Roku remotes do make use of Wi-Fi to connect to their streaming device. But, if you lose your remote or it does not work again, can you still operate Roku? The answer is yes, you can, and we have the steps right here for you.
A Roku player naturally comes with a remote, so remotes are not totally void in this case. It is just a matter of what you can do if your remote stops working or somehow, you just cannot find it. Losing your remote is not the end of the world, and certainly, not the end of a fun lived experience on TV.
So, if you have not already guessed the secret by now, you can use Roku without a remote by downloading the Roku app. You can download the Roku app on Google Play Store or the Apple Store and use the app as your remote.
This is made possible if you are using your Roku device at a spot where you last connected your Roku device to a Wi-Fi network. We will show you how you can do this.
Step 1: First, download and install the Roku app. We did mention earlier that the Roku app is available for iOS and Android devices.
Step 2: After you must have successfully downloaded the app, launch the Roku app on your device.
Step 3: Next step, press Remote.
Once you do this, the remote on the mobile Roku app will enable you to control your device so much, like the way you control your actual remote. This means that, with your mobile remote, you can play, pause, skip forward, change channels, and so on.
Step 4: In this step, connect to your Roku Device. This will work if your device is on par with your smartphone’s Wi-Fi network.
How to Roku Player to Wi-Fi using a Mobile Hotspot?
In this part of the article, we will also provide you with details on how to connect your Roku player to Wi-Fi using your mobile hotspot. It is very much possible that you have your Roku player and not have your remote.
If you are without your remote, it means that you cannot connect to your Roku, and you also can’t change the Wi-Fi username and password.
This is why you need this information as you will need to set up a mobile hotspot with the exact name and password that your last Roku connected Wi-Fi network has.
Do make sure that you know the username and password of the last Wi-Fi network that you connected your Roku device to before you connect your Wi-Fi with your hotspot. Note that you should have two smartphones; or at least two devices that you can use as a Wi-Fi hotspot and as a Roku remote.
Step 1: First, set up a mobile hotspot on your device.
Step 2: We told you that your hotspot must have the same name and password as the last network that you used your Roku with. Make sure this happens.
Step 3: Then, you can use the Roku app on your smartphone as your remote. Ensure your phone is connected to the same mobile hotspot as your Roku device.
Step 4: By now, you should have a working remote on your smartphone.
You can as well connect to your Roku when you are creating a new Wi-Fi network or changing an existing one. Just make sure that it does have the same name and password as your Roku device.
Now that’s an effective way to operate Roku without a remote.
One major stumbling block in using a mobile hotspot to connect to your Roku player is this; if you at any point decide to stream movies and TV shows using your mobile hotspot, you are on the verge of draining your data as streaming TV shows, and movies can eat up a lot of data.
So, you may want to be in the know about this and get yourself a befitting data plan before you begin, or you just try not to stream anything at all. Or, as an afterthought, just get a new remote!
Catch up on Our Summary How to Operate Roku without remote
We mentioned that it is possible to use your Roku player without having a remote through the Roku app. To do this, try these steps;
- Download and install the Roku app
- Launch the Roku app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Press Remote.
- Connect to your Roku device.
On how to connect to your Roku player to Wi-Fi, using mobile hotspot:
- Set up a mobile hotspot on your device.
- Ensure your hotspot has the same name and password as the last Wi-Fi you connected your Roku player with.
- Proceed to use the Roku app on your smartphone.
We believe we have done justice to filling you up with vital information on operating your Roku player without a remote control. We will like to know more about your experience in the comment section below.