How to connect your Roku device to WiFi without a remote

There's a way to connect your Roku device to a new WiFi network without a remote, though it involves a number of steps and requires two mobile devices.
The Roku mobile app works well as a replacement remote once your phone and Roku device are once your on the same network.
Your phone's Mobile Hotspot can stand in for the network saved on your Roku to allow you to connect the device to a new network, but you'll need another mobile device to act as your remote.

Newer Roku models, save for the top-of-the-line Roku Ultra, use WiFi exclusively to connect to a network. This is fine if you have your remote handy when you use the device on a different network (like a hotel). Connecting to a new network without a remote can be tricky, however.

Assuming you know the WiFi network name (SSID) and password saved on the device, you can set up a mobile hotspot on your phone to create a WiFi access point for your Roku, as Reddit user mclassy3 points out.

You'll need two mobile devices to accomplish the task of connecting and navigating with the Roku app. You will use one to act as the mobile hotspot, and another to use as the remote.

Be sure you have the free Roku mobile app installed on the phone or tablet you plan to use as the remote before you begin. The app is available for Android and iOS devices.

How to connect Roku to WiFi using a mobile hotspot

Before proceeding, note that not all mobile plans include mobile hotspot access. Be sure to check your wireless service plan before using the mobile hotspot option on your smartphone. You may end up paying additional service charges if it's not included on your plan.

Though the below steps are for an Android phone, you'll follow analogous steps for any other phone.

1. From the Settings menu on your phone, tap "Mobile Hotspot."

2. Tap "Set up Mobile Hotspot" to open the Hotspot menu.

mobile hotspot

3. You will be prompted to continue to the next menu after seeing a notice about Mobile Data usage. Tap Ok to continue.

4. From the "Set up Mobile Hotspot" menu, add the WiFi network information that is saved on your Roku device. Enter the network name (SSID) and scroll down to enter the password.

4_create_network_name_pass

5. Save your newly created Mobile Hotspot.

6. Review the settings and connection instructions before tapping Ok to activate the Mobile Hotspot.

How to use your mobile device as a Roku remote

The Roku app can control a Roku device as long as the device and the app are using the same network. Be sure your mobile device is connected to the same network as the Roku (in this case, a mobile hotspot running on a different device).

1. Launch the Roku app.

2. Tap the Remote icon at the bottom of the screen to open the remote.

3. The default remote layout is nearly identical to the hardware remote. Tap the keys as you would on your regular remote.

The app's remote layout can be switched to use swipes instead of button taps. You can switch between the remote layouts by changing settings from the remote settings menu.