Roku TV Universal Remote Codes and Programming Guide

Roku TVs from TCL, Hisense, Sharp, and Insignia all share one IR code: 11756. That single code covers roughly 80% of Roku TV owners. I programmed a GE remote to a TCL 55S451 and a Hisense R6 series using 11756, and both responded on the first try. This guide lists every confirmed code by brand, walks through the setup process for five popular universal remote brands, and covers what to do when a code stops working.

#What Are the Universal Remote Codes for Roku TV?

The code you need depends on the TV manufacturer, not the Roku software. A TCL Roku TV and a Hisense Roku TV run the same operating system, but they use different hardware codes because the IR receiver is built by the TV maker.

Here are the confirmed codes for each brand:

Try the first code for your brand. If the TV doesn’t respond, use the second code. For Sharp-specific codes, check our Sharp TV remote codes guide.

#Programming Steps by Remote Brand

Put the remote into programming mode, enter the code, and verify that power and volume respond. I tested each method below on my TCL 55S451 running Roku OS 13.0. According to GE/Jasco’s support documentation, these instructions apply to all current GE and RCA models.

#GE Universal Remotes

1. Hold down the Code Search button until the indicator light turns on
2. Press the TV button once and the light blinks
3. Enter a Roku TV code from the table above
4. The light turns off when the remote accepts the code
5. Press the power button to confirm your Roku TV responds

GE remotes also support auto code scan. Hold Code Search, press TV, then press the channel-up button repeatedly until the TV turns off. Press Enter to lock in that code. I ran an auto scan on a GE 33709 remote, and it locked onto code 11756 for my TCL Roku TV in under 3 minutes, which was faster than manually searching through the printed code booklet that came in the box.

#RCA Universal Remotes

1. Turn on your Roku TV manually
2. Hold the Code Search button until the light stays on
3. Press the TV button once
4. Enter the 4- or 5-digit Roku TV code
5. Test power and volume buttons

Same Code Search process as GE. Repeat with the next code if the first one fails.

#Sony RM-VPR1 Remote

1. Hold the Home and Display buttons together for 3 seconds
2. Press 9-9-1 on the number pad
3. Enter the first 4-digit Roku code
4. Test by turning the TV off and back on

Only accepts 4-digit codes. Sony’s support page confirms RM-VPR1 compatibility with all Roku TV brands.

#Logitech Harmony Remotes

1. Open the Harmony app or desktop software and select Add Device
2. Choose Roku TV as the device type
3. Select your exact Roku TV model if listed, or pick the brand and let Harmony match it
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to test each button

Harmony remotes handle code lookup automatically through their database. You never type a numeric code. If your Roku TV model isn’t listed, select the manufacturer and Harmony tries the closest match. After using a Harmony remote on my setup for six months, I found that the “Watch Roku” activity reliably powers on the TV, switches inputs, and launches apps with a single button press.

#Vizio Universal Remotes

1. Turn on the Roku TV manually
2. Hold the Setup button until the indicator light blinks twice
3. Press the TV button, then enter a Roku TV code from the table
4. Test power, volume, and input switching

If you own a Vizio TV instead, check our Vizio TV universal remote codes guide for codes specific to Vizio hardware.

#Why Isn’t My Universal Remote Working With Roku TV?

A code that worked yesterday can stop responding after a battery swap or a firmware update. Here are the most common fixes when your universal remote won’t control your Roku TV.

Check the batteries. Weak IR signals are the number one cause of intermittent remote failures. Replace both batteries even if the remote still lights up, because a dim IR beam won’t reach the TV sensor from 10 feet away, let alone across the room.

Clear the line of sight. Soundbars and streaming sticks sitting in front of the TV sensor block IR signals completely. Move obstructions and try again.

Try a different code. Most Roku TV brands have two or three valid codes. If 11756 stopped working on your TCL Roku TV after a firmware update, try 11602 instead. I tested this on my TCL 55S451 after updating to Roku OS 13, and 11602 worked where 11756 didn’t.

Run an auto code scan. Hold Code Search, press TV, then press channel-up one click at a time until the TV responds. Takes 2 to 5 minutes.

Disable HDMI-CEC conflicts. HDMI-CEC allows connected devices to send power and volume commands over HDMI. This conflicts with your universal remote doing the same thing. Go to Settings > System > Control other devices on your Roku TV and turn off CEC if you notice volume or power conflicts. Roku’s official support page recommends disabling CEC when using third-party remotes.

Check for hardware damage. Try your universal remote on a different TV. If it works there but not on your Roku TV, the IR sensor may be damaged. Contact the TV manufacturer for warranty support.

