How to Connect Roku to Wi-Fi Without the Remote

Roku devices offer a highly convenient means to enjoy your preferred movies and TV shows. However, establishing a connection between your device and Wi-Fi network can prove to be a challenging task, particularly when you lack access to your Roku remote. In the event that you find yourself in a predicament where you have misplaced or damaged your remote, there are several alternative approaches to connect your Roku device to Wi-Fi prior to purchasing a replacement remote.

Method 1: Check if Your Roku Device has an Ethernet Port 

If you wish to establish a direct and reliable connection between your devices and the router, Ethernet is the ideal solution as it offers faster speeds compared to wireless internet. Notably, certain Roku players such as the Roku Ultra LT and the Roku Ultra come equipped with an Ethernet port. Additionally, if you own Roku devices like the Roku Express 4K, the Roku Express 4K+, or the Roku Streambar, you can enable Ethernet support by purchasing a Roku Ethernet Adapter. Once you have successfully connected your Roku to the internet using Ethernet, you can proceed with the following steps using the Roku app.

Download: Roku Mobile App for iOS | Android (Free)

1. Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device.
2. Select your Roku from the list of available devices on your network.
3. Go to the remote section of the Roku app. 
4.  
   
   Once your phone is connected to your Roku through the mobile app, you can use your phone as the remote to control your device.
   

   Method 2: Temporarily Change Your Network Credentials 

   To modify your Wi-Fi network credentials, you can attempt the following step. In order for this approach to be effective, you must be aware of the credentials associated with the network your Roku device was previously linked to. These credentials include the network's name and password.
   
   To alter your network credentials: .
   

 Open your preferred web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. 

 1. Please input your login details when prompted. If you are unsure about the router login, it is likely that you have never accessed it before, and it will have the default login information. You can search online for the default login based on the router's brand.

2. Locate a section labeled "Wi-Fi," "Wireless," "Network," or a similar term.

3. Subsequently, you will have the ability to modify your network's name and password to match the credentials of the network to which the Roku was previously linked. Remember to save your changes.

After completing these steps, your Roku device should automatically connect to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to utilize the Roku mobile app for device control. Once connected, you can revert your network credentials to their original settings.

Method 3: Use a Mobile Hotspot 

This next method will also require you to know the credentials of the previous network your Roku was connected to, but it won't require you to change the credentials of your router.

1. Use your phone or computer to set up a hotspot.
2. Change the name and password of your hotspot to the credentials of the previous network the Roku was connected to.
3. Your Roku should then connect to it automatically.
4. Then, connect to the hotspot using a second device and use the Roku mobile app as the remote for your Roku device.

You can use the app instead of purchasing a new remote as long as your Roku and phone are connected to the same network.

If your Roku doesn't have an Ethernet port, or you do not have access to the credentials of the previous network it was connected to, none of these methods will be possible, and you'll have to purchase a new remote. 

  Despite the user-friendly nature of Roku devices, this particular problem has been a common issue among many users. It is hoped that future models will offer a more effective solution. Although the limited options for resolving this problem can be frustrating, purchasing a new Roku remote typically costs around $10.