How To Connect Roku & Roku TV to WiFi Without Remote

Wondering how to connect a Roku TV to Wifi without the remote? There are two different methods you can use to fix this. I’ve tested this on several Roku TV’s and Roku devices with success. 

This guide is for those who have lost their remote, or brought their Roku TV or stick to a friend’s house without the remote and can’t pick or connect to a new WiFi network without the remote. This post is also for those who cant connect to their Roku device or Roku TV when their Wifi has changed.

If you’re Roku TV needs a remote, see the Best TCL Roku TV Remote Replacements -there are also universal remote options. The Roku app on your Phone may not always be the most convenient option to control your TV.

You’ll need to “trick” your Roku’s WiFi into using your hotspot by 1. using two phones and a hotspot or 2. by changing the name of your phone to the name of the WiFi.

Key Takeaways

You’ll need one the following before proceeding to connect Roku to your WiFi without the use of a Remote:

• A smartphone such as an Android or iPhone
• Secondary phone (optional method)
• The official Roku remote mobile app
• Ability to change SSID, name of phone, and Wi-Fi
• Mobile hotspot.

There are two main ways to successfully connect a Roku or Roku TV to WiFi without the remote: 

Method 1: Connect via two phones with previous Wi-Fi settings.

1. To connect a Roku TV to Wifi without the remote, you’ll need to have two phones and you must know your previous wifi settings.
   

   

2. Then, you’ll configure one phone as a hotspot using the SSID, which will allow the Roku to connect.
   

   

3. Next, you’ll attach the second phone to the same network and control the Roku TV or device via the Roku app.
   

   

The SSID is the wireless network name, which was assigned by your Internet service provider, router manufacturer, or was changed when you initially configured your advice. (see more on this further in this guide)

Method 2: Use just one Smartphone and change the name of the SSID

1. You can also connect a Roku or Roku TV to WiFi without the remote without the use of a second smartphone.
2. You can do this by connecting to the mobile app on the phone using the hotspot.
   

   

3. Then, change the name of your phone to the SSID of the iPhone or android WiFi.
   

   

4. After this, you’ll use the official Roku app to control the device.
   

   

Related: See our post on the best Roku web browsers. You can learn how to use them to search the internet on Roku in our guide here.

We tested 4 methods on 9 different Roku device models. On this table below, you’ll see our success rate across 5 Different Roku TV brands (TCL, Insignia, Phillips, Onn, and sharp) as well as 4 different Roku players:

Method Used	Success Rate
Use two phones (hotspot method 1)	100%
Change name of phone to SSID (Hotspot method 2)	100%
Roku Online Remote Tool	90%
Roku Remote App	70%

What to do if the process is confusing or simply not working for you?

Since this can be confusing, we at mediapeanut created a video below that shows you step by step, how to connect to Wi-Fi (much easier to understand).

We’ll dive deeper into each of these methods further in this guide. Keep in mind, you can always use the ethernet port and connect an ethernet cord to skip the Wi-Fi as a last resort.

Sure, You can of course use the Roku App via your iPhone or Android to solve this, but what happens when that doesn’t work? We found a 70% success rate with the Roku app – it’s simply not reliable to fix the issue.

Related: Best Roku TV Remote Replacements

In this post, I’ll be covering why this issue occurs, how to fix it, and all the possible alternatives. We’ll also cover why your Roku streaming player or your Roku TV is not connecting to wifi and how to fix it.

How To Connect Roku & Roku TV to WiFi Without Remote (hotspot method)

When using Roku, If your WiFi has changed and you don’t have a remote, then you’ll be able to fix this and connect to your new network by using the mobile hotspot fix. This solution will also allow you to reset the WiFi on Roku without the remote.

This also works if you’re using your Roku or Roku TV outside of your currently saved home network since you’ll have complications when connecting it to a new Wi-Fi network.

Also see: Roku Hacks: How to Jailbreak Roku Unlocked Streaming

To fix this, you’ll need two things: a Roku device and a Smartphone that is capable of mobile hotspot use. 

