Tivo Slide Pro Remote loses bluetooth connection

The last couple of weeks I have been having this problem where my Tivo slide pro remote sporadically loses bluetooth connection with my Tivo mini. I know this is occurring because the amber light on remote that indicates a button has been pressed turns red to indicate that remote is now in IR mode. Without me doing anything the remote seems to return to bluetooth mode after a few seconds when I subsequently press buttons on the remote.

I have placed a fresh set of batteries in the remote and I have also repaired the remote to the Tivo mini (note I am using the original mini with the USB dongle).

I'm not opposed to buying another remote if that's the problem. Perhaps the problem is the dongle itself has gone bad?

Has anyone else experienced similar problems?

Thanks