How to connect a new roku remote without wifi

The Roku app on a phone can only be used with Rokus that are already connected to your home network, so you have to use a method other than the Roku app when you need to set up a net connection.

FIRST METHOD

Normally a remote compatible with your Roku model is used to set up the Roku's net connection. This is by far the simplest method.

Report back with your Roku model (and model number if you have it) and we can advise you on which remote you need.

SECOND METHOD

You will need all of these:

-- A Roku that is still set up for its prior network. If it was no longer connecting to that network when you shut it down, if you have cleared its network settings, or if you have done a factory reset, your only recourse is to use a remote to set the Roku network connection up.

-- Knowledge of the network name (SSID) and password that the Roku is currently configured to use.

-- Access to your current router's configuration panel. If you don't have this access, scroll down to the third method.

-- A phone or other mobile device with the Roku app (not TheRokuChannel app) installed.

If you have ALL of the above:

Go into your router's configuration panel and set your network to use the same network name (SSID) and password as your previous network.

Pull the power plug on your Roku for a few seconds then plug it back in. When it boots up it should connect to your reconfigured net.

Now when you connect your phone to this same net you should be able to use the Roku app to control your Roku once again.

THIRD METHOD

This method is more complicated, but if you really need it …

In addition to a Roku still configured for its prior network and knowledge of the prior network's SSID and password as listed for method two, you'll also need:

-- A mobile phone with WiFi hotspot capabilities.

-- A second WiFi-equipped mobile device, either a phone or tablet, with the official Roku (not TheRokuChannel) app installed.

If you have all these things, here's how you do it:

1) Configure the WiFi hotspot on your mobile phone to use the same network name (SSID) and password from your former home network that the Roku is currently configured to use. If your hotspot can use the 5 GHz WiFi band, switch it to the 2.4 GHz band for compatibility with all Roku models.

2) After you turn on this hotspot, pull the power plug on your Roku for a few seconds then plug it back in. When the Roku starts up it should connect to the hotspot and through the phone to the internet. You just won't be able to control the Roku yet.

3) Connect your second device (phone or tablet) to the first phone's WiFi hotspot network.

4) Now that this second device and your Roku are both connected to the same WiFi hotspot, you can run the Roku app on the second device to gain control of your Roku using the app's remote control capabilities.

5) Using the app on the second device, set up the new network on the Roku, via Settings > Network > Set up network, using the new network's SSID and password.

6) When the Roku connects to the new network, disconnect the second mobile device from the WiFi hotspot and connect it to the new home network (SSID and password).

7) You can now continue to use the Roku app on the second device to operate your Roku on the new network.

😎 The Roku is no longer connecting to your phone's WiFi hotspot, so you can shut that down. If you wish, you can also use the Roku app on this phone to control your Roku.

If you decide to try this, please report back how it worked.

If you use method two or three I'd still suggest acquiring a compatible remote to make it possible to recover much more easily if your Roku ever drops its network connection and needs to be reconnected.

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Losing a Roku remote isn’t the end of the world. If it’s connected to the same network as your smartphone, you can easily use the Roku mobile app and turn your phone into a Roku remote.

However, what happens when you move house or you change your network provider and don’t have a Roku remote? You won’t be able to connect to a new network, so you can’t link it to your phone.

Still, there’s a workaround for this, too, if it isn’t a simple or quick process. But if you’re left without any choice, keep reading this article.

Step One: Prepare Everything That You Need

Before you start the process, you should first prepare everything. You’re going to need two different mobile phones – one will act as a hotspot for your Roku device, while you’ll turn the other one into a Roku remote.

Of course, it’s vital to know your Roku’s wireless network name (aka SSID) and password. Furthermore, you’ll need to install the Roku mobile app (Android or iOS) on both smartphones so you can set everything up.

In the end, make sure that your wireless service plan includes hotspot access before you proceed. If you need to use your mobile data instead, there’s a chance you’ll be charged a higher bill at the end of the month.

Step Two: Connect Roku to Wi-Fi Using Mobile Hotspot

The first thing that you need to do is make a hotspot on one of your phones. If you know your Roku’s SSID, the process shouldn’t be difficult:

1. Go to the Settings app on your smartphone.
   
2. Locate the Mobile Hotspot menu in the Wi-Fi settings. The actual location depends on the operating system, but it can also differ depending on the version.
3. Enable mobile hotspot.
4. Enter the SSID of your Roku under the Wi-Fi name (SSID) section.
   
   
5. Enter the password for that connection.
6. Select Save.

Check if you’ve done everything correctly, and then activate your mobile hotspot.

Step Three: Turning Your Mobile Phone Into a Remote Control

If your Roku mobile app and your Roku device are on the same network, you can use the remote feature to navigate the player. Use your mobile phone to connect to the wireless hotspot that you’ve created (in the previous section), and do the following:

1. Open the Roku app on the other phone.
2. Now, select the Remote button at the bottom of the screen.
   
   
3. Wait for the remote screen to appear.

The remote displayed on the app should be a carbon copy of your physical Roku remote control. Try and tap the arrow keys to see whether your Roku player will register the movements.

Step Four: Adjust Wi-Fi Settings Using Another Phone

If you’re able to navigate the Roku player, changing the wireless settings on your Roku shouldn’t be a problem. If you’ve made a hotspot with the same DDSN and password with one mobile device and used another smartphone to connect to it, everything else is easy.

1. Use your Roku mobile app to turn your other (non-hotspot) phone into a remote.
2. Tap the Home screen on the app remote.
3. Highlight the Settings menu and press OK on the app remote
   
   
4. Now, proceed to the Network menu.
5. Connect your Roku to the desired wireless network.
6. Then, disable the mobile hotspot on your phone.
7. Connect one of the phones to the same Wi-Fi that you’ve connected your Roku to.
8. Launch the Roku app on your phone.
9. Now, use your phone as would the remote.

If everything goes well, your Roku player should register the app remote as a regular Roku remote. As long as they remain connected to the same Wi-Fi network, your phone can act as a remote.

Simpler Way – Get a Remote

Even a simple process, such as changing wireless settings on your Roku, can turn into quite a frustrating experience if you don’t have a remote.

Every time you want to change the connection, you’ll need to reconnect both your Roku and your smartphone so that you can navigate it without a proper remote. The best way to avoid this is to contact your nearest tech store or Roku customer support and try to get a replacement remote.

Do you use your Roku mobile app as a remote control? Do you think it renders the Roku remote useless? Share your opinion in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

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How do I pair a new Roku remote without the old remote?

How do I pair a new Roku remote?