You can connect a Roku to WiFi using the Roku app on your phone, a USB keyboard, or the pairing code method — no remote required

A missing or broken remote does not lock you out of your Roku. You have three working paths: use the official Roku app on your smartphone to control the setup process, plug in a USB keyboard to navigate the WiFi menu, or use the pairing code system if your Roku has already connected to WiFi before. The fastest route depends on whether you have a smartphone nearby and whether your Roku has seen your network before.

Each method works on all current Roku models — Roku TV, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, and the smaller Roku Express. The setup takes about five minutes once you choose your path.

Key Takeaways

  • The Roku mobile app (available free on iOS and Android) lets you control your Roku as if you had a remote, including navigating to WiFi settings and entering your password.
  • A standard USB keyboard plugged into your Roku's USB port works when ready for typing passwords and navigating menus without any pairing step.
  • If your Roku has connected to your WiFi network before, you can use the pairing code method to reconnect without entering your password again.
  • Your Roku must be powered on and you must be in range of your WiFi network for any of these methods to work.

Using the Roku Mobile App to Connect WiFi

read the official Roku app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on any smartphone or tablet. Open the app and tap Devices at the bottom of the screen. The app will search for Roku devices on your network — your Roku should appear within 10 seconds. Tap your Roku's name to connect the app to it.

Once the app is connected, tap the remote icon at the top of the screen. You now have a full remote control on your phone. Press the Home button (the house icon), then navigate down to Settings and press the center button to select it. Go to Network, then WiFi, and select your network name from the list. When prompted, use the on-screen keyboard in the app to type your WiFi password. The Roku will connect within 30 seconds.

This method works even if your Roku has never connected to WiFi before, as long as your phone is on the same network or can reach your Roku through a wired connection. If your phone is on a different network, move it to the same WiFi as your Roku first, or use one of the other methods below.

Connecting With a USB Keyboard

Plug a standard USB keyboard into the USB port on your Roku device. Most Roku models have a USB port on the back or side — check your device's manual if you are unsure where it is. The keyboard will work when ready without any setup or pairing. Press the Home button on your Roku (usually a physical button on the device itself) to wake the screen if it is dark.

Navigate to Settings using the arrow keys on your keyboard, then press Enter to select it. Go to Network and then WiFi. Use the arrow keys to highlight your network name and press Enter. When the password field appears, type your WiFi password using the keyboard and press Enter. Your Roku will connect within 30 seconds.

A USB keyboard is the most reliable method if you have one available, because it requires no smartphone, no previous connection history, and no app read. Wireless keyboards do not work — your keyboard must be wired USB or connected through a USB adapter.

Reconnecting With a Pairing Code

If your Roku has connected to your WiFi network before, you can use the pairing code method to reconnect without typing your password again. On another device (a computer, phone, or tablet), go to roku.com/pair in a web browser. You will see a pairing code — a four-digit number that changes every 15 seconds.

On your Roku, navigate to Settings using the Home button and the arrow keys on your device (or use the Roku app on your phone). Go to Network, then WiFi, and look for an option that says Connect using pairing code or Pair with code. Enter the four-digit code from roku.com/pair before it expires. Your Roku will reconnect to the last network it used, without asking for the password again.

This method only works if your Roku has previously connected to your WiFi network. If this is a new Roku or you are connecting to a different network, use the Roku app or USB keyboard method instead.

What to Do If Your Roku Will Not Find Your Network

If your Roku does not see your WiFi network in the list, your network may be broadcasting on the 5 GHz band only. Older Roku models support only 2.4 GHz WiFi. Check your router settings to see if you can enable a 2.4 GHz band alongside 5 GHz, or create a separate 2.4 GHz network with a different name. Your Roku should then find it.

If your network is hidden (does not broadcast its name), you will need to enter the network name manually. When you reach the WiFi list, look for an option to Add other network or Enter network name manually. Type your network name exactly as it appears in your router settings, then enter your password.

If your Roku is very far from your router, move it closer temporarily to complete the setup. Once connected, you can move it back to its original location if it still has a strong enough signal.

Buying a Replacement Remote

If you want a physical remote again, Roku sells official remotes for $20 to $30 depending on the model. The standard Roku remote works with all Roku devices. The Roku Voice Remote (which includes a microphone for voice search) costs more but works across all models as well. You can buy these from Roku's website, Amazon, Best Buy, or most electronics retailers.

Third-party universal remotes also work with Roku devices if they support the Roku infrared codes. Before buying a universal remote, confirm in the product description that it lists Roku compatibility. Some universal remotes require you to enter a code to pair with your Roku — check the remote's manual for the Roku code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Roku app if I do not have WiFi yet?

No. The Roku app communicates with your Roku over your home network, so you need WiFi already set up. If this is your first time connecting, use a USB keyboard or the pairing code method instead. Once your Roku is on WiFi, the app will work for future adjustments.

Does the USB keyboard method work with wireless keyboards?

No. Only wired USB keyboards work directly. Wireless keyboards require pairing, which your Roku cannot do without a remote. If you have a wireless keyboard, use a USB adapter to connect it as a wired device, or use the Roku app or pairing code method instead.

What if I forget my WiFi password?

You can find your WiFi password in your router's settings. Log into your router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 in a web browser) using the username and password printed on the router itself. Look for the WiFi or wireless settings section to see your password. If you cannot access the router, contact your internet provider for help resetting it.

Can I use a phone hotspot to set up my Roku?

Yes. Create a hotspot from your phone, then use the Roku app or USB keyboard to connect your Roku to that hotspot network. Once connected, you can switch your phone back to regular WiFi and your Roku will stay connected to the hotspot. This works as a temporary solution, though most people prefer to connect to their home network for better range and speed.

Will the pairing code method work if I changed my WiFi password?

No. The pairing code reconnects to your last network using the old password. If you changed your password, use the Roku app or USB keyboard to enter the new one instead.