The same thing just happened to mine. Luckily, I have another one. Doesn't seem to be the remote. It works fine on the second box. The second remote does the same, prepare to pairing and back, on the original box. Did a factory reset and still same behavior. I could control the box with the software remote on my android phone. Can't tell if this is a hardware problem or software. Was going to get a third box for the guest room but now I'll wait to see if the second box exhibits the same behavior. Kind of disappointing, since the software fix in September, it's been working great.

I own 3 of these and I have this same issue on 2 of the devices. It is a device issue and note a remote issue. I paired a Chromecast remote to it to see if that would solve the issue and the same thing happens with that remote as well. It was supposed to be fixed via an update but when I updated my devices, the same problem still occured. What is crazy is for the first 2 or 3 months of owning the devices they worked great with no issues. Since the last 2 updates I have experienced problems.

The more effective approach with onn android tv device is factory reset. Lost remote control pairing is on the list of issues that I also suffered.

This issue was resolved. Sounds simple but have you tried replacing the shite batteries that came with it? The box is down to $19 at wally world so maybe pick up a spare remote to test.

It was an issue that was acknowledged by WalMart and was supposed to be fixed in the latest update. I own 2 of the boxes and don't have an issue with the remotes.

UPDATE:

I have tried replacing the batteries and factory resetting to not fix. I did use my phone to check for updates. I used my phone to see if I could pair my phone with it (the remote). What appears to be happening is with the remote itself. The remote vanishes and reappears in the list of available devices on my phone. Is it worth trying to get a hold of customer service, or should I open the remote and see if any component needs to be resoldered? (I know how to solder and have a rework station with hot air)

I have this issue and found that when it happens, if I place a cold pack on the box it fixes it. Now the box itself isn't really that warm so I think there is a problem with the Bluetooth radio, and it is either overheating or the chip thinks it is and shuts it off. I opened it up and am now running with a heatsink, but that only minimizing issue not eliminateing.

Same exact issue here. Damn thing worked great for months and, during that time, only became unresponsive once or twice. Now, for the past few weeks, it constantly loses connection to the remote, and it's getting harder to re-pair/staying connected for shorter periods.I'm considering grabbing the cheaper streamer they make, as IT is down to just under 15 clams....but will that model have the same issue?? I can do without the 4K if it does it's damn gig, otherwise. It's pretty sad, because this was one of, if not the best android box values available....not counting the free Google TV and Stadia stuff I snagged when they were heavy in the promos about a year back.

Even my Nvidia Shield comes with compromises, given it's halfass WiFi connectivity. 🤬

P.S. I have the update from roughly 2/20/22....did NOT solve this issue

I'm still having this exact issue as well...

I just started having this problem. Don’t know why it’s happening. The device wasn’t being used. It was not overheating.

really? no issues here.

Same issue. Randomly stopped working yesterday and won’t re-pair for anything. Would rooting/custom rom solve this issue? Doubt Walmart keeps on top of updates for this device. I use it on a Toshiba fire tv so that remote controls the box for now.

my onn 4k streaming device worked great for two months better than a firestick. but now it keeps dropping wifi randomly. i have factory reset twice. i dont no what else to try but i think it might have gotten a virus. i quit using it back to using laptop with hdmi cable to tv. does anyone have a thought on this please help

SOLUTION: The issue arises when the unit overheats. Place an ice-pack over the unit and in a few minutes it will work as intended.

Having the same issue. Nothing worked, like batteries taken out or unplugging things. I decided to long press the button on the box and it asked me to pair my controller. Seems to fix it but it does seem to stop working once in awhile and needs repairing to the box

Mine did the same thing. I read the overheating comment above. I put it in the freezer two minutes. Connected it and paired right after. Seriously. It worked. Don't leave too long to create moisture just long enough to cool down.

I just started having this problem with one of my boxes. When I first turn it on, everything is fine for about five minutes, then the remote stops responding. Attempting to re-pair doesn't work. Then if I shut it off and turn it back on later, it's fine again... for a while.

Take the batteries out of the remote for 15 seconds put them back in and press the button on the side of the device near the light should start pairing follow on screen instructions