Wondering can you use Roku with hotspot? The answer is YES. It is 100% possible and easy!
Here we will provide you with everything you need to know about connecting and using Roku from a hotspot shared by smartphone.
You will learn how to share hotspots effectively and save your data.
Additionally, we will provide you with helpful tips and recommendations to avoid any trouble.
The most efficient way to connect Roku to a hotspot is with the mobile application available for both Android and iOS. You won’t even need a remote when doing so, as this app could also provide a digital remote for your Roku.
Simply head to the networks tab in your Roku app and pair up your device to the existing hotspot network.
As easy as it sounds this is how it works and if you have any difficulties, next we are going to discuss everything about the wireless connection.
How Can You Use Roku with Mobile Hotspot?
If you want to use a mobile hotspot with your Roku device, we are happy to inform you that you are fully capable of doing so.
All you have to do is simply change a few configurations of your hotspot settings and then you will be able to successfully pair your Roku device to the smartphone.
Hotspot
The hotspot feature allows people in a physical location near the area of the device to access a specific internet network.
In other words, using Wi-Fi, via a local area network that is fully wireless, which could also be called WLAN.
Just to clear things up, if you successfully pair your Roku device with the smartphone, all of the data usages will be deducted from your phone bill.
So, keep in mind to reduce data usage from your Roku device to save cellular resources and possibly an extra payment included to your mobile subscription.
Now that you learned it is possible, let’s talk about the essential process of pairing Roku with your smartphone’s cellular network.
How To Set Up Mobile Hotspot and Features
As we have mentioned above, if your device is released after a certain update that includes the mobile hotspot within it, you will be able to successfully pair Roku with the hotspot network.
We have prepared two major steps in which you will configure your hotspot and then connect your Roku to it.
We recommend paying close attention.
What Is Hotspot Mobile Feature?
Now when you know can you use Roku with a mobile hotspot it is time to configure some settings so it can work at its peak.
If you want to find out whether your device contains the hotspot feature, head to the options and visit the cellular settings.
From there you will be able to check not only the usage of your mobile network, but the activity of the hotspot and details related to users connected within the network.
In a small tab within your hotspot settings, you will find the default password, which uses a randomizer.
You can change the default password by tapping on it to anything you want and make sure to write it down so you can remember it.
You can also change the name of your hotspot so you can identify it easily when connecting your Roku.
Note:
To enable the hotspot (on any device) you need to have cellular enabled and Wi-Fi disabled.
Pairing Roku With Hotspot
The first step is to head to the cellular settings of your smartphone and make sure that you have enabled your cellular data.
As you probably know, you won’t be able to enable the hotspot if the device does not have an active SIM card.
Next, turn on the hotspot (for iPhone users select, “Enable Wi-Fi” on the prompt that appears).
Next turn on your Roku device and head to the Wi-Fi options that will let you connect to the network you shared earlier.
Find the name you’ve chosen from the hotspot settings of your device.
Select your network and enter the password you’ve inserted. Wait for a few seconds for the connection to be established and click Next.
The Roku device will now connect to your hotspot and on your smartphone, you should be able to see that there is a user connected to your shortstop.
Read Next: How to improve Roku picture quality?
Roku Hotspot Issues
Now when you know can you use Roku with hotspot, there are some issues that may occur.
You may not be able to perform a stable connection the first time so don’t get discouraged as we have prepared some things you can try.
Disable Wi-Fi
If you have activated the hotspot on your smartphone device, but Roku isn’t able to locate the network, make sure to disable your phone’s Wi-Fi.
Make sure to only enable the cellular data, as enabling the Wi-Fi feature could interfere with the process and hide your hotspot from being seen.
Restart Hotspot
If your hotspot is not discoverable even by other devices you can try turning the hotspot off and turning it on again.
Network Reset Roku
Another common approach for troubleshooting issues related to the network functionality of your Roku is to perform a network restart.
This, however, might take some time but has the best chance of resolving any temporal issues that might interfere with your Roku’s Wi-Fi range and functionality.
In order to perform a reset on your Roku, follow the steps we have provided down below.
- Press the home button on your remote.
- Head to the settings and choose advanced system settings.
- Click on the option for connection and network reset.
- Select the action and wait for reboot.
- Roku will reboot immediately.
Now, give Roku some time, and after booting up again see if the issue persists.
Many users report that similar issues are only related to iPhones, so make sure that you have checked all of the important factors we have mentioned above about your smartphone’s hotspot.
Bottom Line
We hope that you have learned how can you use Roku with hotspot, and you have successfully established your wireless connection.
After all, the process isn’t complex at all, as everything you have to do is enable the hotspot on your device and locate the network from your Roku.
If you are experiencing any other issues with your Roku, feel free to check our blog where you will find answers to any technical difficulties and efficient solutions.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.
