TL;DR
Want your Roku remote to handle the TV too? Pick your remote in the Roku settings, run the TV control setup, and let the player test your power and volume buttons. This only works if the remote has its own power and volume keys. If setup fails, check your remote model, install the latest Roku update, switch on HDMI-CEC, or try the infrared method instead.
Two remotes on the couch, and neither does the whole job. If that sounds familiar, here’s how to program a Roku remote to TV so one remote handles everything. Open your Roku’s settings, run the TV control setup, and let the player test your TV’s power and volume. This works only when the remote has its own power and volume keys.
What Does It Mean to Program a Roku Remote to a TV?
People use “program” for two different jobs. Knowing the difference saves a lot of time.
| Job | What it does | Where you do it |
| Pairing | Connects the remote to your Roku player | Hold the pairing button, or press Back and Home |
| TV control setup | Lets the remote’s power and volume buttons control your TV | Settings, Remotes & devices, Remotes |
Most people only need the second job. If your remote already controls your Roku, it’s paired. You just need to set up TV control.
Can your Roku remote control your TV?
Not all of them can. Check for power and volume buttons on your remote.
| Remote type | Can it control the TV? |
| Basic remote with no power or volume buttons | No. It controls the Roku only. |
| There are a few voice remotes with power and volume buttons, such as the Roku Voice Remote Pro and some enhanced voice remotes | Yes, after setup |
| The remote that came with a Roku TV | Already made for that TV |
Roku’s support pages say you can’t program TV power on a remote that lacks those buttons.
What is the difference between IR and CEC?
Your Roku can control the TV in two ways:
- IR (infrared): The remote sends light signals, like a normal TV remote. You usually need to point it at the TV.
- CEC (HDMI-CEC): Commands travel through the HDMI cable. You don’t need to aim. Brands call it by different names, such as Anynet+ (Samsung), Bravia Sync (Sony), SimpLink (LG), or HDMI Control.
Some TVs support CEC for power but not for volume. In that case, the IR option may fill the gap.
How Do You Pair the Roku Remote With Your Roku Device First?
Skip this section if your remote already moves around the Roku menu. If it doesn’t, pair it first.
- Unplug the Roku from power. Wait at least 5 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Wait for the Home screen to appear on your TV.
- Act within 30 seconds. Put the remote in pairing mode.
- Find the pairing button. It’s inside the battery compartment or on the back. Press and hold it for 5 seconds, until the status light flashes.
- No pairing button? Hold Back and Home together for 5 seconds, until the light flashes.
- Keep the remote close to the player while it pairs.
- Wait for the on-screen message that confirms pairing.
If the light won’t flash, replace the batteries. Rechargeable remotes need charging first.
How Do You Program a Roku Remote to Control TV Power and Volume?
Here’s the main process. The menu names may differ slightly by software version. On some versions, you’ll see Devices, then Remotes.
- Turn your TV on. Raise the TV volume so you can hear Roku’s test sound.
- Connect the Roku straight to the TV, if it normally runs through a soundbar or receiver. Roku suggests this so it can detect your TV brand.
- Press Home on your Roku remote.
- Open Settings.
- Select Remotes & devices, then Remotes.
- Choose your remote from the list.
- Select Set up remote for TV control.
- Follow the prompts. Roku may play music and ask whether you hear it. Choose the answer that matches. You may also pick IR or CEC, or choose your TV brand yourself.
- Test the buttons. Try Power, Volume Up, Volume Down, and Mute.
- Finish. If something fails, repeat the setup and try the other method.
What if you’re setting up a brand-new Roku?
During first-time setup, Roku shows a “Check remote settings” screen. Follow the prompts there, and the TV control setup runs for you. You can also run it later from Settings.
How do you turn on CEC for TV power and volume?
Your Roku player can also control the TV through CEC:
- Press Home, then open Settings.
- Select System, then Control other devices (CEC).
- Turn on 1-Touch Play, TV Power, and TV Volume.