Make sure you have your previous network login details before connecting Roku to a new wifi without the remote.

Note: If you’re using a Roku Streaming player, see our post on the Best Roku Remote Replacements.

Here are the necessary steps you need to take to connect a Roku or Roku TV to Wi-Fi without the remote:

1. First, ensure you have the old network details of the connection your Roku has saved already.
2. Next, you’ll need a smartphone that can run the Roku official app (IOS or Android).
3. Then, enable the hotspot on your phone. For iPhone, this is under settings > about.
4. From here, change the name of your phone to the exact WiFi name (SSID) of the Wi-Fi.
5. Next, navigate to your hotspot settings and change the password to match that of your new network’s password.
6. Your phone will be connected to your phone’s hotspot. 
7. Your Roku TV will now “think” it’s connected to the same wifi and password.
8. Finally, launch your Roku device and control it with the Roku mobile app.
9. Congratulations, you have connected your Roku TV to WiFi without a remote.

By following the above steps, you are allowing your Roku TV to connect to Wifi without a remote by “tricking” your Roku to use the Wi-Fi of your mobile hotspot. You can also do this with two phones as mentioned earlier.

Related guide: How to Replace a Roku Remote (Roku Remote Replacement)

You’ll be able to use the Roku mobile app now to use the Roku TV. You can revert back to your old settings at any time.

What to know when connecting your Roku TV to Wi-Fi without a remote

How can you use Roku when you’ve lost the remote? There’s a few important things to know related to data usage, which may seem unrelated, but it is necessary.

Since streaming uses a fair amount of data, make sure you have at least 2GB of data available to use on the hotspot since apps like Netflix and Youtube on Roku use on average 1GB – 2GB of data per hour; depending on the quality of the stream (720p, 1080p, or 4k).

If you have a limited hotspot plan or are unsure of your limits, then 720p or lower will use the  least amount of data on your plan.

The following is important to understand when you’re learning how to use a Roku TV without a remote

Other things to consider are; your friend’s internet speed, if their network is secured and how many devices are using the network when your Roku TV Wi-Fi is not connected.

With those variables in mind, you can now enjoy a new/different Wi-Fi connection on your Roku and Roku TV through using the mobile hotspot method on your phone. This means you can set things up the same way you would if you had the remote.

This problem is common if you’re visiting a friend and forgot your remote, or if you simply need to connect Roku to a new Wi-Fi.

Related: How to use airplay with Roku

Use the Roku remote online tool to control Roku without the phone app or physical remote

If you need to change channels on a Roku or Roku TV without a remote or phone, then there is an option, though it’s slightly more complex than the app. It’s called the Roku remote online tool and it allows users to control their device without the Roku mobile app or the physical remote. 

• Simple mode: allows you to control Roku with the virtual dashboard on the website.
• The Advanced mode: is for advanced automations, and is not advised for casual users who just want to use the remote.

The app can be used from your PC browser and is web based, but it is very complex to use for casual Roku users, so if you are not tech savvy, you may want to try the Mobile Roku app on iPhone or Android instead.

To use the Roku remote online tool, you’ll need to enter device settings and then follow the guide roku provides via a quick web tutorial on the website found here. This is also referred to as the Roku remote app for PC.

Why does it exist?: While it’s possible to change the channel and operate your Roku with this alternative remote, it’s only the best route if you’ve lost your Roku remote and don’t have a phone with the internet. It’s common for developers to use the Roku remote tool to test roku hidden channels, which are secret channels with exclusive content.

Download the Roku remote app on your iPhone or Android phone

If you’ve lost your Roku remote, then you can use your Roku without it by downloading the official Roku remote app for iOS or Android, which are both free. 

• Launch the app store on your phone and search for “Roku remote”. It should be the official option and one of the first ones that appear.

This app based remote alternative for Roku allows you to use your phone instead of a physical remote to control the Roku stick, express, Ultra, Ultra lt, premier and even your Roku TV. 

You’ll be able to launch different Roku channels and also adjust the volume. Additionally, you’ll have access to the home & back buttons. The remote allows you to connect headphones for private listening, bluetooth devices, as well as a microphone. 

