Roku devices have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a convenient and affordable way to stream movies, TV shows, and other content directly to your television. Some TV’s even have Roku’s built-in now, making the platform even more accessible. However, like any other electronic device, Roku remote controls can experience technical issues. One common problem that users encounter is a blinking green light on the remote.
When your Roku remote’s green light is blinking, it’s in pairing mode. First, try replacing the batteries and re-pairing the remote with your Roku device (TV, streaming stick or box, etc.). Next, restart everything and consider factory-resetting the remote. The Roku smartphone app is a great backup.
So why is your remote attempting to pair with the Roku device if it was just working fine? This can happen if the remote has lost its connection to the device, or if either the remote or.the device has been reset or restarted. While this issue can be frustrating, there are several simple fixes that can be tried to get the remote working again.
Why is Your Roku Status Light Flashing Green?
If you notice your Roku Remote (on Amazon) flashing a green light, it means that the remote is in pairing mode. This can happen if the reset button on the remote is accidentally held down for too long. The remote will then enter pairing mode and the green light will flash. More rarely, the remote may have been reset through some technical glitch. If the remote is new, it’ll flash by default as it searches for a device to pair with.
It is important to note that both the Voice remote and Simple remote have the same flashing green light when in pairing mode. If you are unsure which remote you have, you can check the Roku website for more information, but if the remote is already in pairing mode, this distinction doesn’t make a difference.
And do note that, if your light is blinking white, not green, then we have a separate post on how to go about addressing that.
Maybe you’re trying to get your Roku back up and running so you can screen-mirror to it from Android or from iOS, or maybe you’re just trying to access an app and stream content, but either way, now that we know why it’s flashing, let’s talk about what to do about it.
Replace The Batteries
If you are experiencing a blinking green light on your Roku remote, the first thing to try is replacing the batteries. If your remote is in pairing mode unexpectedly, it may be having power issues, so, it’s best to replace the batteries to start.
To replace the batteries, remove the back cover of the remote and take out the old batteries. Insert fresh batteries, making sure they are properly aligned with the positive and negative ends.
Replacing the batteries may fix the issue of the remote needing to be re-paired with the Roku device. If it doesn’t, then rest assured that after you pair the remote properly, it’ll now have fresh batteries and should be good to go for some time!
If this works, then all you should need to do is turn your Roku Device (TV or Streaming Stick, etc.) on manually, and then point the flashing Roku remote at it. Then, hit the power button and see if anything happens. If it doesn’t, head to the next step.
Re-pair your Remote
If your Roku remote is still flashing a green light, it means that it is attempting to pair with your Roku device. And just to review briefly: there are two types of Roku remotes: Voice and Simple.
While the pairing instructions for each remote differ slightly, the flashing green light indicates that the remote is already in pairing mode. Therefore, the type of remote you have is not an important detail for completing the pairing process.
To complete the pairing process, you will need to follow the instructions from your Roku device. Whether you have a Roku TV or a Roku Ultra, the process is relatively simple. First, navigate to the Home screen on your Roku device. Then, go to Settings and select Remote & devices. From there, select Remote and then select Pair remote.
Your Roku device will automatically detect the remote and complete the pairing process. Once the pairing is complete, the green light on your Roku remote will stop flashing and you can start using your remote to control your Roku device.
And I know what you’re thinking: how can I navigate the software to pair the remote if the remote is in pairing mode and isn’t working?
If your remote didn’t automagically pair with your Roku device as soon as you replaced the batteries and pointed it at the device to try, then you need to step into some more detailed troubleshooting below. And if you have no other way to navigate your Roku Device, then you’ll need to skip to the Remote App section further down.
Troubleshooting the Roku Remote & Roku Device
If the battery replacement and pairing didn’t work, there are a few more remote troubleshooting tips you can try:
Restarting the Roku Remote & Device
One of the first things you can try is restarting the Roku remote. To do this, remove the batteries from the remote and unplug the Roku Device from the power source. Wait for 30 seconds before plugging the Roku device back in and reinserting the batteries into the remote. This should reset the connection between the remote and the Roku device and resolve the issue.
