To begin, you have to create a Wi-Fi hotspot with the same name as the network your Roku was connected to on your device. Then, Roku automatically connects to your hotspot, and you can use the Roku app on your iPhone (iOS) or Android phone to control your device. In case your Roku is already connected to a wireless network, you can directly use the Roku app on your phone to manage your device, as we’ll explain below.
Connect Roku to Wi-Fi Without Remote Using a Wireless Hotspot
To connect your Roku to Wi-Fi without a remote control, you’ll need at least two smartphones or one phone and one computer. You’ll create a Wi-Fi hotspot on one of your phones or computer, and then use the other phone to control the Roku device.
Step 1: Create a Wi-Fi Hotspot on Your Phone or Computer
The first step is configuring and turning on the Wi-Fi hotspot on your iPhone, Android, Windows, or Mac device. Make sure to use the same network name and password for your hotspot as the earlier network (the one your Roku was connected to). Turn On Wi-Fi Hotspot on an iPhone: Enable Wi-Fi Hotspot on an Android Mobile Phone: Activate Wi-Fi Hotspot on Windows: Turn On Mac’s Hotspot: Your Roku should automatically find and connect to your Wi-Fi hotspot.
Step 2: Connect Your iPhone or Android Phone to Your Wi-Fi Hotspot
Now that you’ve enabled a Wi-Fi hotspot and connected your Roku to that Wi-Fi connection, connect your other iPhone or Android phone to the same hotspot to then use the Roku app. Connect an iPhone to a Wi-Fi Hotspot: Connect an Android Phone to a Wi-Fi Hotspot:
Step 3: Download and Use the Roku Mobile App to Manage Your Streaming Device
Now that your phone and your Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network, use the Roku app on your phone to control your device’s functions. Get the Roku App on an iPhone: Download the Roku App on an Android Phone: After installing the Roku app, use it to manage your Roku device. The steps are the same for both iPhone and Android. Your Roku is now on your main Wi-Fi network. You’ll find that your Roku mobile app has stopped working; this is because your Roku has moved to a different network. You can get the app working again by connecting your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku. In case you experience issues connecting your Roku to a Wi-Fi network, you can use a wired connection with your device. Many Roku models offer an Ethernet port that you can use to hook up your device to the internet.
Control Roku’s Functions Using the Roku Mobile App on Your Phone
If your Roku remote has stopped working, but your Roku device is still connected to a Wi-Fi network, use Roku’s app on your iPhone or Android mobile device to control your streaming device. You don’t have to create a Wi-Fi hotspot in this method. The first thing you should do is connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku. Then, download and install the Roku app on your iPhone or Android phone. Once you’ve done that, launch the Roku app, select your device, and you should be able to manage many of your Roku functions with the app. You can use the app to connect your Roku to any wireless network you want.
You Don’t Need a Remote to Connect Roku to a Wi-Fi Network
While a remote makes it easy to connect your Roku to a Wi-Fi network, you don’t necessarily need one to manage your device. You can make a Wi-Fi hotspot and use Roku’s mobile app to completely replace the physical remote. We hope the guide above helps you connect your device to a wireless network so you can watch your favorite content, including YouTube and Apple TV.
