To connect your phone as a Roku remote, install the official Roku mobile app on your iOS or Android device and ensure both your phone and Roku player or Roku TV are on the exact same Wi-Fi network. The app then turns your smartphone into a fully functional touchscreen remote, giving you control over navigation, playback, and more without needing the physical remote.
What you need to connect your phone as a Roku remote
Before you begin, verify these three prerequisites to ensure a smooth connection. First, your Roku streaming device or Roku TV must be running Roku OS version 6.2 or later. Second, you need a compatible smartphone, the official Roku app is free on the Apple App Store for iOS and Google Play Store for Android, generally requiring Android 5.0 or higher (though check the store listing for your specific device). Rooted Android devices, those running uncertified software, or non-Play Protect certified phones may not be compatible with the Roku mobile app. Finally, and most critically, both your phone and your Roku device must be connected to the exact same wireless network; this is non-negotiable for the app to discover and communicate with your Roku. A Roku account is required to access the Roku app and connect your phone as a remote control.
Step-by-step guide to connect your phone as a Roku remote
Follow these verified steps to establish the connection between your phone and Roku device. The process is straightforward and typically takes less than a minute once your prerequisites are met.
Step 1: Enable mobile app control on your Roku
On your Roku device, go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Control by mobile apps. Set Network access to "Default" or "Permissive". This setting explicitly allows your phone to control the Roku via the app.
Step 2: Download and launch the Roku app
Download the official Roku mobile app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Once installed, launch the app and ensure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device.
Step 3: Connect to your Roku device
The app will automatically search for and display available Roku devices on your network. Tap your Roku device from the list to connect. If your Roku device does not appear automatically, you can connect manually by entering its IP address, which can be found on your Roku device under Settings > Network > About.
Step 4: Enter the on-screen PIN (if prompted)
Depending on your Roku settings, your TV may display a PIN code. Enter this code on your phone to complete the pairing process. Once entered, your phone is now a fully functional Roku remote.
Troubleshooting: why won't my phone connect to my Roku?
If you encounter issues, work through these specific solutions. First, check if a VPN is active on your phone, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can prevent the Roku app from connecting to your Roku device, so disable it temporarily. Second, review your router settings; features like AP isolation or client isolation can block device-to-device communication on your network, so disable these if they are enabled. Third, note that the Roku mobile app may not be able to turn on a Roku streaming device that is powered via a USB connection, plug your Roku into a wall outlet instead. Finally, restart your Roku device, your phone, and your Wi-Fi router, then check for software updates on both your Roku (Settings > System > Software update) and your phone's Roku app.
What you can do with the Roku phone remote
Once connected, the Roku app remote provides full control over your Roku experience. You can navigate menus, control playback (play, pause, rewind, fast-forward), and use voice search to find content. Volume controls are available on the app for Roku Streambars and Roku TVs, and a power button is available for Roku TVs. The app also lets you use your phone's keyboard for fast, efficient typing when searching for titles or entering credentials. For private listening, you can plug headphones into your phone and listen to audio through the app, perfect for late-night viewing without disturbing others. Additionally, the app supports screen mirror Android features, allowing you to display your phone's screen on your TV; for a detailed walkthrough on how to mirror Android to Roku, the app provides a built-in option under the "Devices" tab.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect multiple phones to the same Roku? Yes, multiple phones can connect to the same Roku device simultaneously. Each person simply downloads the Roku app, connects to the same Wi-Fi network, and pairs their phone, each can then control the Roku independently.
Can I use my phone as a Roku remote without Wi-Fi? No, the Roku mobile app requires both your phone and Roku device to be on the same Wi-Fi network to function. Without a Wi-Fi connection, the app cannot communicate with your Roku, so you would need to use the physical remote.
Can I use my phone as a Roku remote if I lose the physical remote? Yes, absolutely. As long as your phone and Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can open the Roku app, and it will connect to your Roku device, giving you full remote control functionality, no physical remote needed.
For the wider topic, see screen mirror Android.
