to power your Roku if it has a USB port. Or, you can plug the USB port of your Roku into an adapter that plugs into the wall.

You can mix and match these options and some people have found this fixes the problem. They said that when one or more of the cables is faulty it can cause your Roku to flash a white light.

Why Does the Green Light on Roku Remote Keep Flashing

Smart TV

When your Roku remote flashes green, it indicates that your Roky remote is in pairing mode. When it’s in pairing mode it can be found by your Roku and you can connect them together. But, you need to search for it in the settings on your Roku to pair them. Here’s how to do that:

You need to use an old Roku remote or download the Roku app to your smartphone. On the app or using an old remote go to the Roku home screen on your TV. Then select Settings > Remotes and Devices > Pair new device > Remote > click on Remote again.

After that your Roku will search for your remote and list it as one of the devices. You then need to select it.

Once, you’ve selected it you’ll now be able to use your Roku remote, and the green light will stop flashing. The Roku app on your smartphone opens up and has an interface almost identical to a Roku remote, and you can use it exactly like a Roku remote.

Roku Remote Won’t Pair Keeps Flashing

Family sitting on sofa in front of Smart TV

If your Roku remote won’t pair it means you need to do a few things to get it to work. Here’s what they are:

First remove the batteries from your Roku remote, and unplug your Roku. Wait for 5 minutes then plug your Roku back in, and put the batteries back in your remote. Next, put your remote into pairing mode and search for the device on your Roku using an old remote or the Roku app on your smartphone.

To put your Roku remote in pairing mode your want to press and hold the small button underneath the battery cover. Hold it down until a green light starts flashing on your remote.

If it still doesn’t pair you’ll want to double check that all other Roku devices are off. Some people have more than one Roku device and it causes an interference when trying to pair your remote to the Roku.

Other than that, you’ll want to try putting brand new batteries into your Roku remote. And if that still doesn’t work then it could be a fault with your Roku remote, and you should contact Roku customer support to see if it’s covered by warranty or buy a new one.

You can buy a new remote that will work with your Roku for around $10 on Amazon.

Green Light on Roku Remote Not Flashing

TV streaming device and remote

To pair your Roku remote it needs to be in pairing mode and a green light should flash. When the green light doesn’t come on it means you’ll need to do the following steps to get it to work…

Start by pressing and holding the pairing button on your Roku remote. It’s located underneath the battery cover. If you don’t get a green flashing light your batteries might be dead. But, before replacing them you can first try resetting your Roku device, and your Roku remote.

To reset your Roku device unplug it from your TV and the power supply. Wait for 5 minutes and turn it back on again. You should also remove the batteries from your Roku remote, and put them in again. This will restart your Roku remote.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on April 15, 2021.

Roku Remote Just Keeps Flashing

TV streaming device and remote

You may run into an issue with your Roku remote where a light just keeps flashing, even after you’ve paired it, or it can’t pair to your Roku. Here’s how to fix your Roku remote so that it stops flashing.

As a general rule a flashing light on your Roku can be either green or white. If it’s a green light then your Roku remote is in pairing mode. And to pair it you’ll need to use the Roku app on your smartphone or use an old Roku remote to search for devices and connect them.

If it has a white light that just keeps flashing then you’ll want to restart your Roku and your remote. Take the batteries out of your Roku remote, and unplug your Roku device from all the ports it connected to.

It will always be plugged into your TV, or the receiver on your home theater system. It also needs power so will be plugged into the USB port on your TV or home theater system. Or into a wall outlet.

Disconnect all the cables and leave your Roku to sit for 5 minutes. After that plug your Roku back in and put the batteries back into your remote. That will restart everything and you should try to pair your Roku remote to your Roku again.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on April 15, 2021.

If it still doesn’t work there may be something wrong with your Roku remote or your Roku, and you should contact Roku support.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on April 15, 2021.

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