Roku is one of the top brands that provides both streaming devices and streaming services. With one of the most popular streaming services built in, you can watch your favorite movies or TV shows straightly on TV without downloading.
Most Roku devices come with a remote, and that is the hub you get all functions and controls, but there is a chance you have no access to the remote, eithereither Roku remote missing or Roku remote not working.
Now you can think about using another device to control your Roku TV, and this device should be smaller, smarter, and more portable. The only device you can choose from is your smart phone, but how can you control Roku with phone? Now let me introduce you to some tricks about how to set up Roku Remote on phone.
Table of Contents
Trick 1: Roku Mobile App
The Roku Mobile App is the official app by Roku, and it possesses multiple functions that are even more than an ordinary physical Roku remote.
Roku Mobile App is an integrated app with auxiliary functions for you to get along with your Roku TV better.
Like all remote apps, Roku Mobile App uses Wi-Fi networks to control your Roku TV. First, you will have to pair the app with your Roku TV, and then all clicks on the app will transform into signals and send to the router, then the router send the signal to your Roku TV to complete interaction.
The basic function of the Roku Mobile App is the remote function, and besides that, there are more functions that are worth trying.
Keyboard Input
Roku Mobile App has keyboard input function, which makes input faster because you don’t need to interact with the letter map anymore.
Search Channels
Roku Mobile App allows you to select and search TV channels directly from your mobile device, and it brings more convenience because the list can be easily scrolled on your phone.
Media Casting
Roku Mobile App can cast pictures in PNG and JPG format to your TV, and also videos in MP4 format. You can share photos and videos with your family using your Roku TV.
Trick 2: Remote for Roku TV
Remote for Roku TV is one of the best third-party Roku remote app, it has been proved to be working on most of Roku TVs and Roku Streaming Sticks. Different from Roku Mobile App, the Remote for Roku TV has some rather interesting features for you.
The key feature of Remote for Roku TV is also remote function, but it also integrates some functions that the Roku Mobile App doesn’t have. A great example is the screen mirroring function. Follow the instructions and learn the trick to set up an even better Roku remote on smart phone.
Key Features of Remote for Roku TV
Keyboard Input: You can input your keywords with the keyboard on your phone when searching, and get rid of the letter map input method.
Touchpad Navigation: This is a unique function for Remote for Roku TV. You can now interact with your Roku TV by swiping instead of clicking.
Browse Channels: Remote for Roku TV can also browse TV channels directly from phone, saving a lot of time to get your favorite channel.
Media Cast: Remote for Roku TV can cast images and videos in all mainstream formats.
Screen Mirroring: This is another Remote for Roku TV only function. It allows you to clone the content displayed on your phone and display it on your Roku TV in real time speed.
Connect a Remote App to Roku TV
If you want to set up a Roku remote on your smart phone, you should always connect your smart phone to your Roku TV. Remote for Roku TV supports both iOS device or Android device, which means you can not only use iPhone as Roku remote, but an Android phone can also do the same job.
Download Remote for Roku TV
Step 1. After you download and install the app, click the Tap to Select area.
Step 2. Select the Roku TV you want to connect on the list.
Step 3. Click the popped up Connect button.
In case you want to know how to connect Roku to wifi without remote, go ahead to How to Connect TCL Roku TV to WiFi Without a Remote? [3 Ways in 2023].
Conclusion
To fully set up a Roku remote on smart phone, the most important step is to download a remote app. Roku Mobile App or Remote for Roku TV are recommended, for their stability and compatibility. After you properly connect your phone to your Roku TV, you have already successfully set up a Roku remote on your smart phone and good to use it to replace a physical remote.
How to Set Up Roku Remote on Phone FAQ
Q: How do I connect my phone to my Roku without a remote?
You can try BoostVision‘s Remote for Roku TV to connect your phone to Roku TV. This app doesn’t need any interaction from remote controller to pair with Roku TV, and you can then use it to do other interaction without a physical remote controller.
Q: Why won’t my Roku remote work on my phone?
The cause of this problem can be varied. Be sure that both your smart phone and Roku TV are connecting to the same Wi-Fi network. Also, a proper setup should be accomplished before you use the Roku remote app. Another cause might be your phone doesn’t support the app. Then you should change to a new app and try again.