Will Any Roku Remote Work With Any Roku

The Roku Remote Rumble: Will Any Remote Conquer Any Roku?

Let's talk Roku remotes. We've all been there. Lost in the couch cushions? Eaten by the dog? Victim of a toddler's sticky fingers?

The big question looms: Can you just grab any Roku remote and call it a day?

The "Official" Answer (and Why I Disagree)

Roku says there are different kinds of remotes. Some are simple infrared (IR). Others are fancy voice remotes using Wi-Fi Direct. They claim not all remotes play nicely with all Rokus.

But here's my controversial opinion: It's mostly baloney! Hear me out.

I've swapped remotes more times than I've changed my socks (okay, maybe not that many). And guess what? Nine times out of ten, they work.

The Great Remote Experiment

Okay, so I'm not a scientist. But I have conducted rigorous (ahem) testing. I've got a drawer overflowing with Roku devices from over the years. From the ancient Roku 1 to the relatively new Roku Streaming Stick+.

And I've thrown every remote I can find at them. I even tried using my neighbor's universal remote programmed for a Roku once!

The results? Pretty darn good. Sure, the fancy voice search might not work on a super old Roku. But the basic functions? Power, volume, navigation? Usually golden.

IR vs. Wi-Fi: Does it Really Matter?

Alright, let's address the elephant in the room. IR remotes need line of sight. Wi-Fi remotes don't. This is true.

But honestly, how often are you hiding your Roku behind a brick wall? If you can point the remote vaguely in the direction of the box, you're probably fine.

And even if the voice search is a no-go, are you really missing out? I mostly use the buttons anyway. Shouting at my TV feels a bit silly.

The Pairing Dance: A Minor Inconvenience

Sometimes, you'll need to "pair" a Wi-Fi remote. It's like a little dance. You press a button or two, and they become friends.

But it's usually a one-time thing. And honestly, if you can't handle a button press, maybe you should just stick to reading books (just kidding... mostly!).

My Unpopular Opinion, Reaffirmed

So, here it is again. My bold, possibly foolish, statement: Most Roku remotes will work with most Roku devices. At least for the basic stuff.

Don't believe the hype. Don't let Roku bully you into buying a new remote. Try that dusty remote in the junk drawer first. You might be surprised.

Of course, your mileage may vary. I'm not responsible if your Roku explodes. But hey, at least you tried, right?

When to Actually Buy a New Remote

Okay, okay, there are exceptions. If your remote is genuinely broken (smashed to bits, battery acid explosion, etc.). Then, yeah, get a new one.

Or if you really need that voice search feature and you're upgrading from a potato-powered Roku. Fine. I understand.

But for everything else? Experiment! Improvise! And maybe, just maybe, save yourself a few bucks. You can thank me later.

"A lost Roku remote is just an opportunity to rediscover another one." - Someone Smart (Probably Me)

Just promise me one thing: if you try my remote-swapping madness and it works, you'll share this article. Spread the Roku remote gospel!

And if it doesn't? Well, don't say I didn't warn you. But secretly, I'll still think I'm right.