Have you lost your Roku remote or is it not working? Don’t worry – you can easily connect your Roku TV to WiFi using just your iPhone! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of linking your iPhone to your Roku TV and using it as a remote control to get your Roku connected to your wireless network. We’ll cover multiple methods that work as of 2024.
Why Connect Roku to WiFi Using an iPhone?
There are a few key reasons you might need to use your iPhone to connect your Roku TV to WiFi instead of the regular remote:
- The batteries in your Roku remote died or the remote is lost
- You bought a Roku TV that didn’t come with a remote
- The Roku remote is damaged or not working properly
- You simply find it more convenient to use your iPhone!
Luckily, it’s quick and easy to use your iPhone as a Roku remote to get connected. Let’s go through the step-by-step process.
Also Read: How To Get Local Channels On Roku
Method 1: Use the Official Roku iPhone App
The easiest way to connect Roku to WiFi with an iPhone is by using the free Roku app. Here’s how:
- Download the Roku app from the App Store on your iPhone if you haven’t already. It’s completely free.
- Open the app. It will automatically search for available Roku devices to connect to.
- Select your Roku TV from the list of found devices. You may need to enter a code displayed on your TV screen to link the iPhone app.
- Once connected, select “Remote” from the bottom menu bar of the Roku app. This turns your iPhone into a Roku remote!
- Tap the gear icon at the top right to open the Settings menu.
- Select “Network” to scan for available WiFi networks.
- Choose your preferred WiFi network from the list. If it’s password protected, enter the password.
- Wait a few moments and your Roku TV should connect to the WiFi network successfully! You can now use the iPhone app to navigate and control your Roku TV.
Also Read: Best Free Live TV Streaming Services
Method 2: Use the Remoku Web App
Another easy way to use your iPhone as a Roku remote is with the Remoku web app. This method works well on iOS devices like iPhones. Here’s how:
- Make sure your iPhone is connected to the same WiFi network as your Roku TV.
- Open the web browser on your iPhone and go to remoku.tv.
- Select your Roku TV from the list of detected devices.
- Enter the 4-digit code shown on your TV screen into the Remoku interface to connect.
- Once connected, you’ll see a virtual Roku remote that you can use to control your TV.
- Press the Home button, then navigate to Settings > Network > Set up connection > Wireless.
- Choose your WiFi network name from the list of available networks. Enter the password if needed.
- Your Roku TV will connect to the WiFi network. Once connected, you can use the Remoku web app to control your TV.
Method 3: Use the Roku TV Built-in Wireless Connection Tool
Some newer Roku TV models have a built-in wireless connection tool that you can control with the buttons on the TV itself. Try this if the first two iPhone methods don’t work for you:
- Using the buttons on your Roku TV, press Home to open the main menu.
- Navigate to Settings > Network > Set up Connection.
- Select “Wireless” as the connection type.
- Follow the prompts to scan for available wireless networks.
- Choose your preferred WiFi network name and enter the password using the TV buttons to navigate the on-screen keyboard.
- Select “Connect” and wait a few moments for the connection to establish. If successful, your Roku TV will now be connected to WiFi!
While not as convenient as using an iPhone app, this built-in method does provide a good backup option to get your Roku TV online.
Also Read: How to Program DirecTV Remote to Samsung TV
Troubleshooting Roku TV Wireless Connectivity
If you’re having trouble connecting your Roku TV to WiFi using any of the above methods, here are some extra troubleshooting steps to try:
- Make sure your WiFi network is working and in range. Try connecting other devices like your iPhone to confirm.
- Check that you’re entering the correct WiFi password. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive.
- Try restarting your Roku TV and iPhone. Unplug the TV power for 30 seconds then plug it back in.
- Update your iPhone and the Roku app to the latest OS and app versions.
- Make sure your router firmware is up to date, especially if using an older model router.
- Check if there are any wireless signal interference sources nearby like microwaves or cordless phones. Try moving your Roku TV and router to see if the connection improves.
- Contact your router manufacturer or internet service provider if you suspect there’s an issue with your router or network settings.
With these additional tips, you should be able to get your Roku TV connected to WiFi using your iPhone without needing the physical remote. You’ll be streaming your favorite shows again in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s go over some common questions people have about using an iPhone to connect Roku TVs to WiFi:
Can I connect my Roku TV to WiFi without a remote?
Yes! You can use the Roku app on your iPhone or the Remoku web app to connect your Roku TV to a wireless network without needing the physical remote. Newer Roku TV models also have a built-in WiFi connection tool you can control with the buttons on the TV.
Do I need the Roku remote to set up WiFi?
No, the physical Roku remote is not required to set up a WiFi connection on your Roku TV. You can use alternative methods like the official Roku iPhone app, Remoku web app, or the TV’s built-in network menu to connect to wireless.
How do I connect my Roku to WiFi without the remote for the first time?
When setting up a new Roku TV without the remote, you can download the Roku app on your iPhone and use it to connect the TV to your WiFi network. The app will walk you through a simple first-time setup process.
What if I don’t have an iPhone to connect my Roku TV?
If you don’t have an iPhone, you can use an Android smartphone with the Roku app instead. Or try the Remoku web app on any device with a browser. Newer Roku TVs also let you set up WiFi using just the buttons on the TV itself.
Conclusion
Losing or damaging your Roku remote doesn’t mean you’re stuck without access to streaming. With an iPhone and a couple quick steps, you can easily connect your Roku TV to WiFi and use your phone as a remote control. The Roku iOS app, Remoku web app, and built-in TV network tools provide a variety of ways to get connected wirelessly without needing the original remote.
We hope this guide has provided all the info you need to link your iPhone to your Roku TV and get back to streaming your favorite content. Follow the steps for your preferred connection method and you’ll be up and running in no time. Enjoy!