How to Tell Which Roku Stick You Have

As there are many versions of Roku player today, and new ones with additional features keep coming out, sometimes it’s hard to tell exactly which model you have.

Some models may look alike, but each one has special characteristics that make them unique. Also, newer models are supposed to have enhanced and improved features.

So, you’ve taken a look at your Roku Stick but you’re still not sure. If that’s the case, read this guide to find out some useful info that may clear up your doubts.

How Many Roku Sticks Are There?

As you know, not all Roku models are in the form of a stick. The basic versions, such as Roku Express, come with an HDMI cable for connecting the Roku to the HDMI input of your TV. However, the Roku Streaming Stick looks just like a USB stick except the connector is HDMI rather than USB. In lieu of a cable, you connect the Stick directly to the TV’s HDMI input port.

Roku Streaming Stick

The original Roku Streaming Stick already supports streaming service providers that have all the best movies, TV shows, and music you can ask for. It supports streaming in HD, as well as voice search. Another interesting feature is the ability to control your TV – you can use the Roku remote to turn your TV on or off.

Roku Streaming Stick +

What’s different about the plus version of the Roku Streaming stick is the fact it supports 4K and HDR10 streaming, which affects the video quality in a positive way.

If you’re not sure about the exact model of your Roku, including the Roku Stick, you can try to find out by going into the settings menu. Press the Home button on your remote and then select Settings followed by System. Under the System menu, select About. You’ll see a list of details about your Roku device. Among these details, you should be able to see the model number and name, as well as its serial number.

Can I Use Any Remote with My Roku Stick?

There are two types of compatible remote controls that you can use to control your Roku device. It can be a standard infrared remote or a point-anywhere remote control.

How are these two different? If you have an older TV, you probably have an infrared remote. It transmits the commands via infrared light and you know it doesn’t work unless you point the remote directly at your TV. The same goes for your Roku.

Point-anywhere remote controls are improved versions that allow you to install your Roku behind your TV because you don’t need to point them directly at the device. They use WiFi to transmit the commands.

The Roku Streaming Stick comes with a point-anywhere remote control and you can also use your voice instead of pressing buttons. Another great feature of the Roku remote is the built-in headphone jack that you can use for private listening.

How to Pair Your Roku with a Remote

If you’re getting a new remote for your Roku, you’ll need to pair it. This is how.

Automatic pairing

When you put the batteries in your Roku remote and turn on both the Roku device and your TV, the pairing should start automatically. Make sure you’re holding the remote close enough to the Roku device so that it can recognize it and connect.

Manual pairing

If you’re resetting your Roku device rather than pairing it with the remote for the first time, you need to unplug your Roku for a minute and then reconnect it. Before that, take out the batteries from the remote. When you reconnect the device, the home screen will soon reappear on your TV, which you can use as a cue to put the batteries back into the remote control, but without closing the battery compartment. That’s because the pairing button is located in this compartment and you have to press and hold it for 5 seconds. The indicator light on the front side of the remote will start flashing to indicate a successful pairing. If the light doesn’t start flashing, you may need new batteries.

Instead of using the Roku remote, you can use the Roku app to control your Roku. Whether you have an Android or an iPhone, you can install the app as a replacement to your Roku remote.

Perhaps you’re looking to unpair a remote instead? It takes only a few seconds. Press Home, Back, and Pairing at the same time and hold for 5 seconds. You’ll see the indicator light blinking three times. This means you have successfully unpaired the remote.

Enhanced Remote for Enhanced Roku Streaming Stick Experiences

Roku Streaming Sticks come with a host of great features, including an enhanced remote control that you don’t have to point directly at the device to control it. Private listening is also a great benefit if you don’t live alone.

Which Roku Stick do you have? What’s your favorite feature? Let us know in the comments below!