On the lower half of the Roku mobile app screen, you can use the same buttons that you would find on your physical remote, such as fast forward stop rewind and the “ok” button.

Here’s how to use the Roku remote app on your phone to control the Roku or Roku TV:

• Ensure both devices, the Roku player or Roku TV are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi.
• If your Wi-Fi is split into 5.1 GHz and 2.4 GHz, then confirm both devices are not connected to different networks of the same network.
• Launch the app store on your iPhone or Android phone and search for “Official Roku remote”
• At the top of the App, tap the Wi-Fi settings and connect to the exact Wi-Fi of the Roku device you want to control.
• Once connected you can now control your Roku or Roku TV without a remote by pressing the commands on the phones display via the app.

You’ll have all the functionality of the original remote, including the ability to launch the last channel you visited.

If you’re having trouble with your Roku remote app not connecting to tv, there are a few steps you can try to rectify the issue.

Roku won’t connect to WiFi extender

When your home’s internet connection doesn’t provide the download or upload speed it is capable of, it’s common to get a Wi-Fi extender for a boost, which doesn’t always work well with Roku and Roku TVs. 

WiFi extenders have been a known problem for not only Roku devices, but also many streaming devices in general. The network settings can be an issue one these to set up for less tech savvy users.

Before proceeding, check any other smart devices you have available (ex. phone) and ensure they can connect to the WiFi booster. If they can, then your Roku certainly has a connection issue with the extender.

When this occurs, your Roku will either display a 016 error code or it will say you have a poor connection. Your Roku also may be ‘locked’ on the “connect to wireless” screen. 

To fix a Roku that won’t connect to a WiFi extender, move the Router closer to the Roku than the extender, it will connect to the router if the signal is better. Alternatively, Try adding Ext to the end of your WiFi extender name and look for an available connection.

I’ve seen this error occur on Netgear extenders, and by adding Ext to the end of the WiFi extender name, the Roku was able to connect to the extender. 

Unfortunately, restarting the Roku, clearing the cache and performing a factory reset will not fix this issue. In some cases, certain bandwidths won’t be supported, so attempting different channels is ideal. Try to determine whether you’re using a 2.4GHz or 5GHz.connection.

Make the most of your Roku with our article that shares top Roku tips and tricks to enhance your streaming experience.

Roku TV not connecting to WiFi

If your Roku TV is having trouble connecting to WiFi, don’t jump to the conclusion that the device is broken, because there are some troubleshooting steps you can take. If you do them correctly, you can fix the problem and your Tcl, Philips, Onn or any other Roku TV will work properly with the WiFi.

So when your Roku TV WiFi is not working, what should you do? Below is a step-by-step guide we formulated to help you find the cause and fix the problem.

There are many reasons why your Roku TV may not work properly, but the most common ones are:

• Network congestion or inconsistency.
• The Roku TV needs a software update
• The password is not correct
• The system is what Roku deems as “overloaded”

So, if the Roku TV is not connecting to WiFi either automatically or remotely you will have to check a few things.

Related: How to fix a Roku device that won’t connect to wifi

But, how to turn on a TLC Roku TV without the remote? The process is similar for any Roku TV. So, if you are wondering how to turn on a Hisense Roku tv without the remote, the steps are exactly the same. Firstly, a smart thing to do is restart your Roku TV, using the power button of your device.

Related: Why is my Roku not working?

One of the most important things to access online content on your Roku TV is a strong and reliable Internet connection. If the internet connection is weak, you will be constantly interrupted. At this point, you need to know if the WiFi signal is poor, if your router has problems, or if the Roku is not working.

Firstly, check the internet connection by performing the following easy steps:

1. Go to the Home Screen and press Settings.
2. Then, click to the Network and network page.
3. If you are able to see information like download speed and signal strength, then you are already connected to the internet.
4. Scroll down to find Check Connection and click it.
5. Now, if you stream and still have the same issue, reconnect to the WiFi.

