Roku Ultra Remote Not Working? (No Panic, Do This First!)

Roku Ultra remote not working–even after replacing the batteries and frustrated?

Don’t worry–many people come across this problem every once in a while, especially because the Roku Ultra default remote is a Voice Remote, which means RF, not IR. 

Radio Frequency is like Wi-Fi, meaning no IR beams, rather a wireless technology which is much more susceptible to interference.

Here’s what we’ll be doing in this guide:

How to Fix When Roku Ultra Remote Is Not Working?

Note: Have you tried rebooting the Roku Ultra several times?

1. Test Remote from Different Angles (IR)

Note: Skip this method if you’re using an RF remote (Voice Remote).

If your remote has an IR bulb at the top, it works by sending/receiving IR signals.

So any obstruction between the remote and the TV IR “eye” prevents the IR signal from reaching.

Pointing the remote directly at the Roku Ultra from different angles helps rule out the issue.

Here’s how to test the Roku Ultra remote from different angles:

1. First, stand within 10 feet of the Roku Ultra.
2. Point directly toward the Roku front panel.
3. Dislocate obstructions between the devices.
4. Now, try using the remote from the left side.
5. Test your remote control from the right side.

While changing angles, if you notice that the remote worked for even a moment, there is almost certainly interference or obstructions in-between the communication path.

ZontSound suggests cleaning the IR bulb on both the remote and the Roku Ultra from debris or dust as well.

2. Power Reset Your Roku and Remote

Sometimes, the electrical fault, residual power, and software bugs prevent the Roku Ultra from responding to the remote commands.

To fix this, perform a power reset on both units, as the power reset drains the electricity from both devices, which could eliminate underlying faults.

Here’s how to power reset the Roku and remote:

1. Unplug the power cable from the Roku Ultra.
2. Eject the batteries from the remote control.
3. Hold “OK” on the remote unit for 10 seconds.
4. Wait for about 60 seconds after the process.
5. Now, reconnect the Roku Ultra power adapter.
6. Re-insert the batteries of the remote control.

Tip: Wait for at least a minute to allow both devices to regain power after the reset.

3. Reprogram the Roku Remote Control

So, if the remote is not paired with the Roku Ultra, it will not work, regardless of the buttons you press.

Additionally, any smart devices being used nearby might disrupt the pairing of the remote control, and to rule out this possibility, we recommend reprogramming the remote to start fresh.

Follow these steps to reprogram the Roku Ultra remote control:

1. Confirm the Roku Ultra player is powered on.
2. Open the battery compartment of the remote.
3. Press the Pairing button for a few seconds.
4. Wait until the “Pairing remote” note shows up.
5. Wait a few seconds for the remote to program.
6. Press the “Power” button on the remote to test.

Note: If the light of the Roku Ultra remote control does not come on at all, then it is almost certain that the batteries have died.

4. Replace the Roku Ultra Remote Batteries

If you still can’t identify why Roku Ultra is not responding to the remote, then the primary suspect is low or completely dead batteries.

We recommend replacing both batteries with a fresh pair of high-end products such as Energizer or Duracell.

Here’s how to replace Roku Ultra remote batteries:

1. Slide to open the battery compartment.
2. Take out and remove the old batteries.
3. Install fresh 2x AA or 2x AAA batteries.
4. Slide the battery compartment cover on.
5. Attempt to reprogram the remote control.

Note: Always use high-quality and branded batteries to avoid quick drainage!

5. Check for Wireless and Physical Interference

Sometimes, nearby electronic equipment and smart devices cause interference and weaken the remote transmission signals.

Since IR is not that susceptible to wireless signals, if you’re using an RF remote (voice remote), it’s crucial to ensure that there are no nearby wireless electronics.

On the other hand, if you’re using an IR remote, verify that there are no other IR receivers in the room, such as other TVs, set-top boxes, and so on…

Here’s a list of some common sources of interference:

• Wireless speakers or headsets
• Bluetooth keyboards or phones
• Any type of reflective surface
• Bluetooth receivers/transmitters
• Baby phones and Wi-Fi cameras

The list goes on, but the devices we have listed above are the most frequent culprits for wireless interference.

So, test the Roku remote in a device-free environment, where nothing will interfere.

6. Test the Remote IR Via the Camera Method

Well, if you have a standard Roku remote that uses IR, you need to test the remote’s IR sensor functionality.

The sensor is generally a mini bulb mounted on the front of the remote that sends IR signals to the “eye” receiver and communicates with the Roku Ultra.

Follow these steps to test the IR of your Roku remote control:

1. Start by cleaning the bulb sensor with a soft cloth.
2. Open the camera application on your mobile device.
3. Point the remote’s front (IR emitter) at the camera.
4. Press any button on your Roku Ultra remote control.
5. While pressing the button, look into the camera app:

A faulty IR emitter means a faulty remote control, and if no purple light appears during the camera test, you will require a replacement to keep using your Roku Ultra.

However, if you are seeing a flashing light, but the remote still does not work with the Roku Ultra, proceed with the next step.

7. Use the Roku Mobile Application (Workaround)

If you have tried all the above steps, but you are still wondering, “Why is my Roku Ultra remote not working?”, the Roku remote app is a solid temporary workaround. 

The Roku remote app, available for Android and iOS, allows you to use your smartphone as a fully operational remote control until you purchase a replacement.

Here’s how to set up and use the Roku mobile application:

1. Open the Google Play Store or App Store on your phone.
2. Locate the Roku application by typing in the search field.
3. Connect your mobile to the same WiFi as the Roku player.
4. Launch the Roku app and press the Roku Ultra button below.
5. Follow the on-screen steps to set up the Roku Ultra player.

Now, you will gain access to a digital remote control accessible through your smartphone that controls the player.

If you are unable to operate the player, then the “Control by mobile apps” feature might be disabled, and currently, there is nothing to be done.

8. Factory Reset Roku Ultra

If all else fails, a factory reset is guaranteed to restore the functionality of your Roku Ultra and eliminate any underlying errors.

The best thing is, you don’t need the remote control to factory reset the Ultra player, as there is a built-in Reset button:

1. Locate the tactile or pinhole Reset button.
2. Push and hold the button for ~10 seconds.
3. Release the button once the Roku flashes.
4. Wait until the Roku system is reconfigured.

Warning: The factory reset erases all data on your Roku Ultra!

9. Program a Replacement Remote

ZontSound recommends purchasing a replacement Roku Ultra remote control if neither of the steps so far has helped with why the Roku Ultra remote is not working.

The Roku remote may have endured physical damage or has simply reached the end of its lifespan.

You can purchase a brand-new replacement remote for your Ultra at the Roku official store or an online store such as Amazon.

Note: If neither of our solutions worked, contact Roku customer support for further assistance!