Also, I'm not sure if it's related, but I do notice the problem is more pronounced on the unit that is farther away from the router (shows poor signal strength at 5ghz) although it streams as well or better than the 2.4ghz band for some reason). But since the remote seems to work much better on the unit with excellent 5ghz strength vs. the one with poor 5ghz strength, could it be that the distant one is 'working harder' trying to get signal during playback and that is somehow causing issue with the remote? For those with issues, what is your 5ghz signal reception strength?

Just found this on Google. I bought a Roku2 yesterday and am having the exact same issue. Using cellphone as a wifi remote works perfectly, it's just the RF remote when using 5Ghz. Maybe it's time to just return it.

I bought the latest Roku 2 in June and fought with the remote for months. Sometimes it would work, but other times it was unresponsive. I could be standing 2 feet away from it pointing it right at the box and getting nothing. I'd see the light flickering, but nothing doing. Yet the Android app on my phone works flawlessly. Assuming it was a faulty remote, I contacted Roku and was told they can't/won't replace the remote only, that I would have to return my whole package to them, and only once they've deemed it to be defective they would send out a replacement. That's a pretty poor warranty policy- the customer's out return shipping cost and out of media entertainment for probably at least 2 weeks. On something that only costs $85 to begin with. Anyhow, I then found this forum thread and wondered if my problem may be some kind of interference from the 5 GHz WiFi. So I tried signing off my 5 GHz and on to my regular 2.4 network and so far it seems the remote is working better. I'll see over time if 2.4 is going to stream as well as 5, but at least I don't have to use my phone all the time, which isn't convenient for me.

i have the same issue with my Roku 2 remote. i will try switching my wifi to 2.4ghz and see if that makes a difference.

I have two new Roku 2s also and was having the same problem with the remote. For some reason switching from my 5ghz channel to the 2.4ghz channel works for both the factory remote and my universal remote. This is definitely something they need to work out.

Just picked up a Roku 2 4210R today and had the same exact issue with my remote. My only difference seems to be while on the home screen, and most apps, it seems to work fine. Watching a movie on VUDU, however, and the remote becomes practically useless. I did notice a bit of a lag on other apps but it's nothing like on VUDU. I'm pretty sure I'm connected to 5G (which seems to be the issue with most people here) so when I get a chance I'll try and reconnect on the other wifi network.

Besides this issue I absolutely love the Roku. This is my first one and decided to go with the 2015 Roku 2 over the 3 because voice search and headphone jack wasn't that important to me. And I'm fine with an IR remote as long as it works like it's supposed to. Thanks all for starting this thread. I'll keep you posted about how it works when I change the wifi.

I think it's the pick up in the box itself I've fried using a spare Roku IR remote that I have when used with my 2XS it works fine across the room and just about from any angle. When used with my 2015 2 it acts the same as the remote that came with it that is terrible. Come on Roku offer us 2 owners an inexpensive WiFi remote without all the bells and whistles of the 3. That would be the right thing to do.

Crazy. I did what others on here have done and switched my wifi off of 5G. Now everything, including VUDU, works perfectly with the remote. So weird. Like others said why would the wifi affect an IR remote, but it seems like it did. Regardless, I'm so glad I found this thread because changing the wifi would've NEVER occurred to me. Thanks everyone!

Wing rider ....do you think it is the box or the remote that is the issue? I want to purchase the remote only on eBay to use with my 2xs for the slingtv button.

jdmac29 wrote:

Wing rider ....do you think it is the box or the remote that is the issue? I want to purchase the remote only on eBay to use with my 2xs for the slingtv button.

Not sure, but the spare IR simple remote I bought from Roku for my 2XS worked from across the room and well off center when I tried it on the 2 it responded like the 2's remote which is not very well. Which leads me to believe it maybe the pick up in the box itself, I don't know this for sure but that was my experience using a different remote. Since I have the 2 behind my TV I use the remote app on my tablet or my phone which works fine

I purchased the 4210 remote off eBay. In my opinion there is something wrong with the Box. I will test the remote with my 3 and 2xs.

I just got a ROKU 2 ver. 4210 w/ IR Remote-My remote will not work if held horizontally and pointed at the ROKU unit unless it is within 1 foot of the ROKU unit. If I hold the remote at any other angle, and from any distance say 15' or less, it works fine. I also setup my Harmony 880 to control it, and the ROKU responds the same way, except it will only accept signals from the Harmony being held horizontally if its within 2" of the unit. This is crazy. ROKU is sending me a new remote, but I doubt that's the problem. Any ideas?

nothing but air between the box and remote? IR sensor most likely ... the units used to come wrapped in a clear shrink wrap stuff -- if that is still on there you might try removing it to see if it helps.....

Thanks. I had already taken off the plastic.

So I tried a different test. I moved the ROKU 4210 from the Samsung TV and connected it to a Sony TV in another room. The remote works perfectly!!!???? I've heard of issues with Samsung's throwing off bad Karma or something, but I can't imagine what mine is doing. I don't have the backlight on and the other stuff that seems to cause some problems is also not being used. Any ideas?