Hugh Ozean

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Roku is one of the most famous streaming device manufacturers and streaming service providers in the United States, for it has a huge amount of licensed content, and users can enjoy them through the high-speed internet, with simple interactions.

While high-speed internet is the key prerequisite for streaming services on Roku, people may ask if Roku devices can still work without Wi-Fi networks. In this article, we will discuss this question and come out a multi-dimensional answer.

Do You Need Wi-Fi for Roku?

A simple answer, yes. As a streaming device, the internet is one of the most important prerequisite signal transferring medium, which seamlessly casts all movies and TV shows to you. Therefore, you need a Wi-Fi network that is hooked up to the internet to enjoy your Roku TV as a smart TV.

Principle of Streaming Service

Let me explain how the streaming service works. In the old days, you wanted to watch a movie, you had to go to the store and purchase a hard copy of the movie in the form of discs and, all discs in the store were shipped from the merchants.

Nowadays, when the internet is all over us, and that is the path to transport the content of the disc instead of a hard copy shipping all the way from a distance. When you have no internet connection, you have no way to get fresh movies or TV shows on your Roku TV instantly.

How to Use Roku TV Without Wi-Fi?

If you are in some special circumstances let’s say, you might just move to a new apartment and haven’t got access to the internet services, you want to use the Roku TV without Wi-Fi, what should you do? How to use roku without internet?

Well, Roku supports antenna input, which means you can still manage to receive TV signals if you hook the Roku TV with antenna. Follow these steps to see how to scan antenna channels on Roku TV.

Step 1. Connect the TV to antenna through the antenna port.

Antenna Port on Roku TV

Step 2. Go to the Settings page.

Settings page

Step 3. Go to TV Inputs.

TV Inputs

Step 4. Choose Live TV.

Live TV

Step 5. Click Set up input.

Set up input

Step 6. Choose Antenna.

Antenna

Step 7. Then the TV will search for available TV broadcast signals.

Scanning for Channels

You will receive free TV broadcasts from TV stations near the place you are in, and this scanning procedure might take a while.

How Wi-Fi Benefits Roku TV?

Even though you can still use Roku TV without Wi-Fi, but personally I still recommend wiring your Wi-Fi as soon as you could, because Roku TV can only be smart as it has access to a Wi-Fi network. In other words, without Wi-Fi networks, your Roku TV has no difference with the traditional TV set 20 years ago, with slimmer skin. Now let me show you how Wi-Fi can benefit your Roku TV.

A Complete Streaming Services

Roku TV is a smart TV because it comes with the Roku streaming service. With the Roku streaming service, you can enjoy a huge number of movies and TV shows instantly. Also, Roku TV supports other streaming apps and you can simply install them and use them to watch more content. That is the reason you have to have your Wi-Fi network setup, to enjoy this powerful feature.

Remote with Smart Phone

If you have your Wi-Fi network, you can coordinate your Roku TV with your smart phone, to make it even smarter. With remote apps such as Roku Mobile App or Remote for Roku TV, you can remote control your Roku TV with your smart phone, making your living room entertainment easier and smarter.

Media Casting and Screen Mirroring

Wi-Fi networks can also be the path for your phone to send signals to your Roku TV. You can use the phone application mentioned above to cast photos or videos, directly from your local album, to your Roku TV. Also, you can mirror the screen of your smart phone to display it on your Roku TV in real-time speed.

For more information, you can read Best Roku Remote Replacement | How to Replace a Roku Remote

Conclusion

When you don’t have access to Wi-Fi, you can still use your Roku TV, hooking it to antenna and watching the TV broadcasts. However, you should get your Wi-Fi network setup as soon as possible, because your Roku TV benefits from Wi-Fi networks tremendously. With the Wi-Fi network, you can watch a large number of TV shows and movies, also online videos. On the other hand, you can cast media and mirror screen when you connect your phone and Roku TV to the Wi-Fi network.

Do You Need Wi-Fi for Roku FAQ

Q: Can I use Roku without WiFi?

Yes. Even if you don’t have Wi-Fi network, you can still watch your Roku TV with TV broadcast signals. Link your Roku TV to antenna, go to Settings -> TV inputs -> Live TV -> Set up input -> Antenna. Then your Roku TV will search for available TV broadcast signals.

Q: Can you use Roku without cable?

Yes. Roku TV has built-in Wi-Fi module, you can use the Roku TV without a cable. With Wi-Fi network, you can use almost all functions of Roku TV, plus, you can use your smart phone as an assistant of your Roku TV, in order to play online video, cast media and mirror screen.

Hugh Ozean

Hugh Ozean is the web content producer of BoostVision, an expert of vision technology and cyber entertainment. He loves to share new methods of how digital technologies can bring convenience and fun to level up daily routine, and always prove them in practice.

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