oh no! You’re traveling with your favorite Roku device and forgot the remote, or you just thought you’d be able to use your phone. Unfortunately, the Roku app has to be connected to the same network as your Roku device but how to set up the Wi-Fi on the Roku without a remote?
Don’t panic! We have a range of solutions for you. Hopefully, one of those will save the day!
Solution 1: By far the easiest, use another remote. Roku’s remotes should work across devices, or maybe you have a universal remote at home. As obvious as the solution is, I had to mention it so it truly covers every solution.
The next solutions all require a mobile device with the Roku app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
If you don’t have a compatible phone and remote, you’re out of luck and no miracles, you need to buy a new remote.
Solution 2: If your Roku device has an ethernet port (Roku Ultra or Roku Express with ethernet adapter) you can connect it directly to the router and your phone to the Wi-Fi. As long as both devices are on the same network, the Roku app will allow you to link them.
Solution 3: If you can access both networks, follow these steps:
- Both your Roku and phone should be on the same Network (the old one)
- If not paired:
- Open the Roku app on your mobile device and tap on the “Remote” icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap on the “Devices” icon at the bottom of the screen and select your Roku device from the list.
- Once connected, use your phone as a remote and connect your Roku to the new network:
- Settings > Network > Set up connection > Wireless
- Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password if prompted.
- Wait for your Roku device to connect to the Wi-Fi network. Connect your phone to the new network and set up the Roku app again.
Solution 4: aka the MacGyver solution. It is a bit trickier because you need to remember the previous SSID (the name of the Wi-Fi network) and the password.
Typical scenario if you’re traveling with your Roku and forgot the remote. Or maybe you changed your internet provider and lost the remote. Either way, follow these steps:
- If you control the network, access your router admin interface and change the Wi-Fi SSID and password to match the previous ones.
- If you don’t (for instance, in a hotel room): You need two devices, one with the Roku app and another with the ability to create a WiFi hotspot (e.g. your partner’s phone, your roommate’s iPad)
- Create a WiFi hotspot on your second device using the SSID and password your Roku device is currently set up for
- Connect your mobile with the Roku app to that same WiFi network
- You should now be able to use the Roku app to control the Roku device. Change the Network settings to connect to the new WiFi network
- Connect your phone to the new WiFi network, and you’re good to go
- (give back the device used for the WiFi hotspot to your partner or roommate!)