A Roku remote can work with most TVs, but the answer depends on two things: what kind of Roku remote you have, and whether you are using a Roku streaming device plugged into the TV or a TV that has Roku built in. In general, if the Roku device is connected and set up correctly, you can use a Roku remote with almost any modern TV for basic Roku control. Where people get confused is that “working with the TV” can mean two different things: controlling Roku itself versus controlling the TV’s power and volume.
Two different jobs: controlling Roku vs controlling the TV
A Roku remote always controls the Roku interface as long as it is paired or aimed correctly. That means you can move around the Roku home screen, open apps, and play content.
Controlling the TV’s power, volume, and mute is a separate feature. Many Roku remotes can do it, but not all, and it depends on the TV and the connection method.
When a Roku remote works with most TVs
If you have a Roku streaming stick or Roku box plugged into your TV, the Roku remote will generally work with that setup regardless of TV brand, because the remote is really talking to the Roku device, not the TV. The TV is basically acting like a monitor showing what the Roku device outputs.
This is why Roku devices are popular: you can plug them into almost any TV with an HDMI port and use the included Roku remote to run streaming apps.
The big difference is remote type: IR vs Wi-Fi
Roku remotes come in two common types:
IR (infrared) Roku remotes
These need line-of-sight and usually control Roku TVs and some Roku boxes. If you are using an IR remote with a Roku TV, it is meant to work with that TV. If you are using an IR remote with a separate Roku box, it must be compatible with that model.
Wi-Fi Roku remotes (often voice remotes)
These connect wirelessly to the Roku device and do not need line-of-sight. These are common with Roku streaming sticks and many newer Roku devices. If the remote is compatible and paired, it will control the Roku device no matter what TV it is plugged into, because the TV brand does not matter for the Roku interface.
Will it control power and volume on most TVs?
Often yes, but not always.
Roku remotes that have TV control buttons can control TV power and volume in a few ways:
- HDMI-CEC (control over HDMI)
Many TVs support a feature that lets devices control power and volume through the HDMI connection. If your TV supports CEC and it is enabled in TV settings, the Roku device and remote may be able to turn the TV on and off, and sometimes control volume, without needing to learn a specific TV brand code. - IR TV control (remote sends TV signals)
Some Roku remotes can be set up to control a TV by sending infrared commands for power and volume. This usually works with a wide range of TV brands, but there are exceptions. Very old TVs, uncommon brands, or certain soundbar setups can be trickier. - Soundbars and receivers
If your sound goes through a soundbar or AV receiver, the Roku remote may control the sound system instead of the TV, but that depends on how everything is connected and whether CEC or IR setup is configured properly.
Common situations and what to expect
If you have a Roku TV
A Roku remote designed for Roku TVs typically works well because it is made for that system.
If you have a Roku streaming stick plugged into a TV
The Roku remote will work for Roku navigation on almost any HDMI TV. TV power and volume usually work if your TV supports HDMI-CEC or if the remote supports IR TV control and is set up properly.
If you have a very old TV without HDMI
A Roku streaming device generally needs HDMI. If you are using adapters, results vary and the remote compatibility becomes more complicated. In most cases, Roku is meant for HDMI TVs.
If you lost your Roku remote and want to use a different Roku remote
Compatibility is not guaranteed across all Roku models. Some Roku remotes only work with Roku TVs, some only pair with certain Roku devices, and IR remotes do not pair the same way Wi-Fi remotes do. It is often fixable, but you may need a specific replacement remote model.
What “works” usually means in practice
For most people, the Roku remote “works with most TVs” in the sense that it will control streaming on any TV that the Roku device is connected to. The only part that is not universal is TV power and volume control, because that depends on the remote model and the TV’s compatibility with CEC or IR commands.
Bottom line
Yes, a Roku remote works with most TVs for controlling Roku streaming, as long as you are using it with a compatible Roku device and the TV has HDMI. But TV power and volume control are not guaranteed on every setup. Those features usually work on many modern TVs, but they depend on your remote type, your TV’s HDMI-CEC support, and how your audio system is connected.
