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There is no single re-pairing sequence for every smart TV remote. Whether a remote needs pairing after a reset—and how to do it—depends on the TV or streaming device, the remote type, and the model. Identify those first, then use the matching manufacturer instructions below; do not try another brand’s button combination.
Why a remote may need pairing after a reset
A factory reset can return a TV or streaming device to initial setup. Some remotes then need to be paired again; others may not. The distinction depends partly on whether the remote is infrared, Bluetooth, a voice remote, or a touchpad remote. For example, Sony says pairing must be activated again for its Touchpad remote after a factory reset, while Roku says a reset returns the device to factory-default configuration and requires setup again.
Before following any steps, find the TV or player’s exact model and identify the remote. Manufacturer directions can vary by model year and software version.
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Roku voice remotes
If another remote or the Roku mobile app can still control the device, open Settings > Remotes & devices > Add devices > Remote > Continue and follow the on-screen directions. Roku’s voice-remote pairing instructions also describe pairing after restarting the device:
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- 【NOT Compatible Devices】Universal remote is Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks, Roku Sound Bar, TLC Sound Bar, Hisense Sound Bar, Anker Sound Bar, Klipsch Sound Bar, All Fire TV, All TV Sticks, All TV Cube, Apple TV, Google Chromecast TV(This product can only be connected and paired via infrared) If you are unsure if our remote control is compatible with your device, please contact us.
- 【Simple Setup】Step 1: Find the device type you need in the code list. Then find and circle all the codes for the brand. Step 2: Press and hold down the (SETUP) button for 3 seconds until the red light on the remote turns on. Step 3: Press and release the (TV/STR/AUD) button on the remote, the red light will blink once and remain on. Step 4: Enter the first 4-digit code from code list. Step 5: Point the remote at the TV, and test the buttons on the remote to see if the TV responds as you would expect. If the buttons don't control the TV, repeat steps 2-4 and enter different code to test. Note:If all the code in the program fails, please check the instructions on page 7 "Automatic Code Search.
- 【Package Included】Package includes 1* Remote Control, 1* User Manual, and 1* Code list. The universal remote control is to use 2 * AAA alkaline batteries(Batteries are not included). Note: Please do not mix old and new batteries or mix different batteries together.
- 【After-Sales Service】We attach great importance to the customer's experience of using remote controls. If you have any questions about your order or product, please contact us and we will get back to you within 24 hours on working days.
- Unplug the Roku device, wait at least five seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the Home screen.
- On a remote with a pairing button, press and hold it for five seconds, until the status light flashes. If there is no pairing button, press and hold Back + Home for five seconds, until the light flashes.
- Make sure the device and remote are both in pairing mode, then follow any on-screen prompts.
If pairing does not work, Roku recommends restarting the device and checking for distance, obstacles, or interference. Its mobile app can serve as a temporary control if you do not have a working remote.
A Roku factory reset erases personal preferences, unlinks the device from the account, and restores factory-default setup. Roku advises having the account credentials, Wi-Fi details, app sign-ins, and any parental-control PIN available before resetting. The reset does not itself provide a way to control the device afterward; setup still requires a usable control method. See Roku’s factory-reset guidance.
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Samsung Smart Remote
For the Samsung Smart Remote procedure in its remote troubleshooting guidance, stand within one foot of the TV. Press and hold Return + Play/Pause together for at least five seconds, or until the TV displays a message that the remote is connected. These instructions apply to the cited Smart Remote guidance; check your model’s instructions if its buttons or menus differ.
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For supported Sony Google TV and Android TV models, the cited pairing route is Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Remote control > Connect via Bluetooth > Connect a new remote. Follow the on-screen directions. Sony notes that a low battery can prevent pairing, and that the menu path and procedure depend on model year and software. See Sony’s Bluetooth pairing instructions.
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- NO PROGRAMMING REQUIRED FOR SIX TV BRANDS — Preprogrammed buttons instantly control Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Fire TVs and Roku TVs (some Sharp and Insignia Roku TVs may require programming); requires two AAA batteries (not included)
- STREAMING APP HOTKEYS — Dedicated buttons provide direct access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube when installed by the TV manufacturer; support for user-installed apps may vary
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Sony separately says Touchpad remote pairing must be activated again after a factory reset. Its reset steps can differ by model and operating-system version; consult the relevant model support page or Sony’s reset guidance.
Sony BRAVIA 6: model-specific button pairing
For the BRAVIA 6 help guide specifically, initial setup prompts pairing with HOME + BACK. To pair again, hold those buttons for approximately three seconds, or open Dashboard > All settings > Remotes & Accessories. Keep the remote within one meter and wait until the TV has fully started and launched its background processes before entering pairing mode. These steps are specific to the BRAVIA 6 guide, not a universal Sony procedure. See the BRAVIA 6 help guide.
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- Compatible with --- The remote control is compatible for R0KU All Series TVs, fit for TCL R0KU TV, for Hisense R0KU TV, for Onn R0KU TV, for Sanyo R0KU TV, for Philips R0KU TV, for Insignia R0KU TV, for JVC R0KU TV, for RCA R0KU TV, for Element R0KU TV, for Magnavox R0KU TV, for Westinghouse R0KU TV, for Hitachi R0KU TV, for LG R0KU TV, for HaierRoku TV, for Sharp R0KU TVs.
- Not Compatible with --- Not for RokuStick, not for RokuBox, not for RokuUltra, not for RokuExpress, not for RokuPremiere, not for RokuPlayer. And this is an infrared remote control without voice search function.
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Amazon Fire TV
Amazon has a help page for resetting a Fire TV remote, but the available instructions do not establish a complete button sequence. Do not infer one from a partial instruction. Use the current directions for the exact Fire TV device and remote: Amazon Fire TV remote reset help.
Quick Recap
If the remote still will not connect
- Wait for the TV or streaming device to finish starting and reach its setup or home screen.
- Check the batteries or charge the remote. Sony identifies low battery as a possible cause of pairing failure.
- Move closer to the TV and follow the distance specified for your model. Samsung’s cited procedure says within one foot; the BRAVIA 6 guide says within one meter.
- Use only the sequence for your exact remote and device. Button combinations are not interchangeable across brands or remote generations.
- If you cannot navigate the TV, check whether its platform offers a mobile app that can control it. Roku explicitly recommends its mobile app as an alternative.
- If pairing still fails, consult the exact model’s support page or contact the manufacturer. If you need a replacement, verify that it supports your device and the controls you use, such as voice, power, and volume.
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