You can control your Roku using your phone, a web browser, or voice commands — you don't need the physical remote

If your Roku remote is lost, broken, or out of batteries, you have three working alternatives. The fastest is the Roku mobile app, which turns any smartphone into a remote and works over the same WiFi network your Roku uses. You can also control your Roku from a web browser on a computer, or use voice commands through a smart speaker if you have one. Each method works when ready once you set it up, and none requires you to buy anything new.

Key Takeaways

  • The Roku mobile app (available free on iOS and Android) is the easiest replacement — it works like a remote and lets you search, navigate, and launch channels.
  • Your phone and Roku must be on the same WiFi network for the app to work; if they are on different networks, the app cannot find your device.
  • The web-based remote at roku.com/link works from any computer browser and requires you to sign into your Roku account once.
  • If you have an Amazon Alexa device or Google Home speaker, you can control basic Roku functions by voice without downloading anything.
  • The physical remote can be replaced through Roku's website or through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart if you prefer to buy a new one.

Using the Roku mobile app on your phone

read the official Roku app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone or iPad) or Google Play (for Android phones). Open the app and sign in with the same Roku account you used to set up your Roku device. The app will search for Roku devices on your WiFi network and show you a list of any it finds.

Tap the Roku device you want to control. The app will then display a virtual remote with a directional pad, select button, back button, and home button — the same controls as the physical remote. You can also use the app's keyboard feature to type into search boxes or text fields on your TV without hunting for letters on the screen. The app works when ready once you are connected to the same WiFi network as your Roku.

If the app cannot find your Roku, check that both your phone and your Roku are connected to the same WiFi network. If your phone is on a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz versus 5 GHz), the app will not see your device. Switch your phone to the same network your Roku uses and try again.

Controlling Roku from a web browser

Go to roku.com/link in any web browser on a computer or tablet. Sign in with your Roku account. The site will display a list of Roku devices linked to your account and let you choose which one to control.

Once you select your device, a virtual remote appears on the screen. It works the same way as the mobile app — you can navigate menus, launch channels, and type text using your keyboard. This method works even if your phone is not on the same WiFi network as your Roku, because the browser communicates through Roku's servers rather than directly over your home network.

The web remote is useful if you do not want to install an app on your phone, or if you are away from home and want to control your Roku remotely. However, some advanced features (like voice search) are only available in the mobile app.

Using voice commands with Alexa or Google Home

If you own an Amazon Alexa device (Echo, Echo Dot, or similar) or a Google Home speaker, you can control your Roku by voice without any setup beyond what you have already done. Say commands like "Alexa, turn on the TV" or "Hey Google, turn off the TV" and your Roku will respond. You can also launch specific channels: "Alexa, ask Roku to open Netflix" or "Hey Google, open YouTube on Roku."

Voice control works best for power on/off and launching channels. Navigation and text entry are slower through voice than through a remote or app. If your smart speaker is not already linked to your Roku account, go into the Alexa app or Google Home app, search for the Roku skill or action, and follow the prompts to connect your Roku account.

What to do if none of these methods work

If the mobile app or web remote cannot find your Roku, the problem is usually that your phone or computer is not on the same WiFi network as your Roku. Check your WiFi settings and make sure both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID). If your router broadcasts separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with the same name, try connecting your phone to the same band your Roku is using.

If you are still unable to connect, restart your Roku by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, also restart your phone or computer's WiFi by turning WiFi off and back on. Once both devices are back online, try opening the app or web remote again.

If the web remote at roku.com/link shows your device but will not control it, sign out of your Roku account on the website, close the browser tab completely, and sign back in. This refreshes your session and often fixes temporary connection problems.

Buying a replacement remote if you prefer the physical option

Roku sells replacement remotes directly through roku.com, and they are also available at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and other electronics retailers. Standard Roku remotes cost between $20 and $30 depending on the model. Roku also makes voice remotes (with a microphone built in) that cost more but let you search by speaking instead of typing.

When ordering a replacement, check which Roku model you own (you can find this in Settings > System > About on your TV) to make sure the remote is compatible. Most Roku remotes work across multiple models, but some older devices use different remote codes. The product listing will tell you which Roku devices the remote works with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Roku app if my phone is not on the same WiFi as my TV?

No, the mobile app requires your phone and Roku to be on the same WiFi network. If you need to control your Roku from outside your home network, use the web remote at roku.com/link instead, which works over the internet.

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

Yes, you need to sign into the same Roku account on both your phone (or browser) and your Roku device. If you do not remember your account password, go to roku.com and use the "Forgot password" link to reset it.

Will voice commands work if I don't have the Roku app installed?

Yes, voice commands through Alexa or Google Home work independently of the Roku app. You only need to link your Roku account to the Alexa or Google Home app once, and then voice control is ready to use.

Can I control my Roku from multiple phones at the same time?

Yes, multiple phones can control the same Roku device as long as they are all signed into the same Roku account and connected to the same WiFi network. The last command sent will take effect.

What if my Roku is not showing up in the mobile app even though it is on the same WiFi?

Restart your Roku by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Also restart your phone's WiFi by turning it off and back on. If it still does not appear, check that your phone is not on a guest network — your Roku may not be visible on guest networks even if both are connected to the same router.