Want a Non-Voice Remote Roku?

If you don't want any part of the new voice search technology which seems to be the current trend these days, it's getting harder and harder to find media streamers that don't have a microphone built-in.

We get it, just because you don't want to buy into this technology doesn't mean you live in a tin foil covered house. (Or maybe you do.)

The news is full of stories every other day and it seems many devices, websites and even the President's phone are being hacked by hackers.

One reason some don't want a voice remote is that they don't want a hacker or others being able to remotely turn on a microphone and listening in on their private and most intimate conversations.

This is already very much possible to do as shown possible even with an Android or iPhone cell phone. See this article.

Are your phone camera and microphone spying on you?

Unfortunately, it's getting harder to find any new Roku models that don't come with the Voice Search remote which has the microphone built in. If you absolutely don't want this technology, your choices are limited.

Here are a couple options that can still let you enjoy your Roku media player without any fear your words will come back to haunt you.

Roku Premiere+ 4K HDR Roku Model without Microphone

Option 1. Buy a Roku that comes without Voice Search technology that comes with a remote without a microphone.

Both the 2016 (3600) Roku Streaming Stick and the 2017 Roku Premiere+ (4630) are two Roku model which can still be found sold as new or refurbished that do not include Voice Search.

They both have the WiFi point anywhere remote and are the only Roku models left that don't come with the voice remote or microphone.

The older Premiere+ is a 4K HDR media streamer that also has an Ethernet port. It uses the same enclosure as the current Roku Ultra.

Don't confuse this older Premiere+ model with the newer 2018 Premiere which is also 4K ready. This model does come with the Voice Search Remote and does not have an Ethernet port. It uses the same enclosure as a Roku Express.

Option 2. Remove the batteries from your Roku Voice Search Remote, place it in a drawer and buy a Universal Remote to control your Roku.

This may be the best option as you can still buy the most current Roku model and not have to worry about the microphone being turned on or your personal information or conversations being sent to a server somewhere.

A Universal Remote offers several other benefits you won't get with a Roku Remote like backlighting to make it easier to use in the dark or in low light. You can also use it to control all your devices which eliminates needing to juggle between several remotes.

For an affordable Universal Remote that works with Roku and NVIDIA Shield, check out the Inteset 4 in 1 Universal IR Remote. You can read a full review on this remote here.

Other Universal Remotes Without a Microphone

1. Philips Elite 8-Device Universal Remote
2. Anderic 4-in-1 Universal Remote with Backlight
3. Logitech Harmony 650 Infrared All In One Remote

Option 3. Hack Your Roku Remote. If you are dead set on using your Roku Remote you could always open your remote and snip one of the connectors that go to the microphone.

This is the riskiest and least desirable option and you stand a good chance of damaging your Roku Remote and will then need to buy a Universal Remote anyways.

If you wish to proceed, do so at your own peril. Here's how to take apart a Roku Remote.

Roku Remote Not Working? Try These Tips

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