Connect roku express to wifi without remote

@Joshgunter14-

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 to set up a new 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 control 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 control panel and set your new 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.

Few will actually try this, so if you do, 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.

Related topics that you might find helpful:

  • How to connect my Roku device to WiFi without remote
  • Lost remote and need to connect to WiFi
  • Can I connect Roku to Wifi without a Remote by entering MAC address in router?

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The Roku streaming stick is one of the most versatile options for streaming entertainment. It lets you access your favorite services like Apple TV and HBO Max or even use screen mirroring to play content from your phone. It also includes a handy remote control for controlling the Roku device, but you still have options even if you lose the remote.

You can use your Roku app to control Roku, even if there’s no Wi-Fi. Better yet, you can view Roku TV content straight through the app without the need to cast to your TV – an easy way to kill time while away from home.

Connect roku express to wifi without remote

What You Will Need

Before you begin this process, you must connect your Roku to your phone through Wi-Fi. If your Roku is not connected to your Wi-Fi network, you’re stuck and would likely be better off buying a replacement Roku remote or borrowing one from someone else.

You will need to download the Roku app to your mobile device from either the App Store or the Google Play Store, depending on whether you use an iPhone or Android device. Once you have the app downloaded, open it.

  1. Tap Devices at the bottom of the screen.
  2. You will see all available devices if your phone and Roku device are connected to the same router SSID. Tap your Roku.
  3. Tap the Home button at the bottom of the screen.

Connect roku express to wifi without remote

After you do this, you will have control over your Roku through the Roku mobile app. This works on both iOS and Android.

The first thing to note about this process is your Roku has to be connected to your phone for this to work. To connect your phone to your Roku, it has to be on a Wi-Fi connection. If you can’t connect to Wi-Fi and your phone isn’t already registered with Roku, you’re stuck.

Note: There used to be a mobile hotspot option where you could connect your Roku to your mobile phone’s hotspot, but this method no longer works.

This method is for when you lose your remote, but you need to reconnect your Roku to Wi-Fi after changing passwords.

  1. Open the Roku app on your smartphone and tap the Remote icon at the bottom of the screen.

Connect roku express to wifi without remote

  1. Using the app remote, navigate through your Roku and select Settings > Network.
  2. From the network settings menu, select Set up connection > Wireless.
  3. Choose the new network you want to connect to and type in the password.

You’ll lose access to the Roku from your phone when you connect to a new network. So, you’ll need to connect your phone to that new Wi-Fi network to control your Roku. However, you won’t have a problem if the Roku is connected to the network. Repeat the steps in section one; you might only need to connect your phone to the same network to regain control over the Roku.

Controlling your Roku with your phone works even without an Internet connection. This is because the commands are carried over your router’s wireless network, not the internet.

If you didn’t have the Roku app downloaded and lost your remote, your best option is to look for someone to let you borrow a Roku remote or order a replacement remote.

Also, if you don’t already own a Roku and are considering purchasing one, it’s a great device – but make sure to connect your phone to it immediately, just in case.

How do you manually connect Roku Express to Wi

How to update your network settings.
Press Home on your remote..
Scroll and select Settings..
Select Network..
Select Set up connection..
Choose Wired or Wireless..
If you select Wired, your Roku device will automatically connect to your network and the internet. ... .
Select your network from the list of available networks..

Can I use Roku Express without remote?

To use your Roku player without a remote, download the Roku app on your smartphone or tablet. Connect the device with the app to the same WiFi network as your Roku player. Then select Devices in the app and tap the remote icon.