A Roku remote is the controller you use to operate a Roku streaming device or a Roku TV. Its main job is to let you navigate menus, choose what to watch, control playback, and adjust settings without needing to use buttons on the TV itself. Think of it as the “steering wheel” for your streaming experience.

1) It lets you navigate Roku’s home screen and apps

The Roku home screen is where you see your streaming channels (apps) like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and many others. The remote’s directional pad (up, down, left, right) and select button let you move around and open whatever you want. The Home button quickly takes you back to the main screen if you get lost in an app.

2) It controls playback

A Roku remote usually has media buttons that work inside most streaming apps, including:

• Play and pause
• Fast forward and rewind
• Sometimes additional controls like instant replay (jump back a few seconds) or quick skip

These buttons make it easy to pause for a snack, back up to catch a line you missed, or move ahead during a recap.

3) It controls volume and power in many setups

Depending on the type of Roku remote you have and how your system is connected, your Roku remote can often:

• Turn the TV on and off
• Raise and lower volume
• Mute the TV

This is especially useful if you want one remote to handle both streaming and basic TV controls.

4) It can launch apps quickly with shortcut buttons

Many Roku remotes include branded buttons that open specific streaming services instantly. These are basically one-tap shortcuts to popular apps. They’re not required for Roku to work, but they can save time if you use those services often.

5) It can search and control Roku by voice on some models

Some Roku remotes include a microphone button for voice search and commands. With voice features, you can typically:

• Search for a movie or show by name
• Search by actor or genre
• Open a channel (app)
• Sometimes perform simple commands like “pause” or “turn up the volume”

Voice features depend on the remote model, the Roku device, and your region.

6) It pairs and communicates with the Roku device

Roku remotes come in different types, and how they communicate matters:

• IR (infrared) remotes need a clear line of sight to the Roku device or TV, similar to older TV remotes.
• Wi-Fi (voice) remotes connect wirelessly without needing line of sight, which can be helpful if the Roku box is tucked behind the TV.

If your remote has pairing features, you may need to pair it when setting up or after changing batteries.

7) It can include special convenience features

Depending on the remote, you might also get extras like:

• A headphone jack for private listening (on certain remotes)
• A “find my remote” feature (on certain Roku devices/remotes)
• Programmable buttons (less common, but exists on some models)

8) It helps you access settings and troubleshooting tools

Beyond watching shows, the remote is how you get to device settings, including:

• Wi-Fi setup and network changes
• Display resolution and TV input behavior (for Roku TVs)
• Audio settings
• Accessibility features like captions
• System updates and restarts

If your streaming feels slow or an app is acting weird, the remote is how you navigate to restart the Roku, check updates, or remove and reinstall channels.

The simple answer

A Roku remote lets you control everything about the Roku experience: it opens apps, helps you pick content, manages playback, and often controls TV power and volume too. It’s the main tool that turns a Roku device from a box on your TV into a usable streaming system.