KlikyInfrared remotes must be pointed at the device, need no pairing, and can be replaced by a universal remote. Wireless remotes (Bluetooth on Fire TV and most smart TVs, Roku’s own wireless link on Roku voice remotes) work without pointing, must be paired, and are not replaceable by an ordinary universal remote. A phone app uses neither: it works over Wi‑Fi.
Which remote uses what
| Remote | Navigation | TV power and volume | Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roku simple remote | Infrared | Infrared (Roku TV versions) | None |
| Roku voice remote | Wireless, not Bluetooth | Infrared | Yes |
| Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote | Bluetooth | Infrared | Yes |
| Samsung Smart Remote | Bluetooth, infrared for basics | Built in | Yes |
| LG Magic Remote | Bluetooth, infrared for power | Built in | Yes |
| Google TV voice remote | Bluetooth | Infrared | Yes |
| Phone app | Wi‑Fi | Wi‑Fi or HDMI‑CEC | Once, on screen |
What it means in practice
- Pointing. Infrared needs a clear path. If a remote works only when aimed, it is infrared, or its wireless link has dropped and it is falling back to infrared.
- Pairing. Wireless remotes forget their device after some battery changes or resets. Infrared remotes never need pairing.
- Volume uses infrared even on wireless remotes. That is why navigation can work from another room while volume needs you to point at the TV.
- Universal remotes. They are infrared. They work with TVs and with boxes that have an infrared window, and not with sticks such as Roku Streaming Stick or Fire TV Stick.
Is a Roku remote Bluetooth?
No. Roku’s simple remotes are infrared, and its voice remotes use Roku’s own wireless connection rather than Bluetooth. Bluetooth on Roku devices that have it is for audio, such as headphones. So a generic Bluetooth remote cannot be paired with a Roku.
Is a Firestick remote Bluetooth?
Yes. Fire TV remotes pair over Bluetooth, and a Fire TV also accepts Bluetooth keyboards, mice and game controllers. See mouse and keyboard for Firestick.
Where a phone fits
Most phones have no infrared emitter, and they do not pair as a Bluetooth remote either. Remote apps such as Kliky reach the TV or streamer over your Wi‑Fi network. That is why the one firm requirement is that both are on the same network, and why an app works equally well with sticks hidden behind the TV.
