Roku remotes are known for their user-friendly design and voice control features. However, the four pre-programmed shortcut buttons for popular streaming services can be a source of frustration. While these buttons are convenient for some, they might not align with everyone’s subscribed services. Fortunately, Roku offers a solution: personal shortcut buttons. Let’s explore how to customize these buttons to streamline your streaming experience.
Roku remote shortcut buttons Ben Patterson/
Understanding Roku’s Shortcut Buttons
Roku remotes feature two types of shortcut buttons: “quick shortcuts” and “personal shortcuts.” Quick shortcuts are pre-programmed by Roku and link to specific streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. These are not user-configurable. However, personal shortcuts offer the flexibility to be programmed with custom commands.
Roku Remotes with Personal Shortcuts
Several Roku remotes offer personalizable shortcut buttons:
- Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Generation): This remote, bundled with the latest Roku Ultra, features a single personal shortcut button with two programmable slots. It also boasts backlit buttons for easy navigation in the dark.
Roku Voice Remote Pro second generation Jared Newman /
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Roku Voice Remote Pro (1st Generation): This version has two distinct personal shortcut buttons, labeled “1” and “2,” allowing for quicker access to your customized commands.
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Roku Enhanced Voice Remote: This remote, bundled with older Roku hardware, also features two programmable shortcut buttons. Note that it lacks the rechargeable battery and headphone jack of the Voice Remote Pro.
While the legacy Roku Touch tabletop remote also featured personal shortcuts, it is no longer available.
Programming Your Personal Shortcuts: Two Easy Methods
There are two ways to program the personal shortcut buttons on your Roku remote:
Method 1: Using Voice Commands
This method leverages Roku’s voice control capabilities:
- Press the microphone button on your remote and issue a voice command, such as “open HBO Max,” “launch YouTube TV,” or even more complex commands like “show me action movies.”
Roku remote microphone button Ben Patterson/
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After Roku executes your command, press and hold the desired personal shortcut button (either “1” or “2” on the first-generation Voice Remote Pro, or select the appropriate slot on the second-generation remote).
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An on-screen overlay will appear, prompting you to select an option for the shortcut. Choose “Last voice command.” A confirmation message will appear, indicating the successful assignment of the voice command to the shortcut.
Roku short buttons set with voice command Ben Patterson/
Method 2: Direct Shortcut Assignment
This method allows you to directly assign functions to your personal shortcuts:
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Press and hold the desired personal shortcut button.
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An on-screen overlay will display various options, including launching specific channels (e.g., Netflix, Apple TV+), accessing The Roku Channel, opening the Live TV Guide, setting a sleep timer, or enabling closed captions.
Roku shortcut buttons press Ben Patterson/
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Select your desired function using the remote’s directional buttons.
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A confirmation overlay will appear. If you’re happy with your selection, wait for the countdown to finish. Alternatively, press the “Back” button to make changes.
Roku shortcut buttons confirm Ben Patterson/
Reprogramming Your Shortcuts
You can easily reprogram your personal shortcuts at any time by repeating either of the methods described above. This allows you to adapt your remote’s functionality to your evolving viewing habits.
By customizing your Roku remote’s personal shortcuts, you can create a more personalized and efficient streaming experience. Enjoy quicker access to your favorite channels and features, streamlining your entertainment setup.