If the problem persists, restart your Roku. you will do it by following these simple steps:

1. Go to the Home Screen and click Settings.
2. Find System and then System Restart.

At this point, if you are still facing connectivity issues, you will have to reset the WiFi router.

Important – You should not have to pay any extra costs or monthly fees for Roku, the only cost should be associated with your internet service provider that you already have. In most cases, setting up the TV should not be affected by any throttling.

For example, sometimes, Xfinity throttles your connection (causing a slow speed), but it usually still works and transfers enough data to set up the Roku or Roku TV over Wi-Fi.

Also check out our guide: How to Fix Xfinity Not Working on Roku.

If any of these actions didn’t solve the problem, it could be a weak signal. Therefore, place your Roku TV closer to the router or vice versa. This will strengthen the signal.

Also see: How long do Roku devices last.

Finally, if you have tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and your Roku TV still cannot connect to WiFi, the problem is most likely with your network. 

Before you do anything else, try connecting your Roku via an Ethernet cable. There is a chance that the problem is only related to the WiFi connection. If not, contact Roku support and they will be able to help you.

Can you connect a phone to Roku or Roku TV without Wifi or Remote?

No, you can not connect a phone to Roku or Roku TV without utilizing the mobile app or the Roku remotes. 

This is because to control your Roku from your phone, you need to download the Roku app and connect your phone to the same WiFi as your Roku device.

If you don’t have access to the same WiFi, you won’t be able to control your Roku device with your phone. 

The Roku device and Roku Smart TV can stream only when connected to a reliable and strong Internet connection.

If you want to connect your phone to Roku or your Roku TV without WiFi or remote control, then you’re out of luck.

Do Roku remotes use WiFi?

There’s two different types of Roku remotes. The non-enhanced remote (standard) does not use WiFi, while the enhanced WiFi does. 

One reason to have a Roku remote that requires WiFi is that you can point it anywhere, so you can install the Roku or Roku TV in a location you can’t see; such as behind a wall-mounted TV.

Roku remotes work with a WiFi connection and are divided into two types: the simple and enhanced remotes. 

The simple Roku remotes send an infrared light beam directly to the Roku device (IR). The simple remotes must be pointed directly at the Roku device, with no obstacles blocking the signal.

On the other hand, the enhanced remotes of Roku devices can point anywhere to work. This is because they use radio frequency (RF) energy (source).

How To Turn On Roku TV & Roku players Without a Remote (Tcl, Hisense, Philips, Insignia)

If you have lost or broken your Roku remote and are wondering, “Can I turn on a Roku TV without a remote?” Well, of course you can. It doesn’t matter if you have a TCL 60 inch, Hisense 43 inch, Philips 32 inch, Insignia or Onn TV, because in any case you can easily operate your TV without a remote. This can be done a few ways mentioned below

First of all, you can turn on your Roku TV or player in two ways. The first way is to download the official Roku app to your smartphone or tablet. 

When you open the app, follow the on-screen instructions: Devices > Roku device > remote control icon (plus shaped icon) and finally use the remote control app to turn on your Roku device.

The second way is through Roku’s official website. Visit the site and you can control your Roku device via Roku’s virtual remote tool.

You can use the ethernet port to skip wifi to set Roku up without wifi.

You can also use the ethernet port to skip the entire wifi process when setting up Roku TV. This is also known as hardwiring or have a wired connection. Ethernet connections can also provide a more reliable, high speed connection due to lack of interference as well as several other factors.

You will need an Ethernet cable to connect your Roku device to your Wi-Fi router. Plug the Ethernet cable into the back of your Roku device. Then proceed to set up the connection and set up.

How you can set up a Roku device without the Remote

You can set up your Roku device for the first time without a remote control on your TV. The general idea of how to set up your Roku device is the same for all Roku models (i.e. Ultra, Express, etc.). 

To set up your Roku device without a remote, you should be able to connect your smartphone to the same WiFi as the Roku TV. Then download the Roku app to your smartphone so you can use it as a remote control.

