How to Connect Roku to Wi-Fi Without a Remote

Roku remote loss can be very frustrating as it prevents you from connecting your Roku to a Wi-Fi network.

Luckily, Roku provides a virtual remote app that lets you access all the features of a physical remote. There’s a catch, however—your Roku device must be connected to a Wi-Fi network beforehand.

If your Roku doesn’t have an active Wi-Fi connection, there is a small workaround that will allow you to still use virtual remote apps.

Using Mobile Hotspot

This method works best if you remember the Wi-Fi SSID (Wi-Fi name) and password of one of the Wi-Fi networks Roku connected to previously.

After extensive testing, I can confirm that if you create a mobile hotspot using the same Wi-Fi name and password as a previously saved Wi-Fi network on the Roku, it will seamlessly connect to the mobile hotspot, interpreting it as a Wi-Fi network. same old.

Once your Roku is connected to the hotspot, you can then connect other phones to that hotspot and use the Roku mobile app.

Here are a few things you must have in order to use this method. The name (SSID) and password of the Wi-Fi network are stored on your Roku. Two phones (Android or iOS.) Carrier fees may apply when you use the hotspot. Make sure you have enough data volume.

Here are the steps.

Previously, my Roku connected to a Wi-Fi network named “WiFi TNT“and the password is “qwerty123“I will now create a mobile hotspot on my first phone with the same credentials. Go to settings Mobile Hotspot and Tethering on your phone. Configure the appropriate name and password. Make sure you also select the correct band. Turn on hotspots. If you are using an iPhone, you need to change your iPhone name to change the hotspot name. You can do it from Arrangement > General > About > Name. However, you can set a password from Personal Hotspot arrangement. Once the hotspot is active, your Roku will automatically connect to this hotspot. Now take the second phone and connect to the same hotspot on the first phone. download Roku mobile app on the second phone. Open the app and pair your Roku with the second phone by following the on-screen instructions on the app. Use virtual remote and go to settings Network Roku. You can now connect your Roku to your preferred Wi-Fi network. Once you’ve connected your Roku to another Wi-Fi, connect your second phone to that Wi-Fi as well. Otherwise, you will lose control of your TV.

Using an Ethernet Cable

There are several variants of Roku, such as Roku Express, Roku Premiere, Roku Streaming Stick, and Roku Ultra.

While not available on the older variants, the newest variants, such as the Roku Ultra and Roku Ultra LT, come with an ethernet port.

You can connect your Roku and router directly using an ethernet cable. Then download the Roku remote app on your phone. Using this app, you can easily control your TV. Make sure you connect your phone and Roku to the same Wi-Fi router.

Some Roku variants even come with a USB port. However, you might not be able to connect a USB keyboard or mouse using these ports. The USB interface on your Roku is built to support storage devices only and does not support external input devices.

Notes: Consider getting a replacement Roku remote if any of the methods discussed in the post are not comfortable for you. If you need help, let me know in the comments section.