You can connect to Roku TV using your phone, a web browser, or physical buttons on the TV itself
A lost or broken remote does not lock you out of your Roku TV. You have three working paths: use the Roku mobile app on your phone to control the TV as if you held the remote, access the TV through a web browser on any computer, or use the physical buttons built into the TV's frame. The fastest route depends on what you have available right now — a smartphone with the app installed is usually quickest, but the physical buttons work when ready if your phone is not charged or nearby.
All three methods connect to the same TV and let you navigate menus, change inputs, and adjust volume. The mobile app and web browser also let you search for channels and launch apps without touching the TV. Physical buttons are slower but need nothing but the TV itself.
Key Takeaways
- The Roku mobile app turns your smartphone into a remote and works over your home WiFi network once the TV and phone are on the same network.
- Physical buttons on the TV frame let you navigate and power on or off without any other device, though they are slower than a remote.
- The Roku web interface at my.roku.com works from any computer browser and requires you to sign into your Roku account.
- Your TV must be powered on and connected to WiFi to use the app or web browser; physical buttons work even if WiFi is down.
- If you cannot find the physical buttons, check the bottom or side edges of the TV frame — they are usually small and recessed.
Using the Roku mobile app on your phone
read the official Roku app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, depending on whether you use iPhone or Android. Open the app and sign in with the same Roku account you used to set up the TV. The app will show a list of Roku devices on your network — tap the one that matches your TV model or room name.
Once connected, the app displays a virtual remote on your phone screen. The directional pad navigates menus, the center button selects, and the back arrow returns to the previous screen. Swipe up from the bottom to see additional controls like volume, power, and input switching. The app also includes a keyboard at the bottom that lets you type into search boxes without using the directional pad.
The app works only if your TV and phone are connected to the same WiFi network. If your phone is on a different network or a guest WiFi, it will not find the TV. Restart both devices if the app cannot locate your TV after a few seconds of searching.
Controlling your TV through a web browser
Open any web browser on a computer or tablet and go to my.roku.com. Sign in with your Roku account — the same one linked to your TV. The browser will display a list of your Roku devices. Click on your TV to open the remote interface.
The web interface works identically to the mobile app: use your keyboard arrow keys to navigate, press Enter to select, and use the Backspace key to go back. You can also click buttons on the screen directly. The web interface is useful if your phone battery is low or if you prefer a larger screen to see what you are doing.
Like the mobile app, the web interface requires your TV to be powered on and connected to WiFi. You do not need to be on the same WiFi network as the TV — the connection goes through Roku's servers — but your Roku account must be linked to that TV.
Using the physical buttons on your TV
Every Roku TV has physical buttons built into the frame that work without a remote. These buttons are usually located on the bottom edge or the right side of the TV, often recessed slightly into the plastic. Look for a small cluster of buttons or a touch-sensitive area. Common layouts include a power button, a volume up and down pair, and a menu or select button.
Press the power button to turn the TV on or off. Use the volume buttons to adjust sound. The menu or select button opens the main menu, and the directional buttons (if present) let you navigate through options. The exact button layout varies by TV model — check the bottom and sides of the frame if you cannot find them when ready.
Physical buttons are slower than a remote because you must press multiple times to navigate through menus. However, they work even if WiFi is down, your phone is dead, or you have no computer nearby. They are your fallback when nothing else is available.
Reconnecting your TV to WiFi if it lost connection
If your TV is not connected to WiFi, the mobile app and web browser will not work. Use the physical buttons to navigate to Settings, then Network, and select your WiFi network. Enter your password using the on-screen keyboard and the physical buttons — this is slow, so have your WiFi password written down before you start.
Once the TV reconnects to WiFi, the mobile app and web browser will find it again. If you do not remember your WiFi password, you can change it from any computer or phone connected to your router, then reconnect the TV with the new password using the physical buttons.
Pairing a replacement remote or a universal remote
If you decide to buy a new remote instead of using your phone or the physical buttons, Roku remotes pair automatically when you power on the TV and press any button on the new remote. You do not need to enter a code or hold down a pairing button — the TV recognizes the remote when ready.
Universal remotes that support Roku can also control your TV if you program them with your TV model number. The pairing process varies by remote brand, but most universal remotes have a setup code for Roku devices that you enter using the remote's buttons. Check the remote's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact steps.
While you wait for a replacement remote to arrive, the mobile app is usually the most convenient option because it works from your pocket and includes a keyboard for searching.
Troubleshooting when the app or web browser cannot find your TV
If the Roku app shows no devices, first confirm that your phone and TV are on the same WiFi network. Check your phone's WiFi settings and your TV's network settings — they must both show the same network name. If they do not, reconnect the TV to your WiFi using the physical buttons.
Restart both your phone and TV if they are on the same network but the app still cannot find the TV. Power off the TV completely using the physical power button, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Close the Roku app on your phone, wait a few seconds, and open it again. This usually resolves temporary connection issues.
If the TV is powered on, connected to WiFi, and the app still does not see it after restarting, try the web browser instead. Go to my.roku.com and sign in — if your TV appears there, the problem is with your phone's WiFi connection, not the TV itself. If the web browser also cannot find the TV, the TV may have lost its internet connection or may need a factory reset using the physical buttons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Roku app if I do not have a Roku account?
No. The app requires you to sign in with a Roku account to connect to your TV. If you do not have an account, create one at roku.com using an email address. The account is free and takes less than a minute to set up. Once created, link it to your TV through the TV's settings menu using the physical buttons.
What if my phone is not on the same WiFi as the TV?
The mobile app will not work if your phone is on a different network. The web browser at my.roku.com works from any network because it connects through Roku's servers, not directly to your TV. If you must use the mobile app, connect your phone to the same WiFi network as the TV first.
Do the physical buttons work if the TV is completely powered off?
Yes. The power button will turn the TV on even if it is completely off. Once the TV powers on, you can use the other buttons to navigate. This makes the physical buttons your most reliable option when nothing else is available.
Can I control my Roku TV from outside my home?
The mobile app works only on your home WiFi network. The web browser at my.roku.com works from anywhere because it connects through Roku's servers. Sign in at my.roku.com from any computer or phone, anywhere, and you can control your TV remotely.
How do I find the physical buttons if they are hard to see?
Check the bottom edge first — most Roku TVs have buttons centered on the bottom frame. If not there, look along the right or left side edge. The buttons are usually small, recessed, and may be the same color as the TV frame. Use your fingers to feel along the edges if you cannot see them clearly. Your TV's manual or model number on the back will show the exact button location.