If you own a Roku device, this article will guide you on how to use your Roku without a remote.
A remote control is included with every Roku player. Roku remotes, unlike most other remotes you’ve ever used, connect to their players through WiFi.
That means you won’t be able to watch your shows if you misplace your remote or it your Roku remote stops working.
Fortunately, there is a workaround that allows you to operate your Roku device from your phone. Even if you’re on a new WiFi network, here’s how to utilize your Roku device without a controller.
How to use your Roku without a Remote
You can use your Roku without a remote if you have a smartphone. The steps below will guide you on how to use your Roku without a remote, however, for this method to work, both your Roku device and the smartphone must be connected to the same Network.
Follow the guidelines highlighted below to use your Roku without a remote
- Install the Roku app on your device. The app is available for Android smartphones on the Google Play Store and for iPhones and other Apple devices on the Apple App Store.
- Open the app and follow the directions on the screen. If this is your first time using the Roku app, you will be required to accept the terms and conditions as well as complete a brief tutorial.
- Then select Devices from the drop-down menu. This can be found at the bottom of your screen. If you’re using the app for the first time, you’ll need to click OK to allow it to find your Roku devices.
- After that, select your Roku device.
- Then press and hold the Remote icon. When you tap on your device, you’ll see a plus-shaped icon.
- Finally, you can operate your Roku device with the app’s remote. You can continue to use your Roku player with the app on your smartphone for as long as you wish. Make sure your smartphone and Roku device are both connected to the same WiFi network, though.
If you have followed the steps listed above, you can now use your Roku without a remote.
How to Connect your Roku to a WiFi without a Remote
Roku provides an app for both iOS and Android that lets you use your smartphone as a remote control. You may still connect to WiFi with your Roku device this way.
To connect your Roku without a remote, follow the steps below.
- Install the Roku app on your device. The app is available for Android smartphones on the Google Play Store and for iPhones and other Apple devices on the Apple App Store.
- Tap on remote in the menu at the bottom middle of the screen.
- Ascertain that the remote is linked to the appropriate Roku device. The Roku’s name should appear at the top of the screen, with a green dot indicating that it is connected.
- Then tap the Home icon
- Next, click on Settings.
- Now select Network.
- Then set up the connection on your Roku using the directional arrow pad on the app.
- Finally, set up your WiFi network by following the on-screen prompts.
Read How to Pair your Roku Remote
How to Use a Mobile Hotspot to Connect Your Roku Device to the App
To connect the Roku device and the app to a new WiFi network, you will need two devices: one that can establish a hotspot and another that has the Roku software installed.
This is due to the fact that you cannot create a hotspot on your smartphone and then connect your Roku app to it with the same device. You’ll also need to know the name and password of the previous WiFi network to which your Roku device was connected.
Follow the steps below to connect your Roku device and app to a new WiFi network.
- Create a mobile hotspot on one of your devices: A Mac or Windows computer or laptop, a smartphone, tablet, or any other device with mobile hotspot capabilities can be used.
- Give your hotspot the same name and password as the last Network you linked your Roku player to : This method will not work unless your Roku device has already been linked to a WiFi network. If you used your Roku device at a hotel the last time, you’ll need to create a hotspot with the same name and password as the hotel’s WiFi network.
- Then join that hotspot with your other device. This is the device you will use to set up your hotspot.
- Then, on your other device, download and launch the Roku app.
- Then select your Roku player under Devices.
- After that, press the remote icon.
- Then, on your Roku device, utilize the app’s remote to go to Settings.
- After that, choose Network.
- Then pick Wireless from the Set up connection menu.
- On your remote, press OK.
- Then select a different network.
- Finally, tap Connect after entering the WiFi password.
If you have followed the guidelines listed above, you have successfully connected your Roku device and app to a mobile hotspot.
This article has taken you through how to use your Roku without a Remote, how to connect your Roku to a WiFi without a remote, and also how to use a mobile hotspot to connect your Roku device to the app.
If you encounter any difficulty while trying to implement any of these solutions, it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional.