Connecting your Roku device or smart TV to your home WiFi is essential to get the most out of its streaming capabilities. But what if you‘ve lost your Roku remote or it stops working? Not to worry – with the right preparation, you can still connect to WiFi without using the remote control.
In this comprehensive guide, we provide proven methods to connect new or existing Roku devices to WiFi, with or without a remote.
Overview of Connecting Roku Without Remote
Roku devices rely on an internet connection to access streaming apps and content. While hardwiring with an Ethernet cable is an option, most users connect wirelessly via WiFi. This requires inputting your WiFi network name and password on the Roku interface.
Without a working Roku remote, this process becomes more difficult but not impossible. The key is to use the free Roku mobile app, which has a remote control function. If your Roku box or smart TV already connects to a WiFi network, you can use the app to connect it to a new network.
If your Roku isn‘t currently connected to the internet, you‘ll need to create a temporary WiFi hotspot with your smartphone. You can then connect to that hotspot via the Roku interface and use the mobile app to connect to your final WiFi network.
Below we walk through these methods in 5 easy-to-follow steps tailored to different scenarios:
- Connecting an existing Roku to a new WiFi network
- Connecting a Roku without remote or internet
- Connecting a brand new Roku out of the box
- Troubleshooting Roku remote issues
- "Connected" Roku won‘t detect remote
Follow our guide below for your situation. With the right preparation, you‘ll be streaming your favorite shows in no time!
Method 1: Connect Existing Roku to New WiFi Network
If your Roku is already connected to your home WiFi or another wireless network, you can use that existing connection to link it to a new network. The key tools are the free Roku mobile app (for iOS or Android) and a smartphone connected to the new wireless network you want to link to.
Step 1: Connect Smartphone to New WiFi Network
On your iPhone, Android, or other smartphone, connect to the new WiFi network you want your Roku to link to. To check the name of the network you‘re connected to, go to the WiFi or Network settings on your phone.
Make a note of the exact WiFi name (SSID). You‘ll need to select this on the Roku connection screen later.
Figure 1 – View or change the WiFi network your phone connects to
If you‘re not sure which WiFi is yours, check the label on the back of your wireless router. It will be named something like "Netgear04" or "Linksys576".
Step 2: Launch Roku App and Select Remote
Next, download and open the Roku app on your mobile device (available for both iOS and Android). Tap on the Remote icon at the bottom.
Figure 2 – Access the remote function in the Roku mobile app
If you have multiple Roku devices, select the specific one you want to connect. The app will say “Remote Ready” when it finds your Roku box.
Step 3: Select Settings from Roku Menu
Now use the Roku app remote to navigate to the Home menu on your TV screen. Scroll down and select Settings.
Figure 3 – Open Settings from Roku Home menu
Step 4: Choose Network Settings
In Settings, select "Network".
Figure 4 – Go to Network menu
This is where you can view network details and set up new connections.
Step 5: Set Up Wireless Connection
Under Network settings, choose "Set Up Connection" and then select the "Wireless" option. Ensure the Wireless button is shifted to the right.
Figure 5 – Set up new wireless connection
Now you are ready to connect to a new network!
Step 6: Connect Roku to New WiFi
Finally, select your new WiFi network from the list displayed. Enter the correct WiFi password when prompted.
Once complete, hover over Connect and click the OK button. Wait a few moments as it connects.
Figure 6 – Input new WiFi SSID and password
When you see your new WiFi network name displayed at the top of the settings, you‘ve successfully connected your Roku to the new wireless network! Enjoy streaming.
Here‘s a quick video summary of the steps:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQw4w9WgXcQ
In some cases, you may need to reconnect the Roku mobile app to your device. But now that it‘s linked to WiFi, you can easily relaunch the app and reconnect.
Method 2: Connect Roku Without Remote or Active Internet
If your Roku isn‘t currently connected to an active WiFi or wired network, you‘ll need to create a temporary hotspot to connect to first. Here are the steps to get connected.
Prerequisites
To connect in this scenario, you‘ll need:
- Roku device powered on
- Roku mobile app
- Ability to create mobile hotspot on smartphone
- Name of WiFi network Roku was previously linked to (optional but helpful)
Step 1: Rename Mobile Hotspot
First, create a mobile WiFi hotspot on a separate smartphone you‘ll use as a temporary Roku remote. In iPhone settings, this is called Personal Hotspot. On Android, it‘s Mobile Hotspot/Tethering.
Open the hotspot WiFi settings and change the network name (SSID) to exactly match what your Roku device was previously connected to.
Figure 7 – Change mobile hotspot name
If you don‘t know what WiFi network your Roku was paired with before, check old phones, routers, or receipt paperwork which may have the network name.
Matching the name tricks your Roku into auto-connecting to what it believes is a previous known WiFi network.
Step 2: Connect Roku to Renamed Hotspot
With the renamed hotspot enabled on your spare smartphone, turn on your Roku TV or device. It should automatically connect to what looks like its previously known WiFi network.
Figure 8 – Roku connects to hotspot
The key is making your mobile hotspot SSID match what your Roku already had saved.
Step 3: Launch Roku App
Now open the Roku app on a separate mobile device like a phone or tablet. This secondary device will function as your remote.
Make sure it is connected to the same WiFi network as your temporary hotspot.
Figure 9 – Connect spare device to hotspot to use as remote
Step 4: Follow Steps to Connect to New Home WiFi
With your Roku now back online (connecting to the hotspot), use Steps 3-6 above to:
- Access Roku settings menu
- Go to Network > Set Up Connection
- Select your home WiFi network
- Enter home WiFi password
The device will disconnect from the hotspot and reconnect to your home wireless network!
Method 3: Connect Brand New Roku Without Remote
Just bought a new Roku and realized the remote needs new batteries? Or it was missing/defective in the box? Not to worry – you can still connect it to WiFi with two workarounds.
Option 1: Use Ethernet to Router
If your wireless router is nearby where you plan to install the Roku, connecting via Ethernet cable is the easiest solution.
What You‘ll Need
To connect with this method, ensure you have:
- Roku device
- HDMI cable
- Ethernet network cable
- Roku mobile app
- Home WiFi password
Step 1: Connect Ethernet Cable
Grab an Ethernet cable and connect one end into the LAN port on the back of your home router or modem. This is usually blue in color.
Run the other end to your new Roku box and plug it into the Ethernet port, usually on the back panel.
Figure 10 – Plug ethernet from Roku box to home router
Step 2: Connect Roku to TV
Make sure your Roku box is powered on. Connect an HDMI cable from the Roku device to an HDMI port on your TV. This will display the Roku interface once connected.
Step 3: Connect Phone App to Same WiFi
On your smartphone, connect to the same WiFi network that your router broadcasts. This allows you to access and control the Roku over WiFi once connected.
Figure 11 – Have smartphone join home WiFi
Step 4: Launch Roku App
Open the Roku app and you should see your connected Roku. Under remote control, select your new device.
Figure 12 – Roku app detects connected device via Ethernet
Even without WiFi, the app can still control the device since it‘s physically connected on your local network.
Step 5: Follow Onscreen Instructions
Now simply use the mobile app remote to select:
Home > Settings > Network > Set Up Connection
And follow steps 3-6 above to select your wireless network and enter password. The beauty of starting with a wired connection is the Roku will now seamlessly connect to your home WiFi once configured, without needing the app. Enjoy!
Option 2: Use Nearby Phone Hotspot
If connecting an Ethernet cable across rooms isn‘t practical, here is a method using a mobile hotspot:
What You‘ll Need
- Roku device
- HDMI cable
- Smartphone
- Roku mobile app
- Home WiFi password
Step 1: Connect Roku to TV
Make sure your new Roku box is powered on and connected to your TV‘s HDMI port.
Step 2: Enable Mobile Hotspot
Turn on the mobile hotspot on a nearby smartphone. This creates a mini WiFi signal you‘ll connect the Roku to temporarily.
Figure 13 – Turn on mobile hotspot via smartphone
Step 3: Launch Roku App
With the phone hotspot enabled nearby, open the Roku app on a separate device like a tablet.
Make sure this secondary device joins the newly created hotspot WiFi network. This allows the app to discover and control the Roku while on the hotspot.
Step 4: Follow Onscreen Instructions
Use the Roku app remote to navigate to:
Home > Settings > Network > Set Up Connection
Now select your home WiFi network and enter the password. The device will disconnect from the hotspot and join your home wireless network.
Troubleshooting Tips for Roku Remotes
While the above methods allow you to connect your Roku without a remote, having a working remote makes everyday use much easier. Try these troubleshooting tips if your remote has issues:
Change Batteries
Make sure to insert fresh batteries in the Roku remote. While this may sound obvious, depleted batteries are the most common cause of remote control issues.
I recommend using high-quality lithium AA batteries for longest battery life. You can also plug in rechargeable batteries to avoid changing them constantly.
Inspect for Damage
Examine your Roku remote to make sure it‘s not physically broken or cracked. Especially check the wireless transmitter at the front tip.
Damage to this part impairs the infrared signal to your TV. If broken, replacement Roku remotes start around $15 on Amazon.
Re-pair Remote
If your remote flashes green or won’t connect properly, try re-pairing it manually:
- Take batteries out of the remote
- Hold down pairing button (found underneath near batteries)
- Keep holding button for 3+ seconds as you reinsert batteries
- The remote light should flash several times once paired
This hard reset usually fixes connectivity issues if batteries aren‘t the culprit.
Get a Universal Remote
If you can’t get the standard Roku remote working, grab any other universal remote control from your household gadget drawer. You can program many universal remotes to work with Roku by entering a special manufacturer code.
While limited compared to the real remote, a basic universal model lets you access some menus or functions in a pinch.
Why Does My Roku Show Connected But Remote Not Working?
One tricky scenario while troubleshooting is when your Roku device powers on and shows connected to the internet (via WiFi or ethernet), but the remote stops working properly.
There are a few potential causes for this situation:
- Faulty remote – try batteries, repairing, or getting a replacement remote
- Out of range – IR remotes need line-of-sight to Roku box. Signal may not reach if behind furniture or in cabinet.
- WiFi interference – other devices broadcasting on the same WiFi channel can disrupt remote connectivity. Change WiFi channel on router if possible.
- Bad software update – system update causes software/hardware conflict. Factory reset Roku and setup again from scratch.
Isolate whether just the remote is malfunctioning vs loss of video or general Roku problems. If it powers on but buttons and navigation aren‘t responsive, 99% chance is a hardware remote failure or battery issue.
Follow the troubleshooting tips above to revive a faulty remote. For other problems like frozen screens or video disruption, power cycle the Roku box and also restart your router if necessary. Let components fully reboot before retrying.
Still not resolving? As a last resort perform a factory reset on the Roku unit,followed by a fresh network connection. This cleans out any corrupt software or settings as part of the setup routine.
In Summary…
While Roku devices thrive when connected to the internet and your home WiFi, you‘re not stranded without a working remote.
Using the Roku mobile app as a smart remote allows you to wirelessly connect to new networks. For fresh out-of-box setup, having an Ethernet cable helps complete initial configuration without a remote.
With the right tools on hand, you can get around lost, damaged, or missing Roku remotes to get back to streaming your favorite shows.
Our guide outlined proven methods to connect both existing and new Roku devices to WiFi without using the included infrared remote.
Follow the step-by-step instructions specific to your scenario. With some preparation, you‘ll have Roku access up and running in no time.
Let us know if you have any other questions!
