How do I control the volume on my Roku remote app?
Roku is a popular streaming device that allows users to access various streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and more on their TV. Roku offers a free remote control app that lets users control their Roku device directly from their smartphone or tablet. The Roku app connects to the Roku streaming device over the home WiFi network. This allows you to browse movies/shows, launch apps, control playback, adjust volume, and more. The Roku remote app provides a convenient way to control your Roku without needing the physical remote.
Check Device and App Volume Settings
The first step is to check your device’s volume controls, as these can limit the maximum volume level in the Roku app. On your phone or tablet, look in the device’s settings for a volume limiter option. This may be labeled as Volume Limit, Safe Volume, or Maximum Volume Level. Make sure this is not enabled or turned down low, as it will restrict volume even if you turn it up in the app.
Next, go into the Roku app’s settings. Look for an option labeled Media Volume or App Volume. Make sure this is set to high or maximum level.1 Device volume controls take precedence over the app volume, so be sure to check both.
Adjust Volume in App
The Roku mobile app has built-in volume controls that allow you to adjust the volume directly from the app. There should be volume up/down buttons visible on the app’s remote interface, typically at the bottom of the screen.
Check that the volume buttons are present in the app. If you don’t see them, try updating to the latest version of the Roku app from your device’s app store. The volume buttons are a standard feature that should be available.
If the volume buttons are there, tap on them to turn the volume up or down. This should allow you to control the volume if you’re using the app as a remote for your Roku player or Roku TV.
Source: Roku Community
Try Enabling Sound Settings
One solution to adjusting the volume in the Roku app is to enable sound controls in the app’s settings. This allows the app to directly control the volume on your Roku device. Here’s how to enable sound controls in the Roku app:
Open the Roku app and go to the Settings section. Look for the “Enable sound controls” option and toggle it on. This is sometimes found under Advanced Settings or Additional Settings in the app. You may need to scroll down to find it. According to Roku’s support article, this option allows the Roku app to directly control volume on compatible Roku devices.
Once enabled, you should now be able to use the volume buttons in the Roku app to control the volume. Slide the volume bar up or down or press the volume buttons to adjust the volume level. The volume control should now work even if it wasn’t previously.
Enabling sound controls essentially gives the Roku app permission to send volume commands directly to your Roku player or Roku TV. This bypasses the TV’s external speakers and lets you control volume right from the app. If the volume buttons still don’t work after enabling sound controls, you may need to update the app or restart your devices.
Update the App
An outdated version of the Roku remote app may cause issues with controlling volume or other features. Make sure you have installed the latest version of the Roku app from your device’s app store. According to user reports on discussion forums like Reddit, volume controls may be missing or not working properly in older versions of the app.
To update the Roku app on your iOS device, open the App Store and tap your profile icon in the top right. From here, you can view apps with available updates and tap ‘Update’ next to the Roku app. For Android devices, open the Google Play Store, tap the menu button in the top left, choose ‘My apps & games’, select ‘Updates’ and tap ‘Update’ next to the Roku app.
After updating to the latest version, try using the volume buttons in the Roku app again. Many users have reported this resolves issues with Roku app volume control not working properly after an update.
Restart Devices
A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches with the Roku app or device. According to the Roku support site (https://community.roku.com/t5/Channels-viewing/Keeps-kicking-me-out-of-my-apps-and-back-to-the-home-screen/td-p/858811/page/7), restarting the Roku player is recommended when experiencing issues with apps exiting or freezing up. Restarting essentially reboots the device and clears out any software bugs that may be causing problems.
To restart your Roku device, go to Settings > System > Power > System Restart on the home screen menu. This will initiate a reboot. If you don’t see the Power submenu, you can also unplug the power cord for 10 seconds and then plug it back in. For the Roku app specifically, force quitting the app and reopening it essentially restarts the software and can resolve temporary bugs.
Overall, rebooting the Roku device and app is an easy first step to try when experiencing volume or other issues, as it often clears up software glitches. Just a quick restart can have the app and remote working properly again in no time.
Check Connection
The Roku remote app requires a WiFi connection to communicate with your Roku streaming device. Both your phone and the Roku device need to be connected to the same wireless network in order for the remote app to function properly.
First, check that your phone is connected to your home WiFi by going to the Settings app and ensuring WiFi is enabled. The network name should match the WiFi network your Roku device is connected to.
Next, make sure your Roku player or Roku TV is connected to the same wireless network. You can check this in the Settings menu on the Roku by going to Network > Check connection.
If your Roku is connected via ethernet instead of WiFi, the remote app will not be able to communicate with it. You’ll need to connect your Roku player or Roku TV to your WiFi network in order to use the mobile app remote.
Once you’ve confirmed both devices are on the same WiFi network, try searching for your Roku from the mobile app again. The app should now be able to find and connect to your device.
If you continue experiencing connection issues, some troubleshooting steps include restarting your router, reinstalling the Roku app, power cycling the Roku device, and ensuring your WiFi network doesn’t have any security restrictions blocking connectivity.
As a reference, see this Roku support article which provides troubleshooting steps for connectivity issues with the mobile app: How to connect your phone to a Roku streaming device using the mobile app
Reset the App
If you are still having volume control issues in the Roku app after trying the other troubleshooting steps, resetting the app may help. Clearing the app data erases any corrupted files or settings that could be causing problems.
To reset the Roku app on your mobile device, first force quit the app completely. Then go to your device Settings, find the Roku app under Apps, and choose to clear app data and cache. This will reset the app to its default settings.
After resetting the Roku app, open it again and try adjusting the volume. The app should launch like new. If volume control still does not work properly, you may need to reinstall the latest version of the app from your device’s app store.
For more details, refer to Roku’s support article on how to reset your mobile app: https://support.roku.com/article/360009649613-how-to-reset-your-roku-mobile-app
Contact Roku Support
If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps but are still unable to control the volume on the Roku remote app, it’s time to reach out to Roku’s official customer support channels for additional help.
Roku offers customer support through various channels like email, phone, and live chat. You can find contact information on their official Roku support site or Roku contact page.
Some key ways to get support are:
- Call 1-816-272-8106 to reach their 24/7 customer support line
- Start a live chat session on their support site during business hours
- Email [email protected] with your issue
When you contact Roku support, be ready to provide details like your Roku model number, the app version you’re using, and the troubleshooting steps you’ve tried. The Roku support team can investigate unresolved technical issues on their end and help troubleshoot any problems with controlling volume in the remote app.
Roku’s knowledgeable support representatives may be able to resolve volume control issues you can’t fix yourself and get the remote app working properly again.
Conclusion
Controlling the volume on your Roku remote app can be easy once you know where to look. First, check your device and app volume settings to make sure they aren’t muted or set too low. Try adjusting the volume slider in the app itself. Enabling additional sound settings like night listening mode may also help increase your volume. If you’re still having issues, updating the Roku app, restarting your devices, and checking your connections can help resolve any bugs. As a last resort, resetting the app or contacting Roku Support directly can help troubleshoot rare issues.
With some simple troubleshooting, you should be able to get your Roku remote app volume working properly. Keep these tips in mind for quickly regaining control over your sound settings next time you run into issues.
