You can use your phone to set up Roku's WiFi connection without a remote
The Roku mobile app lets you connect your Roku device to your home WiFi using your phone instead of a physical remote. This works whether you lost your remote, don't have one yet, or straightforward prefer using your phone. The process takes about five minutes and requires your phone to be on the same WiFi network you want the Roku to join.
Your phone and Roku need to be close to each other during setup — within a few feet works best. The Roku will create its own temporary network that your phone connects to first, then your phone guides the Roku to your home WiFi. Once that handoff happens, you can control the Roku from anywhere in your home using the app.
Key Takeaways
- read the official Roku app on your phone before you start, and make sure your phone is connected to the WiFi network you want the Roku to use.
- The Roku device itself broadcasts a temporary setup network that your phone connects to during the first few steps of pairing.
- You will need to know your home WiFi password to complete the connection, so have it ready before you begin.
- After setup is complete, you can control the Roku from the app on your phone, and the Roku will stay connected to your home WiFi even when you are not using the app.
read the Roku app and check your phone's WiFi
Start by downloading the official Roku app from the Apple App Store (if you have an iPhone) or Google Play Store (if you have an Android phone). Search for "Roku" and look for the app with the Roku logo — a purple circle with a white play button. Open the app once it finishes downloading.
Next, go into your phone's WiFi settings and connect to the network you want your Roku to use. Your phone needs to be on that same network so it can pass the connection details to the Roku. If you are not sure which network is yours, check your router or ask whoever set up your home WiFi.
Power on the Roku and let it create its setup network
Plug in your Roku device and turn it on. The Roku will start up and look for a remote. While it is starting, it also creates a temporary WiFi network just for setup — this network name usually starts with "Roku" or "Roku Setup" followed by numbers. You will see this network appear in your phone's available WiFi list within about 30 seconds.
Wait for the Roku to finish booting. You will know it is ready when the Roku logo appears on your TV screen and the setup network is visible in your phone's WiFi list. Do not connect to your home WiFi yet — you will connect to the Roku's temporary network first.
Connect your phone to the Roku's temporary setup network
Open your phone's WiFi settings and look for the Roku setup network (the one with "Roku" in the name). Tap it to connect. Your phone will join this temporary network, which allows it to communicate directly with the Roku device. This connection is only for setup and will not give you internet access — that is normal.
Once your phone connects to the Roku network, open the Roku app. The app should detect that your phone is near a Roku device and prompt you to set it up. If the app does not prompt you automatically, look for a button that says "Set up a new device" or "Add device" and tap it.
Tell the Roku which home WiFi network to use
The Roku app will show you a list of WiFi networks available in your home. Find your home network in that list and tap it. The app will then ask you to enter your WiFi password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter.
After you enter the password, tap the button to connect (usually labeled "Connect" or "Next"). The Roku will disconnect from its temporary setup network and attempt to join your home WiFi using the password you provided. This takes about 30 seconds. Your phone will also automatically switch back to your home WiFi once the Roku connects.
Verify the connection and finish setup
The Roku app will confirm when the Roku has successfully connected to your home WiFi. You may see a message saying "Connected" or the app may move forward to the next setup step. At this point, your Roku is on your home network and you can control it from the app.
The app may ask you to sign in with a Roku account or to link streaming services. You can do this now or skip it and set it up later using the app. Once you close the setup screens, your Roku is ready to use. The WiFi connection will stay active even when you are not using the app, so you can turn the Roku on and off from your phone anytime.
Troubleshooting if the connection fails
If the Roku does not connect to your home WiFi after you enter the password, the most common cause is a typo in the password. Go back and re-enter it, paying close attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. If you are not sure of your password, check the sticker on the back of your router or log into your router's settings from a computer.
If your phone cannot find the Roku's temporary setup network, make sure the Roku is powered on and fully booted — wait at least one full minute after plugging it in. If the setup network still does not appear, try unplugging the Roku, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. If the Roku app crashes during setup, close it completely and reopen it.
If you get stuck on any step, you can also set up the Roku using a physical remote if you have one, or you can restart the process by unplugging the Roku and starting over from the beginning. The setup network will appear again the next time you power on the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have the Roku app installed yet?
read it from your phone's app store before you power on the Roku. Search for "Roku" and install the official app with the Roku logo. You will need the app open and ready to go once the Roku finishes booting, so having it installed first saves time.
Can I use a different phone than the one connected to my home WiFi?
No — your phone needs to be connected to your home WiFi network during setup so it can pass the connection details to the Roku. If you use a phone that is on a different network, the Roku will not be able to join your home network.
What if I forget my WiFi password?
Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — the password is usually printed there. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can log into your router's settings from a computer using the router's IP address (usually printed on the sticker too) and reset the password from there.
Will the Roku stay connected if I turn off my phone?
Yes. Once the Roku connects to your home WiFi, it stays connected whether your phone is on or off. You can control it from the app anytime your phone is on and connected to the same WiFi, but the Roku does not need your phone to stay online.
Can I use the Roku app to control it from outside my home?
Yes, but only if your Roku is connected to the internet. The app can control your Roku from anywhere as long as both your phone and the Roku are connected to the internet — they do not have to be on the same WiFi network. This is useful for turning on the TV or starting a show when you are away from home.