Nearly all Roku models use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet. This usually works just fine, but if you need to connect to a new Wi-Fi network and don't have the remote, things can get tricky.
If your Roku is already connected to a Wi-Fi network and you just need to switch it over to another one, you're in luck. You can use the Roku mobile app or the desktop browser extension as a virtual remote to switch Wi-Fi networks.
If your Roku device isn't already connected to a Wi-Fi network, you'll need to use Ethernet. The only caveat is that this method only works if your Roku has an Ethernet port. If there's no Ethernet port, you have no choice but to splurge for a new remote.
Here's how to control your Roku without a remote, including how to connect it to a new Wi-Fi network.
How to connect Roku to Wi-Fi without a remote using the Roku app
First, you'll need to set up the Roku app on your phone. It's available for free on iPhones in the Apple App Store, and for Androids in the Google Play Store.
1. Connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network as the Roku player. Again, if your Roku isn't connected to Wi-Fi at all, this method will not work.
2. Open the Roku app and tap Devices in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
3. Tap your Roku device when it appears in the app.
4. Your phone should now be connected to the Roku as a remote. Tap Remote and use the virtual remote to select Settings on the left side of the Roku's home screen, then select Network.
5. Select Set up connection, and then select Wireless to let your Roku search for a new Wi-Fi signal. When it finds the one you want, select it and enter the password.
Once you connect to the new network, your virtual remote will disconnect. You'll need to connect your phone to the new network and reconnect it.
Keep in mind that you can keep using the Roku app as your virtual remote for as long as you want. It has all the same features as a regular Roku remote — and maybe even more, if you were using an old remote model before.
How to connect Roku to Wi-Fi without a remote in a browser
If you don't want to use the Roku mobile app, you can download the Roku Google Chrome extension or the Roku extension for Microsoft Edge called Remoku.
This step also requires that your Roku device is already connected to a Wi-Fi network. If not, skip to the next step.
1. Connect your computer and Roku player to the same Wi-Fi network, and then open Google Chrome on your computer.
2. Click on the Remoku icon in the toolbar located in the top right part of the Chrome window. This will bring up a virtual remote on your screen, and you can use it to navigate the Roku player's menus.
3. Using the virtual remote, select Settings on the left side of the Roku's home screen, and select Network.
4. Select Set up connection, and then select Wireless to let your Roku search for a new Wi-Fi signal. When it finds the one you want, select it and enter the password.
Since you've selected a different Wi-Fi network, Remoku will disconnect. Just connect your computer to that new network, and you should be able to use the virtual remote again.
How to connect Roku to Wi-Fi without a remote using an ethernet cable
This method will only work if your Roku device has an Ethernet port – this includes the Roku Ultimate family of devices and some Roku TVs. You'll also need the free Roku app for iPhone and Roku app for Android to use as a virtual remote.
1. Connect your Roku player to the router using an Ethernet cable, and then connect your iPhone or Android to the same router wirelessly – this will ensure they're on the same network.
2. Open the Roku app and tap Devices in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
3. Tap your Roku device when it appears in the app.
4. Once your phone and Roku device connect, tap Remote.
5. On the Roku player, use the virtual remote to select Settings on the left side of the homescreen, and then select Network.
6. Select Set up connection, and then select Wired.
7. Select your network from the list, and then enter the password. Once you're done, hit Connect, and your Roku device will connect to the Wi-Fi network.
At this point, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable if you want.
