How To Connect Roku To Wifi Without Remote in 5 Steps, With Photos

Roku TVs and boxes have made our home entertainment much easier and more rewarding. But what happens when you need to connect your TV to WiFi without a remote? Well, you have some options. You can still connect your Roku to WiFi without a remote.

Since you can’t use Roku TVs without an Internet connection, we have to find a way to get it up and running. It’s much easier to connect your Roku to WiFi without a remote. If it’s already connected to a WiFi network, follow the steps below to connect to your home WiFi.

Connect a Roku to a New WiFi Without a Remote

If your Roku device is already connected to a WiFi network, you’ll have an easier time connecting it to a new WiFi network, even without a remote. But first, you have to install the Roku App on your iOS or Android device.

Then, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect your Smartphone to the WiFi Network

Start by connecting your iPhone or Android smartphone you’ll use as a remote to the same WiFi network that your Roku is already using. You can do this by tapping Wifi or Networks on your smartphone and checking which network it’s using.

Note: If you aren’t sure which WiFi network is yours, look at the sticker on the back of your Router.

Step 2: Select Remote on the Roku App

Launch the Roku app (you can get it on iOS or Android) and select the Remote option at the bottom.

Note: If you have more than one Roku device on your network, you must select the Roku device before you can use the remote.

Step 3: Click Settings

Use the remote to navigate to Settings on your Roku.

Step 4: Select Network

Scroll down and select Network.

Step 5: Select Set Up Wireless Connection

Click the option on your TV to Set up connection.

Note: Ensure that Wireless is checked on the right side.

Step 6: Connect

Finally, select your new WiFi network and input the password. Then, hover over and click the Connect option.

Here is a step-by-step video for further reference:

How to Connect a Roku to a WiFi Network Without a Remote or Internet Connection

Suppose you’ve just moved your existing Roku TV, and you need to connect it to a new WiFi, but you haven’t unpacked your remote just yet. Fortunately, if you have a mobile hotspot and a secondary smartphone to control the Roku app, you can connect your Roku to WiFi without the remote in a pinch.

Hopefully, you remember the name of your WiFi network where your Roku was previously. If not, you can probably look in your smartphone’s WiFi settings and retrieve it from the known network settings. Once you have it, follow these steps:

Step 1: Rename Your Hotspot

Using phone A., open the hotspot settings on your iPhone or Android and rename it to the same network name that your Roku already recognizes.

Note: An iPhone’s hotspot name is the same as the device. Tap Settings>General>About>Name to rename your hotspot. Android users can change their WiFi name by tapping Settings>Mobile Hotspot & Tethering>The current mobile hotspot name>Configure>Save.

Step 2: Pair the Roku App Device to the Hotspot

Turn on your Roku device or TV, and it should connect to your hotspot.

Step 3: Launch the Roku App

Now, launch the Roku app on phone B. and connect it to the TV.

Step 4: Connect to WiFi

Now, follow the steps above to connect your Roku to a new WiFi network.

How to Connect a New Roku to WiFi Without a Remote

Unboxing a new Roku device or TV is really exciting until you get to the remote. If you don’t have batteries for the remote, or it’s faulty, your connection could end there. Fortunately, there is a solution for some Roku devices and TVs. While this option won’t work for everyone, we recommend it if you have everything you need.

First, you’ll need to locate your router and grab a second Ethernet cable. Then, you’ll need to locate your TV’s power button (this might seem easy enough, but TCL TVs have them hidden on the bottom center of the TV).

When your TV is turned on, and you have your ethernet cable ready, do this:

Step 1: Plug Your Ethernet Cable into Your Roku Device

Connect the ethernet cable to your router and to the Roku TV.

Step 2: Launch the Roku App on Your Smartphone

Now it’s as simple as following the steps above. Launch the Roku app on your smartphone.

Note: Ensure your smartphone is connected to the same WiFi network as

Step 3: Tap Remote

Select your television in the app and tap Remote.

Step 4: Select Settings

Click Settings on your Roku.

Step 5: Select Network

Click Network.

Step 6: Select Set Up Connection

Now, select Set up connection and ensure Wireless is still checked.

Step 7: Connect to WiFi

Finally, select your WiFi network and input the password.

Roku Remote Troubleshooting

Still, plagued by Roku remote woes? We’ll go through a few troubleshooting tips. Ideally, your Roku remote will work, and we can connect the device to WiFi.

Naturally, you’ll want to change the batteries and ensure your remote is in perfect condition (not damaged). If you’ve already done that, you can try these fixes too.

Re-Pair Your Remote

Perhaps your remote isn’t finding your Roku device or TV. Take the battery off of the remote and hold the pairing button for 3 seconds (make sure your remote is close to the TV). Your Roku remote should re-pair to your TV so you can connect it to WiFi. If this doesn’t work, take the batteries out, re-insert them, and try again.

Try a Universal Remote

As a homeowner, you probably have a drawer full of random remotes. If so, try to find a universal remote and some fresh batteries. Then, you can attempt to pair your universal remote to your Roku and get connected to WiFi.

There’s a really helpful Roku site here that will help you with your Universal remote pairing.

Roku Connected – Remote Not Detected

Remotes make our lives so much easier. But when they’re lost, damaged, or without batteries, things get much more difficult than they should be. Unfortunately, TVs just don’t have buttons anymore, so we have to get creative when our remotes stop working.

However, the app and a direct ethernet connection are great workarounds to connect your Roku to WiFi in a pinch. Hopefully, the steps above helped you, and you’re enjoying your favorite shows by now. But if you’re still here and you still need help, read our FAQs below for more answers.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©T. Schneider/Shutterstock.com.