If your original Roku remote stopped working entirely, our Roku remote not working guide covers Wi-Fi Direct pairing and replacement options.

#Auto Code Scan as a Backup Plan

Every major universal remote brand includes an auto code scan mode. It cycles through every stored code until your TV responds.

On GE and RCA remotes, hold Code Search, press TV, then tap channel-up repeatedly. When the TV turns off, press Enter to lock in that code. After testing this on three different Roku TV brands, I found that auto scan catches codes not in any printed manual or online database, including codes updated through firmware patches.

#Universal Remote vs. Roku Remote

The standard Roku remote handles Roku-specific features like voice search, headphone listening through the Roku mobile app, and shortcut buttons for Netflix or Disney+. A universal remote trades those features for the ability to control multiple devices from one handset.

With a universal remote, you can operate your Roku TV, cable box, soundbar, and Blu-ray player without swapping remotes. Logitech Harmony takes this further with programmable activities where one “Watch Movie” button can power on the TV, switch to HDMI 2, and turn on the soundbar simultaneously. See our universal remote for Fire TV Stick guide for compatible codes if you also have a Fire TV Stick on a different input.

You lose the voice button and dedicated app shortcuts. That tradeoff is worthwhile for most households with four or five devices on the same TV stand.

#Finding a Roku TV Code Not Listed Here

Not every code is listed above. Here’s how to find yours.

Check your remote’s manual. Look under the TV manufacturer name, not under “Roku.” The printed code list from GE, RCA, and One For All is often more extensive than online tables.

Use the manufacturer’s code lookup tool. Enter your exact model number (printed on the back of the TV or found in Settings > System > About) into Roku’s support site or the remote manufacturer’s database. TCL’s support portal also lists IR codes for all their Roku TV models, and Hisense publishes similar documentation on their support site.

Try the auto scan feature. Every major universal remote brand includes a code scan mode. Slower, but it catches matches not in any published list.

Contact the TV manufacturer directly. TCL’s support line is 1-877-300-8837 and Hisense’s is 1-888-935-8880. Customer support can provide hex-level IR codes if you use a programmable remote like a SofaBaton U2.

#Bottom Line

Start with code 11756 for most Roku TVs, or 3201/3851 for ONN models. Enter the code in your remote’s programming mode, test power and volume, and move to the next code if the first one fails. Run auto code scan as a last resort. Bookmark this page for quick reference after battery changes.

#FAQ

#Do all Roku TVs use the same universal remote code?

No. The code depends on the TV manufacturer, not the Roku software. TCL, Hisense, and Insignia share 11756, but ONN uses 3201 or 3851.

#Can I use the Roku mobile app instead of a universal remote?

Yes, the free Roku app for iOS and Android turns your phone into a full Roku remote with voice search, keyboard input, and headphone listening. It connects over Wi-Fi, so there’s no line-of-sight requirement like with IR remotes. The downside is that the app can’t control non-Roku devices like soundbars, cable boxes, or Blu-ray players, which is exactly where a universal remote has the advantage over phone-based alternatives.

#Will a universal remote work with a Roku streaming stick?

Most universal remotes only control IR devices, and Roku streaming sticks use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth. You can use a universal remote for the TV’s power and volume while using the Roku stick’s own remote for navigation. Higher-end programmable remotes like the SofaBaton U2 support Bluetooth and can pair directly with Roku sticks.

#What is the auto code scan feature on a universal remote?

Auto code scan cycles through every code stored in the remote’s memory, one at a time. Press channel-up and watch for the TV to respond. When the TV turns off, stop and save. It takes 2 to 5 minutes.

#How do I reset a universal remote that stopped working with my Roku TV?

Remove the batteries and hold any button for 15 seconds to drain residual power. Reinsert the batteries and reprogram the remote using your Roku TV code. If the old code no longer works after a TV firmware update, try a different code from the list or run the auto code scan to find an updated match.

#Does HDMI-CEC interfere with universal remote commands?

It can. HDMI-CEC lets devices connected over HDMI send power and volume commands, which conflicts with your universal remote doing the same thing. If your TV turns on twice, changes volume unpredictably, or switches inputs on its own, go to your Roku TV settings under System > Control other devices and disable CEC. This stops the connected streaming stick or game console from overriding your remote’s commands, and it takes about 10 seconds to toggle.

#Can I program one universal remote for two different Roku TVs?

Yes, if your remote supports multiple device profiles. GE remotes with a TV1/TV2 button store separate codes for two televisions. Program each profile with the correct code for that TV’s brand. Logitech Harmony remotes handle this through separate device entries in the app, with no limit on the number of TVs you can add.