How to Connect Roku to Wi-Fi Without a Remote

You need a mobile hotspot and the Roku app

By
Kayla Dube
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Kayla Dube
Writer and Lifewire Technology Review Board Member
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Kayla Dube has 4+ years' experience in videography and filmmaking. She frequently works in production with indie film companies.
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Updated on April 25, 2022
Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos
Jessica Kormos
Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
  • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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What to Know

  • Download the Roku app and use the Remote function.
  • Go to Settings > Network > Set up connection and the on-screen instructions will step you through getting it working.

If you find your Roku isn't connecting to your Wi-Fi network, and you also can't seem to find your remote, you might feel completely lost on what to do. However, there is a solution. As long as you have a smartphone, you control your Roku by downloading the Roku app.

How Do I Connect My Roku to Wi-Fi Without a Remote?

Roku has an app on both the iOS App Store and Android Google Play that allows you to use your smartphone as a remote. This way, you can still use your Roku device to connect to Wi-Fi.

  1. Download and open the Roku app.

  2. In the bottom middle of the screen in the menu, tap on Remote.

  3. Make sure the remote is connected to the correct Roku device. You should see the name of the Roku at the top, with a green dot if it's connected.

  4. Tap on the Home icon, then use the directional arrow pad on the app to navigate to Settings > Network > Set up connection on your Roku.

    Roku app with Remote, connected room, and Home button highlighted

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Wi-Fi connection.

How Do I Find My Roku IP Address Without Wi-Fi or a Remote?

First, you should know if your Roku isn't connected to a Wi-Fi network, it won't have an IP address. Once you can get your Roku connected to Wi-Fi without a remote using the steps above, you can then find the IP address.

  1. Using the Roku app, go to Remote and tap on the Home button.

  2. Use the arrow pad to navigate to Settings > Network > About.

  3. You should see the name of the network your Roku is connected to, then underneath the network name, you'll see the IP address.

Can You Connect Roku Directly To Router?

If you're not having luck connecting your Roku wirelessly to your network, you may want to opt for a wired connection. However, this is only possible if you have certain Roku devices, such as the Roku Ultra, as only some of them have an Ethernet cable port.

To see if you can connect your Roku with an Ethernet cable, look on the back of the device for a port labeled Ethernet. If you see this, use an Ethernet cable and connect the Roku to your router.

If you have a Roku Streambar, you can also buy a USB Ethernet adapter and hook it up to your router that way. A Roku TV may also have an Ethernet port, so check the back of the TV if you have one.

After connecting a Roku device to your router, do the following:

  1. Navigate to the Home screen on your Roku.

  2. Go to Settings > Network > Set up connection.

  3. Select Wired connection.

  4. The Roku should automatically detect your network.

FAQ
  • Why does my Roku not stay connected to Wi-Fi?

    If your Roku keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi, DCHP may have been disabled on your router or there may be a signal strength problem. To fix the issue, check your router settings and make sure DCHP is enabled. If that doesn't work, try restarting your Roku TV or TV and Roku device. If Wi-Fi signal strength is the problem, consider a Wi-Fi extender.

  • How do I pair a Roku remote?

    To pair a Roku remote, figure out if you have an IR remote, Point Anywhere Standard, or Enhanced Remote. For an IR remote, insert the batteries and you're good to go; no pairing is required. For other Roku remotes, insert the batteries and wait for the Roku TV or device to detect the remote and automatically pair.

  • How do I reset a Roku remote?

    If you need to reset your Roku remote, remove the remote's batteries and disconnect the Roku from power. Reconnect the Roku to power; when the home screen displays, reinsert the remote's batteries. Press and hold the remote's pairing button for three to five seconds. Within about 30 seconds, the remote will be reset and re-paired with the Roku TV or device.

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