Use the Roku mobile app to set up WiFi when your remote is missing or broken

You can connect your Roku to WiFi using your smartphone instead of the physical remote. Download the official Roku app, connect your phone to the same WiFi network your Roku will use, and follow the pairing steps in the app. The app will walk you through selecting your network and entering your password directly from your phone.

This method works on any Roku device — streaming sticks, boxes, or TVs with built-in Roku software. You need a smartphone with WiFi capability and the Roku app installed, but you do not need the original remote at any point during setup.

Key Takeaways

  • The Roku mobile app (available on iOS and Android) can control your Roku and complete WiFi setup without a physical remote.
  • Your phone must be on the same WiFi network you want your Roku to join before you start the pairing process.
  • If your Roku has never connected to WiFi before, you may need to press the pairing button on the device itself to make it discoverable to the app.
  • Once the app connects, you can enter your WiFi password through your phone's keyboard instead of using the remote's arrow buttons.

Download and install the Roku app on your phone

Go to the Apple App Store (for iPhone or iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android phones) and search for "Roku." Download the official app published by Roku, Inc. — not a third-party app with a similar name. The app is free.

Open the app and sign in with your Roku account. If you do not have one, create it during setup. You will need a valid email address and a password. This account is what links your phone to your Roku device.

Connect your phone to your WiFi network

Before you open the Roku app, make sure your phone is already connected to the WiFi network you want your Roku to use. Go to your phone's WiFi settings, select your network name, and enter the password if prompted. Your phone should show a checkmark or "Connected" next to the network name.

This step is critical: the Roku app can only discover and pair with Roku devices that are on the same network as your phone. If your phone is on a different network or using mobile data, the pairing will not work.

Pair your phone with your Roku device

Open the Roku app on your phone. Tap the remote icon (usually in the bottom right corner or top menu). The app will search for Roku devices on your network. When it finds your Roku, tap it to select it.

If your Roku has never been set up before, you may see a prompt asking you to press the pairing button on the device itself. This button is usually on the back or bottom of the Roku box or stick — look for a small recessed button labeled "Pairing" or "Reset." Press and hold it for about 3 to 5 seconds until you see a light blink on the device. Then return to the app and tap "Pair" or "Connect."

Once pairing is complete, the app will show your Roku as connected and ready to control.

Select your WiFi network and enter the password

In the Roku app, navigate to the WiFi setup screen. You should see a list of available networks. Tap the name of your WiFi network from the list.

When prompted for the password, use your phone's keyboard to type it in. This is much faster than using arrow buttons on a remote. Enter the password exactly as it appears — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. Tap "Connect" or "Next" when you are done.

The Roku will attempt to join the network. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. The app will confirm when the connection is successful.

What to do if your Roku has never been set up before

If this is a brand-new Roku device that has never connected to WiFi, it may display a setup screen on your TV or a light pattern on the device itself. The pairing button press (described above) tells the Roku to listen for the app. Without pressing it, the device will not appear in the app's device list.

If you do not see your Roku in the app after pressing the pairing button, restart both your phone and your Roku device. Unplug the Roku for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then open the Roku app again and search for devices.

Use the app as a permanent remote replacement

Once your Roku is connected to WiFi through the app, you can use the Roku app as your remote going forward. The app includes a directional pad, buttons for play and pause, and quick access to streaming apps. You do not need to buy a replacement remote unless you prefer the physical device.

The app works over WiFi, so your phone and Roku must be on the same network. If you travel or change networks, the app will reconnect automatically as long as both devices are on the new network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up WiFi if my Roku has never been connected before?

Yes. Press the pairing button on the Roku device itself (usually on the back or bottom) for 3 to 5 seconds. This makes the device discoverable to the app. Then open the Roku app on your phone and follow the pairing steps. The app will find your Roku and let you complete WiFi setup.

What if the Roku app does not find my Roku device?

Make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as your Roku will use. Restart both devices — unplug the Roku for 10 seconds and restart your phone. If your Roku is brand-new, press the pairing button on the device. If it still does not appear, check that your phone and Roku are within reasonable WiFi range and that your router is working.

Do I need a Roku account to use the app?

Yes. You must create or sign into a Roku account in the app before it can pair with your device. The account is free and only requires an email address and password. This links your phone to your Roku so the app knows which device to control.

Can I use the app if I do not have the original remote?

Yes. Once the app is paired with your Roku, it functions as a full remote replacement. You can navigate menus, launch apps, adjust volume, and control playback entirely from your phone. You do not need the physical remote after setup is complete.

What if I forget my WiFi password?

You can look up your WiFi password through your router's admin panel or by checking your internet provider's account online. If you have another device already connected to the network, you may be able to view the saved password in that device's WiFi settings. Once you have the password, enter it in the Roku app during setup.