Lost, dead, or never had a Roku remote in the first place? The good news is Roku genuinely anticipated this problem — you can get through the entire WiFi setup process using nothing but a smartphone.
Download the free official Roku app on your phone, connect your phone to the same network your Roku will use, and the app can detect your device and walk you through WiFi setup without ever touching a physical remote. If your Roku has an Ethernet port, plugging in a cable skips wireless setup entirely.
Option 1: The Roku Mobile App (Easiest)
On your phone, download the free Roku app (iOS or Android)
Connect your phone to your home WiFi network
Open the app — it should automatically detect any nearby Roku device on the same network, or during initial setup, guide you through connecting via Bluetooth
Follow the on-screen prompts to select your network and enter your WiFi password directly through the app
Option 2: Ethernet Cable (Skip WiFi Entirely)
If your specific Roku model has an Ethernet port (most Roku boxes and some higher-end streaming sticks do), plugging in a wired connection bypasses the WiFi setup screens completely — no remote or app needed for the network step.
Option 3: A TV Remote With Roku Buttons (Roku TVs Only)
If you have a Roku TV (not a separate streaming stick, but a television with Roku built in), the TV’s own remote — or even universal remote apps on some smart TV brands — may already control basic navigation, since the Roku interface is built into the TV itself.
Comparing Your Options
| Method | Works For | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|
| Roku app | All Roku devices | ~5 minutes |
| Ethernet cable | Models with an Ethernet port | Instant, no WiFi screens at all |
| TV remote (Roku TV only) | Built-in Roku TVs specifically | Immediate, no extra setup |
Getting a Replacement Remote
If you’d rather have a physical remote long-term, genuine replacements are available directly through Roku’s official site, filtered by your specific device model to make sure you get a compatible one.
Quick Questions People Ask
Final Thoughts
A missing Roku remote used to mean a genuinely stuck TV — now it’s a five-minute app download away from being a non-issue. Between the mobile app, Ethernet, and official replacement remotes, there’s a fix here regardless of which situation you’re in.
Need more Roku help? Our full Roku guide covers setup, channels, and other common fixes.