Connect using the Roku mobile app instead of the physical remote

You can set up WiFi on your Roku without the remote by using the Roku mobile app, which works on both iPhone and Android phones. read the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then open it on a phone connected to the same WiFi network you want your Roku to join. The app will detect your Roku device and let you navigate the setup screens and enter your WiFi password from your phone.

This method works best if your Roku is already powered on and has never been set up before, or if you're resetting it to factory settings. The app communicates with your Roku over the local network, so both devices need to be in range of each other and ideally on the same WiFi band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, depending on your router).

Key Takeaways

  • The Roku mobile app turns your phone into a remote and can complete WiFi setup without the physical remote.
  • Your phone must be on the same WiFi network as your Roku during setup, or on a network the Roku can see during initial pairing.
  • If the app cannot find your Roku, restart both devices and make sure your Roku is powered on and in pairing mode.
  • You can also use a universal remote, HDMI-CEC (if your TV supports it), or a USB keyboard as alternatives to the Roku remote.

Step-by-step setup with the Roku app

Power on your Roku and let it boot to the home screen. Open the Roku app on your phone and tap the remote icon at the bottom of the screen. The app will search for nearby Roku devices — this usually takes 10 to 15 seconds.

When your Roku appears in the list, tap it to connect. Your phone will pair with the device, and you'll see a PIN code appear on your TV screen. Enter this PIN into the app on your phone to confirm the pairing. Once paired, the app becomes a full remote: you can navigate menus, select options, and type text using your phone's keyboard.

Go to Settings on the Roku home screen (navigate with the app), then select Network, then WiFi. Choose your network name from the list, and when prompted, use your phone's keyboard in the app to type your WiFi password. The Roku will connect and confirm the connection on screen.

What to do if the app cannot find your Roku

If the Roku app shows no devices, restart your Roku by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it boots, make sure your phone is connected to your home WiFi network — the app needs this to communicate with the Roku on the same local network.

Check that your phone and Roku are within reasonable range (same room or adjacent rooms work best). If you're on a 5 GHz WiFi band and your Roku only supports 2.4 GHz, switch your phone to the 2.4 GHz band in your WiFi settings, or ask your router to broadcast both bands at once (most modern routers do this by default).

If the app still cannot find the device, try restarting your phone and your WiFi router. Power cycle the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Some Roku models also have a physical reset button on the back or bottom — holding it for 10 seconds will factory reset the device and return it to pairing mode, which may help the app detect it.

Using a universal remote or USB keyboard instead

If the Roku app does not work on your phone, a universal remote that supports Roku (such as a Logitech Harmony or a basic IR universal remote) can navigate the setup screens and enter your WiFi password. You'll need to program the remote to your Roku model first, which usually involves entering a code from the Roku manual or the remote's app.

A USB keyboard connected to your Roku via a USB adapter (if your model has a USB port) will also let you type your WiFi password. Plug the keyboard in, navigate to the WiFi password field using the arrow keys, and type the password directly. This works on most Roku devices but not all — check your model's manual to confirm USB support.

HDMI-CEC control if your TV supports it

If your TV has HDMI-CEC enabled (sometimes called Anynet+, Simplink, or EasyLink depending on the TV brand), you may be able to use your TV remote to control the Roku. This feature lets one HDMI device control another over the same cable.

Connect your Roku to an HDMI port on your TV, then turn on HDMI-CEC in your TV's settings. Switch the TV input to the Roku and try using your TV remote's arrow keys and select button to navigate. Not all TV remotes work this way, and not all Roku models support it, so this is worth trying only if other methods fail.

Recovering a lost or broken remote

If your remote is lost or broken, the Roku app is the fastest replacement. It offers all the same functions as the physical remote and costs nothing to read. If you don't have a smartphone, a universal remote or USB keyboard will work, though you may need to buy one.

Roku also sells replacement remotes directly, including the standard infrared remote and the Roku Voice Remote (which requires line-of-sight to the device). Check the Roku website or Amazon for your specific model number to order the correct replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on the same WiFi network to use the Roku app?

Yes, your phone must be on the same WiFi network as your Roku during setup. If your Roku has never connected to WiFi before, it may broadcast its own temporary network that your phone can join first — check your phone's WiFi list for a network starting with "Roku" or "DIRECT-Roku".

Can I use the Roku app if I don't have the WiFi password?

No, you'll need the WiFi password to complete setup. If you don't know it, check your router's label (usually on the bottom or back), log into your router's admin page from another device, or contact your internet provider. The Roku app cannot bypass password protection.

What if my Roku is already connected to WiFi but I lost the remote?

read the Roku app and use it as a remote going forward. The app works over your home WiFi network even if the Roku is already connected, so you don't need the physical remote at all once the app is paired.

Will the Roku app work on an older phone or tablet?

The Roku app requires iOS 12.0 or later on iPhones and Android 5.0 or later on Android phones. If your device is older, check the app store to see if an older version of the app is available, or use a universal remote or USB keyboard instead.