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Roku remote symbols depend on the model. A microphone or magnifying-glass button starts voice control, the star opens Options, and a headphone icon on your TV means Headphone Mode is active. The other buttons generally navigate, control playback, or operate the TV, but not every Roku remote has the same controls.
Identify your Roku remote first
Look beside the purple directional pad. Roku says a voice remote has a voice button marked with a microphone or magnifying-glass icon. If there is no voice button, it is a simple remote in Roku’s general classification. Roku’s remote overview explains that models differ: some voice remotes include TV controls, a headphone jack, personal shortcuts, a lost-remote finder, hands-free voice, or rechargeable batteries.
A simple remote uses infrared, so it needs to point toward the Roku device with a clear path to its receiver. A voice remote supports push-to-talk voice control. Don’t assume a feature shown on one remote is included on yours.
What the common Roku remote symbols mean
| Symbol or button | What it does | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone or magnifying glass | Starts voice search and control. Hold the button, speak, then release to send the command. | Only on voice remotes. Roku’s voice-control instructions give examples such as searching for comedies or opening The Roku Channel. |
| Star (*) | Opens the Options menu. | Available options depend on the screen or content. Roku identifies the star button in its app support guidance. |
| Purple directional pad and OK | Move through the Roku interface and select an item. | Layout can vary by model; see Roku’s remote overview. |
| Home | Returns to the Roku Home interface. | Shown among the controls on Roku’s simple remote setup illustration. |
| Back | Returns to the previous screen or step. | Button placement varies by remote. |
| Instant Replay | Replays a recent segment. | Roku’s mobile-app description calls this a 10-second replay control, but support depends on the content. The button appears in the simple remote illustration. |
| TV power, volume, mute, or sleep timer | Controls the television. | Roku TV remotes and some voice remotes include TV controls; not all Roku player remotes do. |
| 1 and 2 | Personal shortcuts on supported remotes. | To set one, press and hold the button for five seconds. These buttons are not on every remote. |
| App or service logo | Launches a channel shortcut. | The services printed on these buttons vary. They are shortcuts, not universal Roku controls. |
| Headphone jack on the remote | Connects wired headphones for private listening. | Present only on select voice remotes; it is different from the headphone icon displayed on the TV. |
What the headphone symbol on the TV means
A headphone icon on the television indicates that Headphone Mode is active. On a compatible setup, plugging headphones into the jack on a supported voice remote sends audio to the headphones and mutes the TV speakers. Unplug the headphones to turn the mode off. Roku’s Headphone Mode instructions describe this behavior.
#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*
Why your remote may look different
Roku has simple infrared remotes as well as handheld and tabletop voice remotes. Depending on the model, a remote may have TV controls, personal shortcuts, backlighting, a lost-remote finder, hands-free voice, a headphone jack, or rechargeable batteries. App-logo buttons also change. These differences mean a symbol shown on another Roku remote may not appear on yours.
For an exact button-by-button identification, find the remote model number or use a clear photo of its front and sides. Roku notes that older remotes can differ from current models, so a general overview may not identify every control on a particular generation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- Convenient Voice Controls
- TV Power, Volume, And Mute Buttons
- Pre-Set Channel Shortcut Buttons
Rank #3
- 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.
- One that does it all: No more juggling remotes. Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) powers up your TV, adjusts the volume, and controls your Roku device.
Rank #2
- The information below is per-pack only
- 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
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