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You can use Roku’s free mobile app on an iPhone as a remote and send Roku audio to headphones connected to that phone. Connect the iPhone and Roku to the same Wi-Fi network, select the Roku in the app, then open Remote. For private listening, connect or pair headphones to the iPhone and tap the Headphone icon in the app.
Install the official Roku app
Download the Roku mobile app from Apple’s App Store. Roku lists iOS 14.0 or later as the iPhone and iPad requirement. The app is free, though subscriptions or content you access through it may cost money.
Connect your iPhone to your Roku
- Connect the iPhone and Roku TV or streaming player to the same Wi-Fi network. The Roku must already be set up and connected to Wi-Fi for the app to find it.
- Open the Roku app and select your Roku device when it appears. The app searches the local network for Roku devices.
- Tap Remote to open the on-screen controls. Use them as you would a physical Roku remote.
Listen privately through headphones connected to your iPhone
- Connect wired headphones to the iPhone using a connector compatible with that iPhone, or pair Bluetooth headphones with the phone.
- In the Roku app, open Remote and tap the Headphone icon.
- Set the volume to a safe level before putting on your headphones. Roku says the TV speakers will not play audio while Headphone Mode is active.
This feature routes audio from the Roku to headphones connected to the iPhone through the Roku app; it is not simply the iPhone picking up the TV’s sound. Roku says up to four mobile devices can listen at the same time.
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Check which Roku content supports Headphone Mode
Headphone Mode availability depends on the Roku model and, in some cases, the input being used:
#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*
- Roku Streambar SE, Streambar, Streambar Pro, and Smart Soundbar: Mobile Headphone Mode is supported when using the soundbar’s built-in streaming player. It does not work with external sources such as a game console or cable or satellite box connected to the soundbar.
- Live over-the-air TV on a Roku TV: Mobile Headphone Mode supports live digital broadcasts when an HDTV antenna is connected. Analog over-the-air TV is not supported.
Roku’s support materials do not establish that every Roku model supports the same Headphone Mode features. If the Headphone icon is missing, check model compatibility and whether the app and Roku device are up to date.
Fix common connection and listening problems
The Roku app cannot find the TV or player
- Confirm that the iPhone and Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Make sure the Roku has completed setup and is connected to Wi-Fi. A new or reset Roku, or a device with mobile-app control disabled, may need a physical remote to complete setup or enable app control.
Headphone Mode stops or restarts playback
If you turn on Headphone Mode while a video is playing, Roku says playback may stop and restart while the audio synchronizes. When possible, activate Headphone Mode before starting the program.
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.
Picture and sound are out of sync
In the Roku app, open the Controls menu and choose Adjust audio delay. Follow the adjustment flow; if the initial setting does not fix the sync, use the advanced adjustment option.
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For wired headphones, check that the plug is firmly connected. For Bluetooth headphones, try pairing them with the iPhone again.
Rank #3
- 【NO volume control. NO power button. NO headphone jack. NO pairing button. NO voice search. 】If your original remote has pairing button, please do NOT buy it. It does NOT have the headphone jack to plug in your earphone
- 【 NOT for any Ro-ku Stick or TV】This remote is Only compatible with Roku Box, for Roku Express, for Roku Player, for Roku Premiere, for Roku 1 2 3 4
- 【 4 Shortcuts】It is a IR replacement remote which features 4 shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels - Netflx, sling, hulu, Disny+
- 【 Work out of Box】Without any programming, just insert batteries(2* AAA) and it is all good to go
- 【 Package】Coming with 2x remotes and 1x user manual. Long distances transmitting(8m/26ft), respond in 0.2s to your tvs.
Other ways to listen privately
The iPhone app is one option, not a requirement. Some Roku voice remotes have a headphone jack, and some Roku devices support Bluetooth Headphone Mode directly. Check compatibility with your exact Roku model before choosing a remote or relying on a device-level Bluetooth feature. Roku says using a compatible voice remote’s Headphone Mode deactivates connected mobile Headphone Mode, so the two routes are not simultaneous alternatives.
For Roku’s device-specific instructions and support details, see using the Roku mobile app, connecting the app to a Roku device, Headphone Mode, and adjusting audio delay.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Rank #4
- 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.
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.
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