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 change network providers and don't have a Roku remote? You won't be able to connect to a new network, so you won't be able to link it to your phone.
Nevertheless, there is also a workaround for this, if it is not a quick or easy process. But if you have no choice, keep reading this article.
Step One: Prepare Everything You Need
Before starting the process, you must first prepare everything. You will need two different mobile phones: one will act as a hotspot for your Roku device, while you will turn the other into a Roku remote.
Of course, knowing your Roku's wireless network name (aka SSID) and password is essential. Additionally, you'll need to install the Roku mobile app (Android or iOS) on both smartphones so you can set everything up.
Ultimately, make sure your wireless service plan includes hotspot access before proceeding. If you have to use your mobile data instead, your bill may be higher at the end of the month.
Step Two: Connect Roku to Wi-Fi Using a Mobile Hotspot
The first thing you need to do is create a hotspot on one of your phones. If you know your Roku's SSID, the process shouldn't be difficult:
- Go to Parameters application on your smartphone.
- Locate the Mobile access point menu in the Wi-Fi The settings. The actual location depends on the operating system, but it can also differ depending on the version.
- Enable mobile hotspot.
- Enter your Roku's SSID under the No Wi-Fi (SSID) section.
- Enter the password for this connection.
- Select save.
Check if you have done everything correctly, then activate your mobile hotspot.
Third step: turn 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 hotspot you created (in the previous section) and do the following:
- Open the Roku app on the other phone.
- Now select the Remote button at the bottom of the screen.
- Wait for the remote screen to appear.
The remote displayed on the app must be a carbon copy of your physical Roku remote. Try pressing the arrow keys to see if your Roku player will register movements.
Step Four: Adjust Wi-Fi Settings Using Another Phone
If you're able to navigate the Roku player, changing your Roku's wireless settings shouldn't be a problem. If you created a hotspot with the same DDSN and password with a mobile device and used another smartphone to connect to it, everything else is easy.
- Use your Roku mobile app to turn your other (non-hotspot) phone into a remote.
- Press the Home app remote control screen.
- Highlight the Parameters menu and press Okay on app remote control
- Now go to the Network menu.
- Connect your Roku to the desired wireless network.
- Next, turn off mobile hotspot on your phone.
- Connect one of the phones to the same Wi-Fi network you connected your Roku to.
- Launch the Roku app on your phone.
- Now use your phone like the remote would.
If everything went well, your Roku player should register the app remote as a normal Roku remote. As long as they stay connected to the same Wi-Fi network, your phone can act as a remote.
Easier way – Get a remote
Even a simple process like changing the 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 your Roku and your smartphone remote to that connection so you can navigate it without a proper remote. The best way to avoid this is to contact your nearest tech store or Roku customer service and try to get a replacement remote.
Are you using your Roku mobile app as a remote? Do you think this makes the Roku remote useless? Share your opinion in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
