How to Mute Roku TV Without Remote

There are two reasons why someone may need to mute their Roku TV without a remote. Firstly, not all Roku TV remotes come with a mute button. Crazy, right? Secondly, it can be very convenient not to have to use a remote to control your TV.

Unfortunately, there’s no convenient way to mute audio on a Roku TV without some sort of remote control service. But, the good news is that if your Roku remote came without a Mute button, there are a few workarounds.

Use the Roku Mobile App

The Roku Mobile App is free and loaded with features. You can switch channels, use your phone’s mic to search for TV shows or movies. But, what’s most important is that with the Roku Mobile App installed, you can turn your iPhone or Android device into a remote control.

1. Go to Play Store or Apple Store.
2. Search for Roku and install the app.
3. Launch the app.
4. Tap the Remote icon located at the bottom of the screen.
   
   At this point you’re probably wondering where the Mute button is. There isn’t one. But here’s the workaround.
5. Tap the Headphones icon in the bottom right corner.
6. Turn down the volume on your phone.

Once you do this, your Roku TV will stream the audio to your phone. Since the phone will be muted, you’ll be able to watch your show in complete silence without disturbing anyone around you.

This feature is even cooler since you may not have to watch your favorite show muted. Simply plug some headphones into your phone and turn the volume up as loud as you want.

Use Alexa

In early 2019, Roku customers were treated to compatibility with Alexa-enabled devices. If you don’t like using a remote and you don’t have an Amazon Echo, you may want to consider it as a workaround. Otherwise, your Roku TV experience may not be as enjoyable.

Examples of Alexa to Roku TV Commands

1. “Alexa, launch HBO Now on Roku”
2. “Alexa, launch Prime Video on Roku”
3. “Alexa, show me comedy movies on Roku:
4. “Alexa, turn down the volume on Roku”
5. “Alexa, mute Roku”
6. “Alexa, turn on Roku”

Note that commands D, E, and F will only work if you have a Roku smart TV. They won’t work if you’re just using a streaming stick. Also, if you want to start your Roku TV with a voice command through Alexa, you’ll have to enable the Fast TV Start feature first from the device’s settings or preferences menu.

There are still some limitations, of course, regarding certain streaming services you can’t launch or with selecting individual episodes. But since this is a new feature, it already brings a lot to the table, especially in terms of controlling the audio on your Roku device, without the use of a remote.

Setting up Alexa for Roku TV

Just because you’ve bought an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, or some other smart Amazon hub for your home, it doesn’t mean that it’ll automatically take control of your Roku TV.

Here’s how you can set this up.

1. Launch the Alexa App on your smartphone.
2. Click the menu icon in the top left corner of the screen.
3. Tap on Settings at the bottom of the options list.
4. Tap on TV & Video.
5. Select Roku from the list.
6. Tap the Enable Skill option.
7. Type in your Roku account credentials.
8. Follow any remaining on-screen instructions.
9. Select whatever Roku device you want to use with Alexa.
10. Now select which Alexa device you’ll use to control your Roku TV.
11. Tap the Link Devices button.
12. Link a new Alexa device if you want, if not tap on the Return to Roku option.

Note that Step 10 is a great way of ensuring that no one can play a practical joke on you from another room. If you only have one Alexa-enabled device this won’t be an issue. But if you have more within range of your Roku TV and you link all the devices, someone else may be able to mess with your viewing experience from another part of the house.

Roku TV – Slowly but Surely Getting There

While Roku still lacks in a few areas, like OS versatility, compatibility with some streaming platforms or smart TVs, the service is just getting better and better. Even if it’s not happening at a pace preferred by its loyal users.

With that in mind, the Mute button situation is still somewhat laughable given that it’s such a basic function of any remote. Let us know how you deal with it. Do you use your smartphone like most people or did you already commit to voice control only? Or, let us know if this minor omittance has actually been a deal breaker for you.