You can set up a Roku TV without the physical remote by using your phone, a web browser, or the Roku mobile app

If your Roku remote is lost, broken, or hasn't arrived yet, you don't have to wait to connect your TV to the internet. Roku built three working alternatives: the mobile app (which works on iPhone or Android), a web-based remote you access through any browser, and voice control through Google Assistant or Alexa if you have those devices. Each method gets you to the same setup screens and takes about five to ten minutes once you're ready to start.

The fastest route depends on what you have in front of you right now. If you have a smartphone, the Roku app is the simplest. If your phone is dead or you don't have one nearby, a computer with a web browser works just as well. Both methods assume your TV is already powered on and you're in the same room or on the same home network.

Key Takeaways

  • The Roku mobile app (available free on iPhone and Android) works as a full remote replacement and lets you navigate setup without the physical remote.
  • If you don't have a smartphone, you can use the web remote at roku.com/link by entering the code shown on your TV screen.
  • Both methods require your phone or computer to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku TV, or connected to the same account if you have one.
  • Once you're in the setup menu, you can complete the entire network connection and account linking process using either the app or web remote.

Using the Roku Mobile App as Your Remote

read the Roku app from the Apple App Store (if you have an iPhone) or Google Play (if you have an Android phone). Open the app and tap the remote icon at the bottom of the screen. The app will search for Roku devices on your network and show your TV in the list.

Tap your TV's name to connect. If this is the first time pairing the app to your TV, you may see a PIN code appear on your TV screen — enter that PIN into the app to confirm the connection. Once paired, the app becomes a full remote: you can navigate menus, select options, and type text using the keyboard that appears on your phone screen.

From here, follow the on-screen prompts on your TV to connect to Wi-Fi, sign in to your Roku account (or create one), and add any streaming channels you want. The app remote works exactly like the physical remote for every step of setup.

Using the Web Remote if You Only Have a Computer

If you don't have a smartphone, go to roku.com/link on any computer or tablet connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. Your TV will display a code on the screen — a four-digit or six-digit number depending on your model. Enter that code into the web page.

Once you enter the code, the web page transforms into a clickable remote. You'll see buttons for navigation, volume, and power, plus a text input field for typing. Use this to move through the setup menu on your TV screen just as you would with the physical remote. The web remote is slower to use than the app (clicking buttons on a computer is less fluid than tapping on a phone), but it works for the entire setup process.

Complete your Wi-Fi connection and account setup using the web remote's navigation buttons. When you're done, you can continue using the web remote, or switch to the mobile app once you have your phone available.

Connecting to Wi-Fi Without a Remote

Once you have either the mobile app or web remote working, your TV will show the network setup screen. You'll see a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Use your remote (phone app or web) to select your network name from the list.

When you select your network, a keyboard will appear on your TV screen. Type your Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard — the mobile app lets you type on your phone, which is faster, while the web remote requires you to click each letter on the TV screen. After you enter the password, your TV will connect to the network and move to the account setup screen.

Setting Up Your Roku Account

Your TV will ask you to sign in to a Roku account or create one. If you already have a Roku account (from another device or from the Roku website), sign in with that email and password. If you don't have an account, you can create one right there using the on-screen keyboard.

A Roku account is free and lets you add channels, save preferences, and use the mobile app to control your TV from anywhere in your home. You'll need an email address and a password you create. Once you're signed in, your TV will ask which channels you want to add — you can skip this for now and add them later.

Using Voice Control if You Have Alexa or Google Home

If you have an Amazon Alexa device (Echo, Echo Dot, or similar) or a Google Home device in the same room, you can use voice commands to navigate your Roku TV during setup. Say "Alexa, open Roku" or "Hey Google, open Roku" to set up voice control, then use commands like "select," "up," "down," and "back" to move through menus.

Voice control works for navigation but is slower than the app or web remote for typing passwords and account information. It's most useful as a backup if your phone dies or your computer isn't nearby, or if you want to avoid holding a device while setting up.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If the mobile app can't find your TV, make sure both your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV isn't connected to Wi-Fi yet (because you're in the middle of setup), the app won't see it. In that case, use the web remote instead — it works even if your TV hasn't connected to the network yet, as long as your computer is on the same network.

If the web remote code doesn't work, turn your TV off and on again, then try entering the code a second time. If you're still stuck, check that your computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. If your TV is brand new and has never been set up, it may be in a setup-only mode that requires you to be on the same network to connect.

If neither the app nor the web remote will connect, you can still complete setup using voice control or by waiting for the physical remote to arrive. Your TV will stay in setup mode until you finish connecting it to the network and your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Roku account to use the mobile app as a remote?

No. The app will work as a remote on your local network without an account. However, you'll need to create a Roku account during TV setup to access streaming channels and save your preferences. The account is free.

Can I use the web remote if my TV isn't connected to Wi-Fi yet?

Yes. The web remote works as long as your computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV, even if the TV hasn't connected to the internet yet. This makes it useful for the very first steps of setup.

What if I don't have Wi-Fi at home?

Roku TVs require an internet connection to work. If you don't have Wi-Fi, you can use a mobile hotspot from your phone to set up the TV, then switch to a wired ethernet connection if your TV has an ethernet port. Some Roku models include an ethernet adapter; check your TV's manual.

Can I control my Roku TV with the web remote from outside my home?

No. The web remote only works when your computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. The mobile app can control your TV from anywhere if you're signed into the same Roku account, but the web remote is local-network only.

Will the physical remote work once I set up the TV with the app?

Yes. Once your physical remote arrives or is found, it will pair to your TV automatically. You can use the app, web remote, and physical remote at the same time — they all control the same TV.