How to Get Your Roku Remote to Control Volume

Want to ditch the juggling act of multiple remotes? You’re in luck! Programming your Roku remote to control your TV volume and power is surprisingly straightforward. Let’s dive into the methods and get you back to seamless streaming.

Direct Answer: Programming Your Roku Remote

To get your Roku remote to control your TV’s volume, you’ll generally go through a quick setup process within the Roku settings. This process usually involves a guided configuration where your Roku attempts to identify your TV brand and its compatible infrared (IR) codes.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Access the Settings Menu: On your Roku’s home screen, navigate to “Settings.”

2. Go to Remotes & Devices: Select “Remotes & devices” from the list.

3. Select Remote: Select “Remote.” The name of your remote will be displayed here, for example, “Voice Remote” or “Simple Remote.”

4. Program Remote for TV Control: Here, you’ll find options like “Set up remote for TV control.” Select this option.

5. TV Detection: The Roku will usually automatically detect your TV brand. If it doesn’t, you’ll be prompted to select your TV brand manually from a list.

6. IR Code Testing: The Roku will then send a series of IR commands to your TV and ask if the volume buttons worked correctly. Follow the on-screen instructions, selecting “Yes” or “No” based on whether the volume changed when you pressed the volume buttons on your Roku remote. The system will attempt different codes until it finds one that works.

7. Confirmation: Once the correct code is found, you’ll receive a confirmation message. Your Roku remote should now control your TV’s volume and power.

If this automatic process fails, don’t worry! There are manual options. For manual setup, you’ll need to know your TV brand. During the setup, you will be prompted with on-screen tests of several IR codes. It may take several attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which Roku remotes can control TV volume?

Not all Roku remotes are created equal! Enhanced Roku Voice Remotes (typically those with voice search and TV control buttons) are designed to control your TV’s volume and power. The simpler Roku Simple Remotes may not have this functionality. Check if your remote has dedicated volume buttons on the side. If it doesn’t, it probably can’t control your TV volume without a work around, if at all.

2. What if my TV brand isn’t listed during setup?

This is a common issue. First, double-check that you’ve spelled the brand name correctly. If it’s still not listed, select the “Brand not listed” option. The Roku will then cycle through common codes to find one that works with your TV. This can take some time, so be patient!

3. My Roku remote controls the power but not the volume. What’s wrong?

This indicates a partial success! It means the Roku has found a compatible code for some functions but not all. Try running the setup process again. Pay close attention during the volume test to ensure you select the correct response. There might be multiple codes that control power but only one that controls volume.

4. Can I control my soundbar volume with the Roku remote?

Yes, in many cases! The setup process is generally the same as for a TV. During the setup, select “Soundbar” instead of “TV” when prompted. The Roku will then attempt to find a compatible code for your soundbar.

5. What if my soundbar is connected via HDMI-ARC?

HDMI-ARC (Audio Return Channel) can complicate things. If you’re using HDMI-ARC, ensure HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is enabled on both your TV and your soundbar. This allows devices connected via HDMI to control each other. The Roku remote might then control the soundbar volume through the TV. Check your TV and soundbar manuals for instructions on enabling HDMI-CEC. The setting may have a different name depending on the manufacturer, such as Simplink (LG), Bravia Sync (Sony), or EasyLink (Philips).

6. My Roku remote used to control the volume, but it stopped working. Why?

Several factors could cause this:

• Dead Batteries: Replace the batteries in your Roku remote. Low battery power can affect IR signal strength.
• Obstructions: Make sure there’s a clear line of sight between the remote and your TV or soundbar.
• Remote Re-pairing: The remote might have lost its pairing with the Roku. Try re-pairing the remote. Remove the batteries, unplug the Roku for a few seconds, reinsert the batteries, and plug the Roku back in. Wait for the Roku to power on and then try the pairing procedure if prompted.
• Software Glitch: Restart your Roku. Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart.

7. How do I re-pair my Roku remote?

Re-pairing depends on the type of remote. For enhanced remotes with a pairing button:

• Open the battery compartment on your remote.
• Locate the pairing button inside the compartment.
• Press and hold the pairing button for a few seconds until the status light on the remote starts flashing.
• Your Roku should automatically detect the remote and initiate the pairing process. Follow the on-screen instructions.

For simple remotes without a pairing button, simply restarting the Roku player can sometimes resolve connectivity issues.

8. Will a universal remote control my Roku and TV volume?

Yes, most universal remotes can be programmed to control both your Roku and your TV volume. You’ll typically need to enter specific codes for each device. Refer to the universal remote’s manual for instructions on programming it.

9. Is there a Roku mobile app that controls volume?

Yes! The official Roku mobile app (available for iOS and Android) can control your Roku, including volume. The app uses Wi-Fi, not IR, to communicate with your Roku. However, it typically only controls the Roku’s output volume. To control your TV’s volume via the app, you’d still need a Roku remote programmed for TV control, or HDMI-CEC enabled on both your Roku and TV.

10. I have multiple Roku devices. Will programming the remote affect them all?

No, programming the remote for TV control only affects the specific Roku device the remote is paired with. You’ll need to program the remote for each Roku device separately.

11. I upgraded my TV. Do I need to reprogram my Roku remote?

Yes, you’ll need to reprogram the Roku remote to control the volume of your new TV. Follow the setup process described earlier in this article.

12. I have a Roku Streambar. How does the volume control work?

The Roku Streambar is a soundbar and a Roku player in one device. Programming your Roku remote to control the volume will directly control the Streambar’s volume. The setup process is similar to setting up a Roku remote with a TV, except you are actually setting it up to control the volume of the Roku Streambar device itself.