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Sometimes—but don’t assume every Roku Ultra works with every IR remote. Roku calls its non-voice infrared controller a “simple remote.” It must be aimed at the player, with a clear path to the receiver. Roku’s published compatibility table covers voice remotes, not IR remotes across every Ultra model, so check your exact model and the replacement remote’s compatibility before buying.
How to tell whether a remote uses IR
Roku describes its non-voice infrared controller as a simple remote. It sends commands using infrared, so it needs line of sight to the Roku player’s front receiver area. A voice remote connects wirelessly and does not need to be pointed at the player.
- A remote without a voice or microphone/search button is a simple remote and uses IR.
- A remote with a voice or magnifying-glass/search button is a voice remote and connects wirelessly.
These distinctions come from Roku’s guide to identifying your remote.
Why your Ultra model matters
“Roku Ultra” covers multiple model numbers, and remote compatibility can differ by model. Roku’s voice-remote requirements page lists Ultra models 4640, 4660, 4661, 4662, 4670, and 4850 as compatible with Roku Voice Remote but not Voice Remote Pro; models 4800, 4801, and 4802 are listed as compatible with both. That table is specifically about voice remotes, however—it does not establish which simple IR remotes work with each Ultra.
#1 Best Overall
- Easy voice search & control: Quickly search across thousands of top channels, play entertainment, control your streaming, and more with your voice
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, control your Roku device, switch inputs on your Roku TV, and more—all in a tap
- Pre-set channel shortcuts: Pre-set channel shortcuts let you launch popular streaming channels with the push of a button, all without having to scroll
- Simple setup: Simply turn on your Roku device and pull the battery tab on the back of the remote and it should pair automatically
- Works with your Roku device: Roku Voice Remote works with all Roku TV models, Roku audio products, and most Roku players*
To identify your player, open Settings > System > About on the Roku. Roku’s Roku Ultra overview identifies model 4850 as Roku Ultra and 4801 as Roku Ultra LT. When choosing a replacement, match the listing to the model number shown on your device rather than relying on “Roku Ultra” alone.
How to choose a replacement IR remote
- Find the player’s model number: On the Roku, go to Settings > System > About.
- Check the remote type: Confirm that the replacement is a simple IR remote if you specifically need infrared.
- Verify model compatibility: Look for your exact Roku model in the product listing. Roku advises checking compatibility before purchase and says replacement remotes are sold through Roku and major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Its guidance does not verify any particular third-party listing. See Roku’s lost-remote guidance.
If the listing does not name your model or clearly confirm compatibility, don’t treat the general label “Roku remote” as proof that it will work.
Rank #2
- Compatible devices - Roku TV models ONLY
- NOT compatible devices - Roku Streaming Players, Roku Audio, or other smart TVs
- Made by Roku for Roku TV - Stream easy with an official Roku remote, designed to work seamlessly with your Roku TV.
- No juggling remotes - Power up your Roku TV, adjust the volume, mute, and control your streaming with an official Roku remote.
- Simple setup - Ready to control your Roku TV in just one step. Comes with pre-installed batteries.
Fixing missed presses on a Roku IR remote
If an IR remote is already being used with the Ultra but buttons do not register reliably, Roku identifies blocked or partially blocked signals and low or dead batteries as common causes. Try these checks:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Point the remote at the front of the Roku player and clear objects that obstruct the path.
- Reseat the batteries, or replace them if they may be low or depleted.
- Test the remote again with a clear path to the player.
These are Roku’s recommended checks for problems with an IR remote.
Rank #3
- The information below is per-pack only
- Stay powered for months: Keep your remote running for three months on a single charge. With 50% more battery life and USB-C charging, Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) is the ultimate TV companion.
- Built for movie nights: No more fumbling in the dark to find the pause button or turn up the volume. Always know what you’re about to press with easy-to-see backlit buttons.
- Just talk to it: Got popcorn fingers? Leave the remote in the other room? Just say “Hey Roku” from across the couch and control your streaming with your voice.
- Find your lost remote: Don't break a sweat tearing apart the couch. Just say “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” or find it using the free Roku Mobile app.
Using the Roku mobile app instead
The Roku mobile app can control the player if it is powered on and connected to your home Wi-Fi network, and your phone or tablet is connected to that same network. It is not a way to control a player that is offline or not yet connected to Wi-Fi; Roku describes it as an option for a lost remote, not a guarantee for every connection problem. Details are in Roku’s lost-remote guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ---【What You Need to Know-Please Check before Purchase】Please read instruction before use. This remote is a standard IR remote, avoid obstructions, don't hide the device like for Roku box or Player behind the TV or in the cabinet, it won't receive signals.
- ---【Power and Volume Buttons Require Learning】Please prepare your old TV remote control for the purpose of learning the volume and power button functions. Use Function 4 in the manual to learn the buttons of your old TV remote. (Without the old remote control, Can't to set up the use of the volume and power buttons.)
- ---【Required Settings - Fit for Roku Players】Compatible with Roku player models include Roku Box, Roku 1 2 3 4 HD LT XS XD, Roku Express/+, Roku Premiere/+, Roku Ultra LT, Roku Ultra, Roku Soundbar (NOT for Roku Stick, NOT with Headphone jack No Bluetooth and No Pairing Button. Please check our instructions to setup, not follow other sources.)
- ---【Check Your Model Number for Roku Players before Purchase】For Roku 1/2/3/4: SE 2710/X/R, HD 3000, XD 3050, XS 3100 2720, 4210/XB/X2, 4200, 4230, 4400; for HD/LT/XS/XD: HD(2500/X/R 2000 N1100), LT(2450/X/XB/D 2400), XD(2050), XDS(2100); for Roku Express/+: 3700/X/R/RW, 3900/R/X/XB/RW, 3930/X/R/RWXB/X-BDL1, 3940/RW, 3710/X/XB/RW, 3910/RW, 3931/W, 3941/X; for Roku Premiere/+: 2700/R, 3920/X/R/RW/XB/EU/EU-GB, 4620/X/XB/R/RW, 3921RW, 4630/X; for Roku Ultra 1/LT:4640, 4660/X2, 4661, 4662, 4670, 4800.
- ---【No Setup Required - Fit for All Built-in Roku TV 】Compatible with all Roku Built-in TV brands such as TCL , Hisense, Onn, Sharp, Haier, Insignia, Sanyo, Hitachi, RCA, Philips, Element, LG, JVC, Magnavox, Westinghouse Roku TV remote control replacement.
Rank #4
- No Setup Required: the remote control replacement for Roku TV which can solve your home backup remote control needs. Simply Insert 2 AAA batteries (Not included) , then turn on your device and it will automatically pair, perfectly replacing your original remote control
- Upgrade Material: our remote replacement is made of high quality ABS and silicone, ABS improves durability, can be used for a long time, and also keeps you and your children away from harm
- Completely Compatible: the replacement remote controls only for roku series TVs, compatible with TCL Roku TVs, Hisense Roku TVs, Onn Roku TVs, Sharp Roku TVs, Philips Roku TVs
- Notice: Only for roku tv, not for roku stick/roku box 1/2/3/4(HD/LT/XS/XD), not for roku ultra/roku express/roku premiere and roku player
- Key Features: Get to favorite apps quickly with 8 shortcut buttons for Disney, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Primevideo sling, Apple TV+ and VUDU. Strongest signal by mature infrared technology, farther transmitting distance, stable performance, following the movement of the tv page without obvious delay
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
