You can control your Roku through your phone, a web browser, or physical buttons on the device itself

If your Roku remote stops working or goes missing, you are not locked out of your device. Roku built three ways to navigate and control playback without the physical remote: the Roku mobile app on your smartphone, the web-based Roku player at roku.com/en-US/account/player, and the physical buttons on the Roku device itself. Which method works best depends on what you are trying to do and what devices you have available.

The mobile app is the fastest option for most people because it works like a remote — you can search, launch apps, and control playback from your couch. The web player works from any computer with a browser. The physical buttons on your Roku are always available but slower for navigation. All three methods require your Roku to be on the same WiFi network as your phone or computer, or require you to be signed into your Roku account.

Key Takeaways

  • The Roku mobile app turns your smartphone into a remote and works on both iPhone and Android devices when connected to the same WiFi network as your Roku.
  • You can control your Roku from any web browser by signing into your account at roku.com and selecting your device from the player page.
  • Every Roku device has physical buttons on the back or side that let you navigate menus and change inputs, though this method is slower than using an app or web player.
  • If your Roku is not on your WiFi network, you will need to use the physical buttons to access network settings and reconnect before using the app or web player.

Using the Roku mobile app on your phone

Download the official Roku app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and sign in with the same Roku account that is linked to your Roku device. The app will search for your Roku on your home WiFi network and display it in the list of devices. Tap the device name to connect.

Once connected, the app shows a remote interface with directional buttons, a select button in the center, and buttons for common functions like Home, Back, and volume control. You can also use the keyboard icon to search for shows or apps by typing instead of navigating letter by letter. The app works on the same WiFi network as your Roku — if your phone is on a different network, the app will not find your device.

If the app does not find your Roku, make sure both your phone and Roku are connected to the same WiFi network. Check your Roku's network settings using the physical buttons on the device. If your Roku is offline, you will need to reconnect it to WiFi using the physical buttons before the app can communicate with it.

Controlling your Roku through the web player

Open any web browser on your computer and go to roku.com/en-US/account/player. Sign in with your Roku account. The page will show a list of all Roku devices linked to your account. Click the device you want to control.

The web player displays the same remote interface as the mobile app — directional buttons, select, Home, Back, and volume controls. You can type in the search box to find shows or apps. The web player works from any computer with internet access, even if your computer is on a different network than your Roku, because it communicates through your Roku account rather than your local WiFi.

If your device does not appear in the list, make sure it is powered on and connected to WiFi. Roku devices that are offline or not linked to your account will not show up. If you recently set up your Roku, wait a few minutes for it to sync with your account before refreshing the page.

Using the physical buttons on your Roku device

Every Roku has physical buttons built into the device itself. The location varies by model — some have buttons on the back, others on the side or bottom. Look for a small cluster of buttons or a recessed button marked with symbols. The buttons typically control power, volume, input selection, and menu navigation.

Use the directional buttons to move up, down, left, and right through menus. Press the center button to select. The back button returns you to the previous screen. This method is slower than using an app or web player because you navigate one menu item at a time, but it works without needing a phone, computer, or internet connection.

If you cannot find the physical buttons on your device, check the manual for your specific Roku model. Roku's support site has a searchable database of manuals organized by device model number. The model number is usually printed on the back of the device or in the Settings menu under System Information.

Reconnecting your Roku to WiFi without a remote

If your Roku is not connected to WiFi, you cannot use the mobile app or web player until you reconnect it. Use the physical buttons to navigate to Settings, then Network, then WiFi. Select your network name from the list and enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard. This process is slow but necessary if your Roku has lost its connection.

If you do not remember your WiFi password, you will need to access it from another device or reset your router. Some routers have a reset button that restores the default network name and password printed on the router itself. Once your Roku is back on WiFi, the mobile app and web player will work again.

Troubleshooting when the app or web player will not connect

If the Roku app finds your device but will not connect, try closing the app completely and opening it again. Make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as your Roku — if you are on a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), the app may not connect. Check your router settings to see if your Roku and phone are on the same network.

If the web player shows your device but will not control it, refresh the page and try again. Some routers block communication between devices on the same network. If this is the case, you may need to adjust your router settings or contact your internet provider. The web player should still work even if your local network is blocking device-to-device communication, because it goes through Roku's servers instead.

Restart your Roku by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. This often fixes connection issues between the device and the app or web player. If problems persist, check that you are signed into the same Roku account on both your phone and your Roku device.

When to replace your remote versus using alternatives

If your remote is lost or broken, you have the option to buy a replacement or stick with the app and web player. Official Roku remotes cost between $20 and $30 depending on the model. Some third-party remotes work with Roku devices, but compatibility varies by device model. Before buying a replacement, test whether the app or web player meets your needs — many people find they prefer controlling their Roku from their phone anyway.

If you want a physical remote again, check your device model and search for compatible remotes on Roku's official store or major retailers. Some newer Roku remotes have voice control and can control your TV as well as your Roku. If you decide to stick with the app or web player, keep your phone charged and nearby when you watch, since you will be using it instead of a traditional remote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Roku app if my phone is not on the same WiFi as my Roku?

No, the Roku app requires your phone and Roku to be on the same WiFi network to communicate. However, the web player at roku.com works from any internet connection because it goes through Roku's servers instead of your local network.

What if I do not have a smartphone or computer?

You can control your Roku entirely with the physical buttons on the device itself. Navigation is slower, but all core functions — changing inputs, launching apps, adjusting volume, and searching — are available through the buttons.

Do I need to sign into my Roku account to use the app?

Yes, the mobile app requires you to sign in with your Roku account. The app uses your account to find and connect to your device on your home network. The web player also requires you to sign in.

Can I use a universal remote with my Roku?

Some universal remotes work with Roku devices, but compatibility depends on the remote model and your Roku model. Check the universal remote's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if it lists your Roku as compatible. Roku's official remotes are may provide to work.

What happens if my Roku loses power?

When your Roku powers back on, it will reconnect to the WiFi network it was previously connected to automatically. The mobile app and web player should work again once the device is back online. If it does not reconnect, use the physical buttons to manually reconnect to WiFi.