The basic connection process
To connect the Roku app to your TV, you need the Roku app on your phone or tablet, a Roku device already connected to your television, and both devices on the same WiFi network. The app acts as a remote control and casting tool — it does not replace the Roku device itself. Open the Roku app, tap the Devices icon at the bottom, select your Roku device from the list, and you are connected. The whole process takes about two minutes once you have the app installed.
Your Roku device must be powered on and already set up with your Roku account. If you have not done this yet, use your TV remote to complete the initial setup before opening the app. The app will not find your device if it is off or not yet configured.
Key Takeaways
- The Roku app requires your phone and Roku device to be on the same WiFi network, and the device must already be set up and powered on.
- After opening the app and tapping Devices, you select your Roku device once from a list, and the connection stays active until you sign out.
- The app works as a remote control, a casting tool for photos and videos, and a way to search across channels without using your TV remote.
- If your device does not appear in the list, restart both your Roku device and your phone, then check that both are on the same WiFi network.
Installing the Roku app on your phone
Download the Roku app from the Apple App Store if you use an iPhone or iPad, or from Google Play if you use an Android phone. The app is free. Search for "Roku" in either store and look for the app with the Roku logo — a purple rectangle with rounded corners. Tap Install or Get, then wait for the download to finish.
Once installed, open the app and sign in with the same Roku account you used to set up your Roku device. If you do not have a Roku account, you can create one inside the app using your email address. You will need to verify your email before you can proceed.
Connecting to your Roku device for the first time
After signing in, tap the Devices icon at the bottom of the screen — it looks like a small rectangle or box. The app will search for Roku devices on your WiFi network. Your device should appear in the list with its name, which you chose during setup (for example, "Living Room" or "Bedroom"). Tap the device name to select it.
The app will confirm the connection and show you the home screen of your Roku device. You are now connected. The app will remember this device, so next time you open it, you can tap Devices and select the same device without searching again.
If your device does not appear in the list, make sure your Roku device is powered on and connected to the same WiFi network as your phone. Restart your phone and try again. If it still does not appear, restart your Roku device using the Settings menu on your TV.
Using the app as a remote control
Once connected, the app displays a remote control on your screen. The directional pad at the top lets you navigate menus, the OK button in the center selects items, and the back arrow returns to the previous screen. Swipe up from the bottom to see additional buttons like Home, Options, and Instant Replay. These buttons do the same thing as the buttons on your physical Roku remote.
You can also use the keyboard icon to type into search boxes without hunting for letters on your TV screen. Tap the keyboard, type what you are looking for, and the text appears on your television. This is much faster than using the directional pad to spell out a channel name or movie title.
Casting photos and videos from your phone
The Roku app lets you send photos and videos from your phone to your TV. Open the app, tap the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with a WiFi symbol), then choose Photos or Videos. Select the content you want to send, and it will play on your television through your Roku device. Your phone acts as the source, and your Roku device displays it.
Not all Roku devices support casting, and not all apps on your phone will have a cast button. Check your Roku device model in the Settings menu to confirm it supports this feature. If casting does not work, your device may not have this capability, or you may need to update your Roku software.
Troubleshooting when the app will not connect
If the app cannot find your Roku device, the most common cause is that they are not on the same WiFi network. Check your phone's WiFi settings and confirm it is connected to the same network name as your Roku device. You can find your Roku device's network in the Settings menu on your TV under Network.
If both devices are on the same network and the device still does not appear, restart your Roku device. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up. Then open the app and check the Devices list again. If the problem persists, sign out of the app, close it completely, and sign back in.
Another cause is an outdated app. Open your phone's app store, search for Roku, and check whether an update is available. Install any pending updates and try connecting again. If you are still having trouble, restart your phone as well — this often resolves connection issues between devices.
Managing multiple Roku devices
If you have more than one Roku device in your home, the app can control all of them. When you tap Devices, you will see a list of every Roku device on your account. Select the one you want to control, and the app switches to that device. You can switch between devices as many times as you want without signing out.
Each device appears with the name you gave it during setup. If you have devices with similar names, consider renaming them in the Roku settings on your TV so you can tell them apart in the app. For example, use "Living Room TV" and "Bedroom TV" instead of just "Roku" for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Roku account to use the app?
Yes. You must create a Roku account and sign in to the app before it can find your device. The account is free and takes about two minutes to set up. Use the same account on both your phone and your Roku device.
Can I use the app if my phone and Roku device are on different WiFi networks?
No. The app only works when both devices are on the same WiFi network. If you are away from home, the app cannot control your Roku device remotely. Some newer Roku devices support remote access through the Roku account, but this is not available on all models.
What if I lose my physical Roku remote?
The Roku app can fully replace your physical remote for controlling your TV. You can navigate channels, search, play content, and adjust settings entirely through the app. However, some Roku devices have voice remotes that also control your TV volume and power — the app cannot do this on older TV models.
Does the app work with all Roku devices?
The app works with most Roku devices made in the last several years, including Roku streaming sticks, boxes, and Roku TVs. Very old Roku devices may not support app control. Check your device model in the Roku settings to confirm it is compatible, or visit the Roku website to look up your specific model.
Can I control my Roku device from my computer instead of my phone?
The official Roku app is only available for phones and tablets. You cannot control your Roku device from a Windows or Mac computer using the official app. However, some third-party remote apps exist for computers, though they are not made or supported by Roku.