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Roku is a streaming device that allows you to watch movies, TV shows, and other video content from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Now, and more. It also lets you play games, listen to music, and control smart home devices.
You can connect your Roku to your wireless network using a USB cable or Wi-Fi dongle. However, is this still possible if you no longer have access to the remote control? Let’s find out.
Is It Possible To Connect Roku To Wi-Fi Without Remote?
Yes! There are many ways to do it without the use of a remote control. If you don’t want to spend money on buying a new one, then there are some free alternatives for connecting your Roku to your wireless router.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can link your Roku and Wi-Fi without its remote control.
Using The Roku App
Roku has a great feature in which you can use its app as a remote control. This means that while you might not have the physical remote, you can still use all of its features thanks to your smartphone.
Step
Download App
The app is available for iOS and Android users, but you need to download it first before you can start using it.
The first time you open the app it will run through how to use it, as well as how you can use your phone as a replacement control.
Step
Sign In
The app will then ask you to sign in. You should have made a Roku account when you first set up your device. However, you can also sign in as a guest if you’d prefer.
Step
Click Connect Now Button
At the bottom right-hand corner there will be a Devices button – click this. Then find the Roku branded device and press connect now.
Step
Awaken Your Roku Device
Tap the remote control button under your Roku device before tapping the home button. This will awaken your Roku device in front of you.
Step
Setup Connection
Now that your Roku app and device are connected, you can connect it to your Wi-Fi. To do this, simply follow these instructions:
Settings, then select Network, then select Set up connection, and then select Wireless on the Roku device.
Follow the next instructions according to your Wi-Fi network. You will need its name and password, so make sure that you have these handy.
Use A Browser Extension
Another way to get around the problem of not having access to the remote control is by using a browser extension called “Remoku”. This works with any browser, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Microsoft Edge.
Step
Connect Roku Device To Wi-Fi Network
It’s pretty easy to install, just go to the browser web store and search for Remoku. Once installed, you’ll see an icon appear on the top bar of your browser. Clicking this allows you to connect your Roku device to your Wi-Fi network.
Using An Ethernet Cable
If you’re lucky enough to have access to an Ethernet port on your router, you can use it instead of relying on the remote control.
Bear in mind that an Ethernet port will only be connected to models that fall under the Roku Ultimate range and some Roku televisions.
Step
Connect Device To Cable
To connect your device to the Ethernet cable, simply plug it in and turn it on. After that, you can use the Roku app as usual.
That’s it! The Ethernet cable route ensures that you don’t need to connect your Roku device to Wi-Fi, and you can use all of its features thanks to a wired connection.
If you don’t have an Ethernet port on your Roku device, or want to use it with a wireless connection, you’re going to have to try method 1 or 2.
Summary
Using your Roku app as a remote control is the best method for connecting it to Wi-Fi without a remote. It’s simple, easy, and you don’t have to worry about buying a new remote to control the rest of the features that come with the Roku device.
Option 2 and 3 are still viable options, although 2 only works on a computer with Google Chrome installed. You cannot use this method for connecting your TV to the Wi-Fi.
Option 3 is only viable if you have an Ethernet cable on your Roku device and want a wired connection. Overall, downloading the Roku app and using it to connect your device to the Wi-Fi is the best and most effective option.