Since you are setting up your Roku device for the first time, you usually need the remote control to connect your Roku device to WiFi. But in this case, you should use Ethernet cable connection instead of WiFi.

Note: You will not need sound during this, so do not worry about connection roku to bluetooth just yet.

If you don’t have an Ethernet connection, you need to set up a portable access point by using two mobile devices: one for the mobile hotspot and the other for the remote control. Before you proceed, make sure that your data plan allows you to set up a mobile hotspot. 

Now that your virtual remote and Roku device are connected to the same network, open the app with the Roku icon on it and your Roku device will appear. The remote control is now ready to use.

Looking for alternative control options? Check out our list of the best free Roku remote apps that also includes online options.

Where is the Roku TCL Power button?

The power button on a TCL Roku TV is usually located under the TV power indicator light, just below the TCL logo in the lower center of the TV. 

Depending on the model of your TCL Roku, there may be three other buttons under the light in addition to the power button.

On the latest TCL TVs, the power button is located under the TLC logo in the centre of the screen. It looks like a square, transparent box. Once you find it, you can never miss it again.

How To Scroll Down on Roku TV Without Remote

You can easily operate your device and scroll on your Roku TV without remote control in two ways: via Roku’s official website or via the Roku app on another Android or iOS device.

When you visit Roku’s official site, you can use and navigate the remote control tool in simple or advanced mode.

The other option is to download the Roku app to another device and use it as way to control. From there, you can operate the device as you normally would if you had your remote.

Related: How to Pair or Reset a Roku Remote

How To Adjust Volume on TCL Roku TV Without Remote

It’s natural to wonder how you can turn the volume up on a Roku TV without using the remote? Well, you can definitely do that from your TV itself or from the Roku app on your Android or iOS device. 

• In the Roku app, go to the drop-down menu. 
• Select Roku Volume and look for the volume slider. 
• Then you can adjust the volume to your liking.

If this fails, it is likely due to the connection between your mobile phone and the Roku which typically uses Bluetooth. However you can still turn the volume up by simply walking up to your TV and pushing the up button.

This may only be a temporary fix because it is inconvenient to physically walk up to your TCL Roku smart TV and do this. The entire point of a smart TV like the Roku TCL, for many users, is that it is more convenient due to technological advances.

Eventually I want a replacement remote for Roku. This can be found in many places online including both eBay and Amazon, but you can also get one directly from Roku.  if you cannot wait and you want your Roku remote immediately you should go to your local electronics store.  we actually have a full guide on Roku remote replacement  for more information.

Related: Technology Statistics: How Fast Is Tech Advancing?

Do Roku & Roku TVs need Wifi to work?

To answer this question briefly, all Roku devices (Roku TV, Roku Stick, Roku Player) won’t allow you to stream videos if you are not connected to the internet. Still, if there is no WiFi around, you can use your mobile device to create a hotspot connection or connect your Roku via an Ethernet cable. 

Alternatively, if you have no internet around at all, you can still use your Roku device just not for streaming. For example, if you have a Roku Ultra or another Roku box, you can take advantage of its USB port and watch videos and movies via a USB flash drive. 

To do that, you don’t have to connect your Roku to the WiFi. In a few words, even though Roku devices don’t require WiFi to be functional, most apps and functions (streaming, radio, etc) only work if you are connected to the internet. 

Also see our post where we review the Best Roku TVs

Conclusion

To answer this question briefly, all Roku devices (Roku TV, Roku Stick, Roku Player) won’t allow you to stream videos if you are not connected to the internet. Still, if there is no WiFi around, you can use your mobile device to create a hotspot connection or connect your Roku via an Ethernet cable. 

You can also eee How to Delete and Move a Channel from Roku Home Screen

Alternatively, if you have no internet around at all, you can still use your Roku device just not for streaming. For example, if you have a Roku Ultra or another Roku box, you can take advantage of its USB port and watch videos and movies via a USB flash drive. 

To do that, you don’t have to connect your Roku to the WiFi. In a few words, even though Roku devices don’t require WiFi to be functional, most apps and functions (streaming, radio, etc) only work if you are connected to the internet.