Wondering how to change channels on Roku without remote? Well, this is really easy!
So, changing the channels on your Roku TV is easy when you have the remote handy, but what if you don’t have it? No worries!
We have you covered with great workarounds to help you easily change channels in simple steps without a physical Roku remote control.
To change channels on a Roku TV without a remote, download the Roku mobile app, connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi as Roku, open the app, and connect with your Roku TV. If you have a TCL Roku TV, use your TV physical button to change channels.
Let’s move further to unwrap some more information:
Can I Change Roku Channels Without Remote?
Absolutely! You don’t need the physical remote to change channels on a Roku TV!
Roku has an official mobile app for Android and iPhones (version 5.0 or higher). It acts like a virtual remote for all your Roku stuff, including TVs.
The only thing you need is your Roku TV connected to the WiFi already because, without a remote and TV buttons, this is not possible.
Let’s dig deeper for a detailed step-by-step guide!
How to Change Channels on Roku Without Remote?
We are now moving forward to discuss the detailed guide that you have to implement in the same way as changing channels on your Roku TV without remote control.
Before you begin, make sure that you have a good WiFi connection and an Android or iOS phone or tablet!
1. Connect to the Same Wi-Fi
A good and same internet connection is the requirement to set up a Roku mobile app with your Roku TV.
So, the first thing you must do is check and ensure that both your Roku TV and iOS or Android phone are connected to the same WiFi network and the same WiFi frequency.
Here are the easy steps to check Roku TV and phone to the WiFi:
For Roku TV:
- Open the Roku TV Settings.
- Head over to the Network.
- Then, press on the About.
- Check the Network Name.
For Mobile Phone:
- Open phone Settings.
- Then, tap on the WiFi.
- Check the WiFi Network.
If any of your devices are connected to a different WiFi, then forget the previous network and reconnect that device to the same WiFi as the other device.
Tip: Turn OFF your cellular (Mobile Data) data to prevent connection overlap!
2. Enable *Control by Mobile Apps*
The next step is to test and enable your Roku TV to accept commands from mobile apps over a WiFi network.
This feature is typically set to “Default” in most Roku TVs, but we recommend double-checking to avoid any chances of trouble.
Here is how to enable Mobile App Control for Your Roku TV:
- Access the Roku TV home screen.
- Head over to the TV Settings menu.
- Then, scroll and press on “System.”
- Select Advanced System Settings.
- Choose “Control by Mobile Apps”.
Tip: Press on Network Access and set it to “Default” or “Permissive.”
3. Set Up the Roku Mobile App
The next step is to download and set up the Roku Mobile app, which is available for any iOS or Android mobile phone or tablet.
To get the app, you need to either open the Google Play Store or the App Store, based on the operating system of your smartphone or tablet.
Here’s how to get and download a Roku mobile app:
- Open the App Store or Play Store.
- Search for “Roku” in the search bar.
- Tap on the Roku app when it shows.
- Choose the Install or Download button.
You have to wait a few minutes until the app installation process ends.
When done, look for the Roku app icon on your phone’s home screen and tap on it to launch it…
4. Discover Your Roku TV
Note: Make sure your phone and Roku TV are connected to the same WiFi!
Upon launching the Roku app, it will scan to detect your Roku TV automatically.
Otherwise, tap on the “Devices” tab from the bottom menu in the Roku app.
Within a few seconds, you will see that the app says “New Device Found” and will show you your Roku TV in the app.
When your Roku TV appears in the app, tap on its name to connect!
Roku App not Discovering Your Roku TV?
- Restart your Roku TV/Streaming Stick.
- Restart the Roku TV mobile application.
- Power cycle the networking WiFi router.
- Double-check the WiFi on both devices.
- Ensure VPN is disabled on both devices.
Workaround: Follow the Roku app instructions to manually add your Roku TV to the app using its IP address, which you can discover from the settings.
5. Access the Remote Control
When you connect your Roku app to your Roku TV, a remote control will appear in the app.
Simply look for the “Remote” button in the Devices tab of the Roku app and press it.
This will quickly launch the digital remote, and then you can easily control any setting of your Roku TV.
6. Test the Roku Digital Remote!
The next step is to test and check the layout and each function of the remote to determine if it is correctly working.
To control your Roku TV with the app, simply go in front of your Roku TV and press navigation buttons (up, down, left, right), an OK button, and a Home button.
There are additional controls for volume and playback to try controlling your Roku TV and familiarize yourself with these buttons.
7. Change the Roku TV Channel
Here comes the main agenda which is to change the channels on your Roku TV without remote control.
Follow the below steps to learn how to change channels using your app’s digital remote:
- Locate and tap on “Recent Channels”.
- Scroll right in the recent channels list.
- Locate and press on “Roku Channels”.
- Use the navigation buttons to select.
- Tap on the OK button to start a channel.
That was how to change channels on Roku TV without remote.
In case you didn’t know, some Roku TVs have action buttons that can help you, so let’s continue unwrapping…
How to Change Roku Channels on TCL TV?
Most Roku TVs have a physical button to simply power off and on the TV, while TCL Roku TV has a multipurpose button.
So, this method is only applicable if you have a TCL Roku TV to control your TV using multifunctional buttons for navigation.
1. Locate the Physical Button
Check the underneath area of your Roku TV closely to locate and access the physical button.
You’ll probably find one button underneath your Roku TV and exactly behind the Roku label.
Note: If you haven’t found any physical button, look at the side panels on your TCL TV!
2. Access the Roku TV Menu
Once you locate a physical button on your TV, then push it once.
This will pop up a menu screen with different functions such as Power Off, Volume +, Volume -, CH+, and CH-.
3. Change the Roku Channels!
Press the same physical button to navigate to the menu and highlight the channel option (CH+, CH-) on your Roku TV.
Then, push the same button on your Roku TV to change the channels.
If your Roku TV doesn’t have a multifunctional button and you still want to control your Roku TV without a remote, then using the Roku mobile app is the only choice.
Other ways and alternatives exist, such as purchasing a new Roku remote or simply pairing a universal remote.
Tip: You can also contact Roku Customer Support for more information!
Quick Recap:
If you don’t know how to change channels on Roku without remote, connect your phone and Roku TV to the same WiFi and install the Roku mobile app.
Then, sign into the Roku account, connect the app to your TV, and use the digital remote to change the channels.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.