How to connect Roku to Wi-FI without remote or hotspot
Have you lost your Roku remote but need to access your Roku media player? No need to worry; this article will help you learn how to connect Roku to wi0fi without remote or hotspot. Read on to find out how.
Regardless of whether you have a Roku player or TV, you will need an active internet connection to stream movies and TV shows on your TV. With a Roku TV, you will not need to connect any external devices for streaming. However, with Roku streaming devices, you will definitely need to connect to the TV’s HDMI port to stream any content.
Roku allows users to access free and paid content on apps like Netflix and Hulu through Ethernet and Wi-FI. You can also plug in external storage devices on your Roku to play shows and movies. Channels are displayed on The Roku home screen as rectangular boxes. They are very similar to apps on any Smartphone in terms of how they work. Roku media players come with remote controls. However, unlike most remotes, Roku remotes use Wi-FI to connect to Roku media players. This means if you lose your remote, or the remote suddenly stops, working you will need another way to control your player and watch your shows.
Table of Contents
Here is how to connect your Roku to Wi-FI without a remote or hotspot
While Roku mainly functions by using internet connection to access TV shows and movies, you can still use the device without the internet. It all depends on the content you want to consume.
Here are other ways you can use Roku
Use an Ethernet port
If you want to use Roku in its full capacity, you will need a connection to the internet, whether wired or wireless. Some Roku ultra streaming devices and Roku TVs that do not support Wi-FI can be connected to the internet using an in built Ethernet port.
How does the Ethernet work?
One of the first things you will need before proceeding is to install the Roku mobile app on your mobile device. The app serves as a stand in remote and allows you to edit the settings for your Wi-FI set up. You can get the Roku mobile app from Apple iOS store and Google play.
You can also use the chrome extension app Called Remoku if you are looking to control Roku player from your TV.
To connect your Roku to a Wi-FI network, you need to Make sure your Roku device and Roku app are on the same network. The Ethernet cable port is used as a wired network connection. To do this follow the guide below;
- Connect an Ethernet cable to your Roku device and plug the other end to your Wi-FI router
- Next, open the Roku chrome extension or Roku app on your pc or mobile device
- Ensure your mobile device /pc and your Roku player are on the same network
- On the Roku app, tap the remote icon and your Roku should automatically detect the app
- Navigate to settings and open network
- Choose the wireless set up and set up a wireless connection. Your Roku should be able o detect all wireless networks in the area
- Select your Wi-FI network, click, add in the SSID password and connect
- When your Roku device iss connected, you can remove the Ethernet cable.
What if your Roku does not have an Ethernet port? Newer Roku versions are Wi-FI connection only, which means some methods, may not work. In this case, you can use the inbuilt US port to connect your Roku to an external storage device like a portable HDD or a pen drive to play videos.
Use mirror screening
If you no longer have internet connection but own a wireless router, you can use the router to mirror contents off the screen onto you Roku device. This is achievable by simply connecting your Roku and Smartphone to the same Wi-FI router. And enabling screen mirroring feature on Roku.
Instead of connecting Roku to the internet, you can keep your phone connected to stream the content.
Here is how to enable screen mirroring on Roku
- Go to setting on your Roku home screen and select system then screen mirroring.
- If you own an android device, select the in-built screen mirroring service on your phone. Samsung phones have Samsung smart view functionality while pixel phones come with a cast feature. All you have to do is search for the mirroring tool on your settings.
- If you can’t find it, search on Google for screen mirroring that is compatible with your phone.
- Next, select your Roku device on your mirroring application on your phone
- Accept the prompt to connect on your Roku
- Finally, make sure you proceed to use your Roku cast without the internet.
When approved, you should be able to see contents from your Smartphone on your TV screen. This way, you can stream online content like movies and TV shows on your Roku using your Smartphone’s mobile data.
Conclusion
The newer Roku models are designed to use Wi-FI exclusively to connect to a network. This is easy if you have a functioning remote, even when you are using the device on a different network. However, connecting your device to a new network without a remote control can be a bit tricky. With this guide, you will be able to connect your Roku to Wi-FI without a remote or hotspot and enjoy your favourite TV shows and movies.
FAQS
Can you use your Roku without Wi-FI and internet?
Yes. If you are unable to connect to Wi-FI or internet, you can download content from streaming apps for offline use. Alternatively, you can download video on your phone and use screen mirroring.
How do you connect Roku to a new Wi-FI?
Press home button on your Roku, click settings and click network on the Roku screen menu. Next, click on the wireless option of the menu and fill in network username and password to connect.
