Use the Roku mobile app on your iPhone to set up WiFi without the physical remote
You can connect a Roku TV to WiFi using only your iPhone by downloading the official Roku app and pairing it as a remote. The app lets you navigate your TV's menu, enter your WiFi password, and complete the setup process. This works whether your remote is lost, broken, or simply out of reach.
The process takes about five minutes once the app is installed. Your iPhone and Roku TV must be on the same WiFi network for the app to control the TV, but since you're setting up WiFi for the first time, you'll use a temporary connection method instead.
Key Takeaways
- Download the Roku app from the App Store on your iPhone before you start, because you'll need it to control the TV without a remote.
- When you first turn on the Roku TV, it displays a pairing code on the screen that you enter into the app to connect your iPhone as a remote.
- Once paired, use the app's directional buttons and keyboard to navigate to Settings, then Network, then WiFi, and enter your password.
- The app works over your home WiFi once setup is complete, so you won't need the physical remote for everyday use after that.
Download and install the Roku app before turning on the TV
Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for "Roku." Download the official app made by Roku, Inc.—it's free and has a purple icon with the Roku logo. Install it and open it, but don't try to pair anything yet. You'll do that once the TV is powered on.
Make sure your iPhone is on the same WiFi network your Roku TV will eventually connect to. If you're setting up a brand-new TV in a room without WiFi yet, you may need to move your iPhone closer to the TV or temporarily use a mobile hotspot, but the standard setup assumes your home WiFi is already running.
Power on the TV and find the pairing code
Plug in your Roku TV and press the power button on the TV itself (usually a small button on the back or side of the frame). The TV will boot up and display a welcome screen. Look for a code on the screen—it's typically a four-digit or six-digit number labeled "Pairing Code" or "Link Code." Write this code down or keep it visible.
If the TV asks you to press a button on the remote before showing the pairing code, you can skip that step. The pairing code should appear within the first minute of startup. If it doesn't, restart the TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for the code to appear again.
Pair your iPhone as a remote using the pairing code
Open the Roku app on your iPhone. Tap the remote icon (usually at the bottom of the screen) and select "Pair a Device" or "Connect to a Roku Device." The app will search for your TV. When it finds it, tap on your TV model to select it.
The app will ask you to enter the pairing code shown on your TV screen. Type the code into the app and tap "Pair" or "Connect." Your iPhone is now linked to the TV, and the app becomes a working remote. You'll see directional buttons, a home button, and other controls appear in the app.
Navigate to WiFi settings and enter your password
Use the app's directional buttons to navigate the TV menu. Press the up and down arrows to highlight "Settings," then press the center button (or tap "OK" in the app) to open it. Navigate to "Network" or "WiFi" depending on your Roku model.
Select "WiFi" and choose your home network from the list of available networks. The app will display a keyboard on your iPhone screen. Type your WiFi password carefully—Roku passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters and special characters matter. Once you've entered the password, press the center button or tap "OK" to connect.
Wait for the connection to complete
The TV will attempt to connect to your WiFi network. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. You'll see a loading screen or a message saying "Connecting." Once connected, the TV will display a confirmation message and return to the home screen.
At this point, your Roku TV is on your home WiFi and your iPhone app is fully functional as a remote. You can now use the app to launch apps, adjust volume, navigate menus, and control everything you would with the physical remote. The TV will remember this WiFi network and reconnect automatically when powered on in the future.
Troubleshooting if the pairing code doesn't appear
If your TV doesn't show a pairing code within the first minute, the TV may be stuck on a setup screen waiting for remote input. Try unplugging the TV for 10 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for the code to appear. Some Roku models display the code only after you've dismissed an initial welcome screen.
If the app can't find your TV, make sure your iPhone is connected to your home WiFi (not a mobile hotspot) and that your iPhone and TV are in the same room or close enough for the app to detect the TV over WiFi. If you're still having trouble, restart both your iPhone and your TV, then try pairing again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have WiFi set up yet?
You can still pair the app using Bluetooth or by connecting your iPhone to a temporary mobile hotspot. Once the app is paired, navigate to WiFi settings and connect to your actual home network. The app will work over WiFi after that.
Can I use the app on multiple iPhones?
Yes. Once the TV is set up, any iPhone with the Roku app installed can control it as long as the phone is on the same WiFi network as the TV. You don't need to pair each phone separately after the initial setup.
What if I lose the pairing code before I can enter it?
Restart the TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds. When it powers back on, the pairing code will appear again on the screen. You have several minutes to enter it into the app before the code expires.
Will the app work if my iPhone is on a different WiFi network than the TV?
No. Once setup is complete, your iPhone must be on the same WiFi network as the TV for the app to control it. If you're away from home, the app won't connect unless you're using a VPN or have remote access enabled in your Roku account settings.
Do I need to buy anything to use the app as a remote?
No. The Roku app is free and works as a full remote once paired. You don't need to pay for any features to control your TV with your iPhone after the initial WiFi setup.