You can connect a Roku to a new WiFi network without a remote by using the physical buttons on the device itself, a mobile app, or a computer

If your Roku remote is lost, broken, or out of batteries, you have three working paths forward. The easiest is the Roku mobile app, which controls your Roku over WiFi once it's on any network. If that's not an option, you can use the physical buttons on your Roku device to navigate the WiFi menu. A third route is connecting through a computer using a web browser if your Roku is already on the same network as your computer.

The method you choose depends on what you have available right now. If you have a smartphone, the app route takes about five minutes. If you don't, the physical buttons work but require more patience because navigation is slower.

Key Takeaways

  • The Roku mobile app (available for iOS and Android) can control your Roku and change WiFi settings without needing a physical remote.
  • Physical buttons on your Roku device let you navigate to Settings > Network > WiFi, though this method is slower than using an app.
  • You need to know your WiFi network name and password before you start, regardless of which method you use.
  • If your Roku is already connected to WiFi, you can also change networks through the Roku web portal at my.roku.com using any computer or phone browser.

Using the Roku mobile app to change WiFi

Download the official Roku app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone. Open the app and sign in with the same Roku account you used to set up your device. The app will search for Roku devices on your network and display them by name.

Tap the Roku device you want to connect. Once you're in the app's remote interface, look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and tap it. Navigate to Settings, then Network, then WiFi. The app will show a list of available networks. Select your new WiFi network and enter the password when prompted.

The app method works because it communicates with your Roku over the network you're currently on, not through the remote itself. This is why it's the fastest option if you have a smartphone available.

Using physical buttons on your Roku device

Every Roku device has physical buttons on the back or side of the unit. These buttons are typically labeled with arrows and a select button (sometimes marked as OK or Enter). Locate these buttons on your specific model — they're usually recessed slightly so you don't press them by accident.

Press the up or down arrow button to navigate to Settings on the home screen. Press the select button to enter Settings. From there, navigate to Network using the arrow buttons, then select WiFi. You'll see a list of available networks. Use the arrow buttons to highlight your network name and press select. When prompted, use the arrow buttons to enter your WiFi password character by character. This process is slower than the app method because you're entering text one character at a time, but it works reliably.

If you can't find the physical buttons, check your device's manual or search for "[Your Roku Model] physical buttons" online. Some older Roku models have buttons in different locations than newer ones.

Connecting through the Roku web portal

If your Roku is already connected to WiFi (even if it's the old network), you can change it through any web browser. Go to my.roku.com and sign in with your Roku account. Your device will appear in the list of linked devices.

Click on your device, then look for Network or WiFi settings in the device menu. You can change your network from there without touching the physical device or using a remote. This method requires that your Roku already has internet access, so it won't work if you're trying to connect to WiFi for the first time.

What to do if you don't know your WiFi password

If you've forgotten your WiFi password, you'll need to recover it before you can connect your Roku. On a Windows computer, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, click your network name, then select Show to reveal the password. On a Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, and check the "Show password" box.

Alternatively, you can log into your router's admin panel through a web browser. The router's IP address is usually printed on the device itself (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Log in with your router's admin credentials, which are also usually on the device or in your account with your internet provider. From there, you can view or reset your WiFi password.

Troubleshooting when nothing connects

If the Roku app doesn't find your device, make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as your Roku, or that your Roku is at least powered on. The app searches for devices on your local network, so if your phone is on a different network, it won't see the Roku.

If physical buttons aren't responding, the device may need a restart. Unplug the Roku from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully boot before trying the buttons again. If the buttons still don't work, they may be physically stuck or damaged, and you may need a replacement remote or a new device.

If you're entering your WiFi password through physical buttons and the connection fails, double-check that you typed it correctly. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". Try entering it again slowly, paying attention to capital letters and numbers.

Getting a replacement remote if you need one

Roku sells replacement remotes directly through their website and through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Standard Roku remotes cost between $20 and $30 depending on the model. If you have a newer Roku device, you can also use the Roku mobile app as a permanent replacement — it has all the same functions as a physical remote.

Before buying a replacement, confirm which Roku model you have (usually found in Settings > System > About). Not all remotes work with all Roku devices, so matching the model number ensures compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Roku app if I don't have WiFi yet?

No. The Roku app communicates with your device over WiFi, so your Roku needs to be on some network first. If you're setting up for the first time with no WiFi at all, use the physical buttons on the device to connect to your network.

What if my Roku is on the old WiFi and I want to switch to a new one?

Use the Roku mobile app or the web portal at my.roku.com. Both let you change networks without a remote. If your Roku is already connected to WiFi, these methods are faster than using physical buttons.

Do I need a Roku account to change WiFi?

You need a Roku account to use the mobile app or web portal. If you don't have one, you can create one for free on the Roku website. If you only have physical buttons available, you don't need an account — just the WiFi password.

Will the physical buttons work on all Roku models?

Yes, every Roku device has physical buttons, though their location varies by model. Check your device's manual or the Roku support website for your specific model if you can't find them immediately.

Can I use a universal remote instead of the Roku remote?

Some universal remotes can be programmed to work with Roku devices, but this requires the Roku remote code and a remote that supports learning or programming. It's usually simpler to use the mobile app or physical buttons instead.