Also turn on CEC inside your TV’s own settings. Look for names like HDMI Control, Anynet+, Bravia Sync, or SimpLink.
What if Your Roku Remote Has No TV Buttons?
You can’t program missing buttons. You still have options:
- Use your TV remote for power and volume.
- Use the Roku mobile app. With CEC turned on, the app can adjust the TV’s volume and turn it off, according to Roku.
- Switch to a remote with TV controls, such as a voice remote with power and volume buttons.
- Use a universal remote that works with your TV and streaming device.
Why Won’t the Roku Remote Control My TV?
Try the fixes below in order. Roku’s own support page lists several of these.
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
| Controls power but not volume | TV supports CEC only for power | Run setup again and try the IR option |
| Works sometimes | The remote is using IR and isn’t aimed | Point the remote at the TV and clear obstructions |
| Nothing works | Outdated software or a failed setup | Update the Roku, then run setup again |
| Can’t turn the TV back on | Roku is powered from the TV’s USB port | Use a wall adapter so the Roku stays on |
| Setup can’t find your TV | A soundbar or receiver is in the way | Connect the Roku straight to the TV during setup |
| Buttons do nothing | CEC is off, or batteries are weak | Turn on CEC in the Roku and TV, then change batteries |
How do you update the Roku and run setup again?
- Go to Settings, then System, then System update.
- Select Check now.
- After the restart, go to Settings, Remotes & devices, Remotes, then your remote.
- Select Set up remote for TV control again.
What if the remote isn’t paired at all?
Add it again: go to Settings, Remotes & devices, Remote, then Add a new remote. If that fails, reset the pairing with the steps above.
Does It Work With a Soundbar or Receiver?
It can, but test carefully. The Roku setup is built for TVs. If sound comes through a soundbar or receiver, the volume buttons may control the TV and not the audio gear.
For setup, connect the Roku straight to the TV so it can detect the TV brand. Then follow Roku’s guidance on using the Roku with an external audio receiver. Some TVs pass volume control to the soundbar through CEC. Others don’t.
How Can You Keep the Setup Working?
A few habits help:
- Replace weak batteries early.
- Keep your Roku updated. Updates fix remote and CEC bugs.
- Don’t block the signal. Keep the path between the remote and TV clear.
- Use a wall adapter if your Roku loses power when the TV turns off.
- Redo the setup after you change TVs, add a soundbar, or reset the Roku.
Conclusion
Now you know how to program a Roku remote to a TV. Pair the remote first if needed, then use Set up remote for TV control to teach it your TV’s power and volume. If something fails, check the remote type, update the Roku, turn on CEC, and try IR.
Grab your remote and run the setup now. It takes a few minutes. Then explore more streaming and gadget guides at Techprixo, and share this article with someone who still juggles two remotes.
FAQ
Press Home, then go to Settings> Remotes & devices > Remotes. Pick your remote and select Set up remote for TV control. Turn your TV volume up, then follow the prompts so Roku can test power and volume. The remote must have TV power and volume buttons.
No. Only remotes with TV power and volume buttons, such as the Roku Voice Remote Pro and some enhanced voice remotes, can be set up for TV control. Basic remotes without those buttons control only the Roku device. In that case, use your TV remote or the Roku mobile app with CEC turned on.
Your TV may support CEC for power only. Run Set up remote for TV control again and try the IR option. Point the remote at the TV, replace weak batteries, and update your Roku software. If you use a soundbar, connect the Roku directly to the TV during setup.
Restart the Roku by unplugging it for 5 seconds. When the Home screen appears, put the remote in pairing mode within 30 seconds. Press and hold the pairing button for 5 seconds, or hold Back and Home for 5 seconds, until the light flashes. Keep the remote close to the player.
IR sends infrared signals from the remote to the TV, like a normal TV remote, so you must point it at the TV. CEC sends commands over the HDMI cable, so you don’t need to aim. Roku can use either one. Some TVs support CEC only for power, not volume.