Is the Roku Remote IR or RF?

There are a lot of different Roku players, and each comes with a recognizable Roku remote. But not all Roku remotes are the same. Infrared (IR) remotes are the standard, though some Roku models come with RF (radio frequency) remotes.

Do you know which one is yours? This article will tell you how to distinguish the two types of Roku remotes, and what to do if they’re not working correctly.

IR or RF?

Most standard remotes use infrared technology, and Roku is no different. The Roku IR remote doesn’t have any of the unique features the RF remote has. However, the quickest way to find out which type of remote you have is to look for the pairing button.

Remove the battery cover, and if there’s no pairing button at the bottom, you have the IR remote. If there is a pairing button, your remote is of the RF variety. When it comes to Roku devices, IR remote is compatible with most Roku TVs, Roku 1, 2, and 3, Roku HD, and Roku Streaming Stick +.

If Your Roku Remote Doesn’t Work

How many times have you caught yourself banging the remote against the coffee table to get it to work? And why does that work so often? But before you hit the remote too hard, here are some other things to try.

Replace the Batteries

You put the batteries in your Roku remote, and you forget about them. They can last a long time. But one day you’re pointing your Roku IR remote towards the TV and nothing is happening. First, remove and then re-insert the batteries.

If that doesn’t work, try replacing them with a new pair. That should be your first course of action, even when you’re dealing with the Roku RF remote.

Look for Obstacles

If you have a Roku IR remote, you have to watch out for obstacles. Do you see the front of the Roku device from where you’re sitting? If not, make sure that you do. Then try little gymnastics with the remote.

Hold it higher, then lower, side to side, and anything else that might get it to respond. Obstacles are not an issue for the Roku RF remote. You should be able to send the signal from across the room and even if you’re in another room.

Try a Different Remote

If there aren’t any obstacles between the IR remote and your Roku device, and the batteries are new, perhaps it’s time for a new remote. But first use another compatible IR remote, to make sure. If that remote works, then it’s time to replace your IR remote.

You can try the same thing with your RF remote. If you can get another, try pairing it and see if it works. If everything works fine, then you’re probably going to need a new one.

Restart Your Roku Device

You can try restarting your device and also resetting your remote. Unplug the Roku player for at least five seconds. Then remove the batteries from the remote.

Now, plug in the Roku device again and wait for the Home screen to appear. Only then put the batteries back in the remote. Wait another half a minute to try your using your Roku remote again.

Use the HDMI Extension Cable

You should try this solution only if you have an RF remote. If you have a Streaming Stick+, you might experience some issues with your RF remote.

The Roku Stick is connected via the HDMI port, and this can sometimes interfere with the performance of your remote. You can fix this problem by getting an HDMI extension cable so that your HDMI connector is farther from the TV.

Keep Your Remotes Close

The Roku remote has a simple design, it’s ergonomic, and it comes in IR and RF variants. Both models can be replaced, but it’s best to keep your original Roku remote safe and change the batteries regularly.

What kind of Roku remote do you have? And how often do you replace the batteries? Let us know in the comments section below.