Use the Roku app on your phone to connect to WiFi in three steps
You can connect a Roku device to your home WiFi using the Roku mobile app instead of the remote. Open the Roku app on your phone, select your Roku device from the list, tap the WiFi icon, choose your network, enter your password, and wait for the connection to complete. This method works on both Android and iPhone and takes about two minutes.
The phone method is useful if your remote is lost, the batteries are dead, or you simply prefer using your phone. The Roku app also lets you control playback and navigate menus after the WiFi connection is set up, so you may find it easier than the physical remote for this task.
Key Takeaways
- Download the free Roku app on your phone from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store before you start.
- Your phone and Roku device must be on the same WiFi network or connected to the same local network for the app to find your device.
- The Roku app shows your network password field in plain text, so make sure no one is looking over your shoulder when you enter it.
- If the app cannot find your Roku, restart both your phone and your Roku device, then try again.
What you need before you start
You need the Roku app installed on your phone. Download it free from the Google Play Store if you use Android, or the Apple App Store if you use iPhone. The app works on phones running Android 5.0 and newer, or iOS 12.0 and newer.
Your phone must be connected to the same WiFi network as your Roku device, or at least on the same local network. If your Roku is not yet connected to WiFi, your phone can still be on the network — the app will detect the Roku and help you connect it. You will also need your WiFi password, which is usually on a sticker on your router or in your router's settings.
Step-by-step: connecting through the Roku app
Step 1: Open the Roku app and find your device. Launch the Roku app on your phone. If you have not signed into a Roku account yet, create one or sign in with an existing account. The app will scan for Roku devices on your network. When it finds your device, tap on it to select it.
Step 2: Open the WiFi settings menu. Once your device is selected, look for the WiFi icon or settings option in the app. This is usually near the top or in a menu marked with three horizontal lines. Tap it to open the network settings.
Step 3: Choose your network and enter the password. The app will show a list of available WiFi networks. Find your network name (also called the SSID) and tap it. A password field will appear. Type your WiFi password exactly as it is — passwords are case-sensitive. Tap Connect or Confirm.
Step 4: Wait for the connection. The Roku device will attempt to connect. You should see a confirmation message in the app within 30 seconds to two minutes. Once connected, the app will show your device as online and ready to use.
What to do if the app cannot find your Roku
If the Roku app does not show your device in the list, the most common reason is that your phone and Roku are not on the same network. Check that your phone is connected to the same WiFi network you want the Roku to use. If your router has both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network, make sure your phone is on the same band as your Roku — older Roku models only support 2.4 GHz.
Restart both your phone and your Roku device. On the Roku, unplug the power cable for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. On your phone, turn WiFi off and back on. Open the Roku app again and look for your device. If you still cannot find it, try using the physical remote or the Roku web player at my.roku.com to set up the WiFi connection instead.
Controlling your Roku after WiFi is connected
Once your Roku is connected to WiFi through the app, you can use the Roku app as a remote control. The app shows a directional pad, select button, and quick-access buttons for popular streaming services. You can also use voice search if your phone has a microphone — tap the microphone icon and speak the name of a show or movie.
The app is often faster than the physical remote for typing passwords or search terms because you can use your phone's keyboard. You can keep using the app as your primary remote, or switch back to the physical remote whenever you want — both work at the same time.
Connecting to a different WiFi network later
If you need to change which WiFi network your Roku uses, open the Roku app, select your device, tap the WiFi icon, and choose a different network from the list. Enter the password for the new network and wait for the connection to complete. This works the same way as the initial setup.
If you are moving your Roku to a different location or switching internet providers, this is the fastest way to reconnect without using the physical remote. You can also change networks through the Roku device's settings menu if you have the remote available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my Roku to WiFi if my phone is not on the same network?
No, your phone must be on the same WiFi network as your Roku for the app to find and control it. If your phone is on a different network, the app will not detect your device. Make sure both are connected to the same network before you start.
What if I do not have the Roku app installed yet?
Download the Roku app free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Search for "Roku" and install the official app made by Roku, Inc. Once installed, open it and sign in with your Roku account to find your device.
Does the Roku app work on tablets?
Yes, the Roku app works on tablets running Android or iOS. The steps are the same as on a phone. You can use any tablet on your home network to set up or control your Roku device.
What if my WiFi password has special characters?
Type the password exactly as it appears, including capital letters, numbers, and special characters. The password field shows what you are typing, so double-check before you tap Connect. If the connection fails, verify the password on your router or in your router's settings app.
Can I use the Roku app to connect if the remote is broken?
Yes, the Roku app is a full replacement for the remote. You can use it to navigate menus, change settings, and connect to WiFi even if the physical remote is lost or broken. The app gives you all the same controls.