Every Roku player comes with its own remote control. But, unlike most of the other remotes you’ve ever used, Roku remotes use WiFi to connect to their players. That means if you lose your remote or it stops working, you can’t watch your shows. Luckily, there is a workaround to this that lets you control your Roku device with your smartphone. Here’s how to use your Roku device without a remote control, even if you are on a new WiFi network. Show How to Use Your Roku Without a RemoteTo use your Roku player without a remote, download the Roku app on your smartphone or tablet. Connect the device with the app to the same WiFi network as your Roku player. Then select Devices in the app and tap the remote icon. Note: Your Roku device must be connected to the same WiFi network as your smartphone for these steps to work. If your Roku device was previously connected to a WiFi network that you can’t connect your smartphone to now, skip to the next section to find out how to connect the app to your Roku player using a mobile hotspot.
These steps will work for anyone who lost their Roku remote while at home. However, this won’t work if you are at a hotel, or you can’t access the same WiFi network that your Roku device was previously connected to. Since your Roku player automatically connects to the last WiFi network it remembers, the Roku app will only work if it is connected to a network with the same name and password. So, you could set up a new WiFi network with the same name and password. However, if you are not able to set up a new network, you can also set up a mobile hotspot and use it to connect your Roku player to the app on your smartphone. How to Connect Your Roku Player to the App Using a Mobile HotspotTo connect the Roku player and the app on a new WiFi network, use a device to set up a mobile hotspot with the same name and password as the WiFi network your Roku device was last connected to. Then download the Roku app on another device and connect it to the hotspot. Note: You will need 2 devices for these steps to work: one that you can use to create a hotspot, and another that has the Roku app installed. This is because you cannot set up a hotspot on your smartphone and then connect your Roku app to that hotspot using that same device. You will also need to know the name and password of the WiFi network that your Roku device was previously connected to.
If you still have your Roku remote, but it just isn’t working, check out our step-by-step guide on how to pair your Roku remote or reset it. How do I navigate my Roku remote?To navigate the Roku interface you will need to:. Use the Directional buttons to navigate and highlight items.. Press the OK button to select the highlighted item.. Press the Back button to return to the previous screen.. Press the House button to return to the main screen.. How do I use my new Roku remote?How to Pair a New Roku Voice Remote. Go to the Roku home screen. ... . Then go to Settings. ... . Next, select Remotes & devices.. Then select Set up a new device.. Next, select Remote and then Continue.. Finally, press the pairing button on your remote until you see the Status light flash green.. |