The simplest way to connect Roku remote without WiFi is to use a standard infrared (IR) remote, which requires no network connection at all. If you have a simple Roku remote, you can connect it immediately by inserting batteries and pointing it directly at your Roku device.
How to connect your Roku remote without Wi-Fi: the simple solution
If you have a basic Roku remote without a voice button, you already have a remote that works without any Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. These remotes use infrared (IR) signals, similar to a traditional TV remote. To set it up, insert new matching batteries (or remove the battery pull tab if present). Then, point the remote directly at the front of your Roku device. A clear line of sight between the remote and the Roku device is necessary, so ensure nothing blocks the front of the Roku device. If you don't have any working remote, you can still connect Roku TV without remote using the Roku mobile app, but you'll first need to connect Roku to Wi-Fi without remote so your phone and Roku are on the same network. No pairing or network setup is required.
Identify your Roku remote: simple (IR) vs. voice (wireless)
Before troubleshooting further, you need to identify which type of remote you have. Simple remotes do not have a voice or microphone button and use infrared signals. Voice remotes are identifiable by a microphone or magnifying glass button and connect to your Roku device using wireless signals (such as Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth), not infrared. This distinction matters because a voice remote requires a network connection to function, while a simple remote does not.
How to pair a Roku voice remote without your home Wi-Fi
If you have a voice remote and no home Wi-Fi, you can still pair it after providing a temporary network. First, check if your remote has a pairing button, often found on the back or under the battery cover. If it does, press and hold the pairing button for 5 seconds until the status light on the remote begins to flash. If your remote does not have a pairing button, press and hold the Back button and the Home button simultaneously for 5 seconds until the status light begins to flash.
Next, restart your Roku player or TV: unplug the power cord from your Roku device, wait at least 5 seconds, then plug the power cord back in. Once the Roku device powers on and the Home screen appears, immediately follow the steps above to put your voice remote into pairing mode. The remote will then connect to the Roku device, which must already be on a network (see the next sections for how to provide one).
Use a mobile hotspot as a temporary Wi-Fi network
To provide a network for your Roku when no Wi-Fi is available, you can enable a mobile hotspot on a smartphone. This creates a temporary Wi-Fi network using your phone's cellular data. On your smartphone, go to the settings menu, look for the option labeled "Hotspot" or "Tethering," and select "Mobile hotspot" to enable it. On your Roku device, go to the settings menu, select "Network," and then choose "Set up connection" to connect to the mobile hotspot. Once connected, your Roku will have internet access, allowing you to pair a voice remote or use the Roku mobile app for control. If you need additional help with this setup, you may contact Roku support for guidance.
Connect your Roku via Ethernet for a wired network
If your Roku device has an Ethernet port, you can bypass Wi-Fi entirely by using a wired connection. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your Roku device and the other end to an available Ethernet port on your router or modem. On your Roku device, navigate to the settings menu, select "Network," and then choose "Set up connection" to configure the wired connection. Once established, your Roku will have a stable network connection, enabling a voice remote to pair and function, or allowing you to use the Roku mobile app as a remote.