Occasionally, you may end up in a situation where the Roku device restarts over and over. While it’s rare, just know that if that happens to you here we have a guide for handling that particular fail state here.
Factory Resetting the Roku Voice Remote
So, now you need to know if you have the Voice or the Simple remote. If your remote has a microphone or an hourglass button, it’s the Voice remote. If it’s the Simple remote, go ahead and skip to the next section.
The Voice Remote comes with additional features, such as voice control and a headphone jack for private listening. To factory reset the Voice Remote, follow these steps:
- Remove the batteries from the remote.
- Unplug the power cable from your Roku device and wait for about 10 seconds.
- Press and hold the Home, Back, and Pairing buttons on the remote simultaneously.
- While continuing to hold the buttons, reconnect the power cable to your Roku device.
- Wait for the Roku device to power up and display the home screen.
- Release the buttons on the remote.
- Insert the batteries back into the remote.
- The remote will automatically re-pair with your Roku device. If it doesn’t, follow the re-pairing process mentioned in the Troubleshooting Steps section above.
Factory Resetting the Roku Simple Remote
The Simple Roku remote is a little more wiley. Depending on the model, there will either be a physical “RESET” button or a small pinhole button marked “RESET.” This may be on the body of the remote or under the battery cover.
Once you’ve found it, press and hold it for 30 seconds, which will factory reset the remote.
Consider Using the Roku Remote App
If you’re experiencing issues with your Roku remote blinking green, it may be time to consider using the Roku remote app. This mobile app can be downloaded onto your smartphone and used to control your Roku device. It’s a great backup option to have on hand when your physical remote is acting up.
Setting Up the Roku Remote App
Setting up the Roku remote app is a straightforward process. First, download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Then, make sure your Roku device and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your Roku device. Once connected, you can start using the app to control your Roku device.
Pairing and Syncing the Roku Remote App
To pair and sync the Roku remote app with your Roku device, make sure your smartphone and Roku device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app and select the “Remote” tab.
Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your smartphone with your Roku device. Once paired, you can use the app to control your Roku device just like you would with a physical remote.
Using the Roku Remote
The Roku remote app offers all the same features as a physical remote, including the ability to navigate menus, play/pause content, and adjust volume. You can also use voice commands to search for content or control playback. The app also offers additional features, such as a keyboard for easier text entry and the ability to listen to audio through your smartphone’s headphones.
Overall, the Roku remote app is a great alternative to a physical remote, especially when you’re experiencing issues with your remote blinking green. It’s easy to set up and use, and offers all the same features as a physical remote, plus some additional ones. Consider downloading the app as a backup option for when your physical remote is acting up.
Looking for a smartphone to pair with your Roku remote app? Consider the iPhone 13 (on Amazon) or the Samsung Galaxy S21 (on Amazon). Both offer fast performance and high-quality displays, making them great options for streaming content on your Roku device.
Universal Remote Options that Work with Roku
While the Roku remote is an excellent tool for navigating the Roku interface, it can be frustrating when it stops working. Fortunately, there are universal remote options that work with Roku, allowing you to control your Roku device without having to use the Roku remote.
One popular option is the GE Universal Remote Control (on Amazon), which can control up to 4 devices including a Roku device. If you have a slightly more advanced home theater setup, a tool like this can help you reduce clutter while enjoying access to the device of your choice from a single, ahem, universal remote!
Additional Fix – Update Everything
If you have tried all the previous fixes and your Roku remote is still flashing green, another thing you can do is update the firmware on both your Roku device and remote.
To update the firmware on your Roku device, go to Settings > System > System update > Check now. If there is an update available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. To update the firmware on your remote, consult Roku’s support pages.
The Green Flashing Light Problem: Solved
Overall, the green flashing light problem on Roku remotes can be easily solved with a few simple steps. By trying these solutions, you can quickly get back to enjoying your favorite streaming services. And now you’ll be prepared the next time this happens–which is good, because from streaming solution to streaming solution, from blinking red lights on Samsung TV remotes to phantom power cycle issues–being able to quickly and easily navigate this stuff is just part of being a home theater enthusiest!