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Why is my Roku remote blinking?

Can you buy a universal Roku remote?

The different colours of the blinking on the Roku remote signify different problems, but there are easy hacks to try before considering buying a new remote.

Roku devices are currently one of the preferred brands to use in the hardware digital streaming market.

First introduced in 2008 through a collaboration with Netflix, the service was bound to be a success, considering its co-sign from one of the leading, global paid subscription video-on-demand platforms.

However, unfortunately the system is prone to technical and hardware errors, like the common phenomenon of the remote continuously blinking.

The different colours of the blinking suggest different problems with the remote, so there are a few hacks you can try before purchasing a new one.

Are there monthly fees for Roku?

Roku does not have a monthly subscription fee. All you are required to pay is the once-off fee for the player you purchase. The most affordable of the available Roku packages is $29.99.

However, prices vary based on which device and specifications are chosen. To make cost estimations easier, Roku has a “Compare price chart” that customers can use to see how much it will cost them to have their ideal player.

Thereafter, the only cost is the subscription fees of the various streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and HBO Max.

Why is my Roku remote blinking?

The first colour that the remote blinks is the most common, it is the green light. The green blinking light suggests that the remote is trying to pair with another device, which could signify that there is a problem with the remote.

Alternatively, the blinking might be the absence of a yellow light, which also indicates that there is a problem with the remote, most commonly it is an alert that the remote needs batteries.

It is also important to understand that there are two kinds of Roku remotes available.

The first one enhances paint-anywhere types of devices, which are Roku remotes that can be used from anywhere in the room to control your smart TV and Roku.

Alternatively, there are infrared controllers (IR) that only work at a certain distance when there is no obstruction between the remote and the Roku device.

Knowing which remote you have is essential. With an IR controller, the problem might be the distance or an obstruction, which is easy to fix. If it is not, there are common hacks you can try to use before spending money on a new remote, which is costly.

Buying a new remote should be your last resort after you have exhausted the other hacks.

Why is my Roku remote blinking? Why is my Roku remote blinking?
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1. Replacing the batteries

Though it might sound obvious, the most common reason that most Roku remotes begin to malfunction is because the batteries need replacing. You should first attempt to readjust the batteries to gauge whether the problem is ill-sitting batteries.

During this time, you can assess whether the remote is overheating, which means you need to allow it to cool down before putting the batteries back and checking if it works.

After the remote has cooled down, place the batteries back and see if the problem has been resolved before you buy new batteries.

Why is my Roku remote blinking?
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2. Kill the power or return to factory settings

The second hack is two-fold. You can disconnect the power to your Roku remote by switching off the Roku player for a few seconds before switching it on again. This should be done while the television is on.

Alternatively, you can reset the entire device back to its default settings and pairing with the television again. Again, for this to work, the television must remain on. Thereafter, the steps you should follow are:

  • Press the Home button on your remote
  • Select “Settings”
  • Click on “System”
  • Select “Advanced System Settings”
  • Select “Factory Reset” and follow the on-screen instructions

3. Manually re-pair your remote

With the green blinking light, try to pair the remote with the player again, as the green light means the remote is looking for a device to pair with. This is a two-tier process, starting with:

  • Select “Settings”
  • Click on “Remotes & devices”
  • Choose the “Pair new device” option
  • Select “Remote”

After this is done, you need to:

  • Take out the batteries
  • Put the batteries back into your remote after a few seconds
  • Press and hold the pairing button in the remote’s battery compartment for five seconds
  • Your TV should start pairing automatically