To set up a Roku after a factory reset without the original remote, use a compatible borrowed or replacement remote to complete Guided Setup. A compatible universal remote with directional and selection controls can also work for a Roku TV. You can switch to the Roku mobile app after connecting the Roku to your network, but the app cannot detect an unconnected device after a reset.
The short version
- Start with a controller: Borrow or buy a remote compatible with your exact Roku device.
- Match the remote type: Voice remotes require pairing, while compatible infrared remotes require a clear line of sight.
- Connect before using the app: The Roku and phone need a working connection to the same home network.
- Finish activation: Use the email link or the activation QR code displayed on your connected Roku.
| Option | When to use it | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Borrowed or replacement voice remote | Initial setup | Compatible model and hardware pairing |
| Borrowed or replacement infrared remote | Initial setup on supported TVs or players | Correct remote type and clear line of sight |
| Universal or provider remote | Initial setup on a compatible Roku TV | Directional and selection controls |
| Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or hotspot | Connecting the Roku to the internet | Working navigation and supported connection hardware |
| Roku mobile app remote | Control after network connection | Phone and Roku on the same home network |
| Manual app connection | Automatic discovery fails | Roku IP address and reachable local connection |
| Phone permissions and router checks | Network restrictions block app discovery | Local network access between devices |
| Mobile control setting | A Roku control restriction blocks the app | Working remote to enable access |
| Email activation link | Account activation | Connected Roku at the activation screen |
| Activation QR code | Account activation on devices displaying it | Phone camera and on-screen code |
| Offline TV setup | Antenna, cable box, or HDMI use | Roku TV offering optional internet setup |
| Official mobile app download | Getting the phone remote app | Supported iPhone, iPad, or Android device |
| Voice Remote product page | Choosing a replacement voice remote | Device compatibility check before purchase |
| Players Remote product page | Choosing a replacement player remote | Compatible player rather than a Roku TV |
Choose a remote that matches your Roku
Check whether you have a Roku TV, a standalone player, or a Streaming Stick before borrowing or buying a controller. Roku TV remotes and player remotes are not universally interchangeable. For a Streaming Stick, choose a compatible voice remote; do not assume an infrared remote will work.
Check the Roku Voice Remote product page before buying a replacement. The listed remote supports all Roku TV models and most Roku players, but some older players are excluded. You can sign in on that page to see compatible registered devices. Check the particular remote and device combination, especially when choosing between Voice Remote variants.
For an infrared-capable player, check compatibility on the Roku Players Remote product page; that product excludes Roku TVs. For a Roku TV, choose an infrared remote intended for the TV instead. Insert fresh matching batteries or remove the battery pull tab, then aim at the device’s infrared receiver without anything blocking it.
A compatible infrared remote needs no pairing, so use its directional buttons and OK to move through setup. If it does not respond, check the batteries, line of sight, and exact device compatibility before choosing a different controller.
Pair a borrowed or replacement voice remote
If your Roku came with a voice remote, follow the on-screen pairing instructions during initial setup. On a voice remote with a pairing button, hold the pairing button for five seconds until the status light flashes. On a voice remote without that button, hold Back + Home for five seconds until the status light flashes.
If pairing fails, disconnect the Roku from power, wait at least five seconds, and reconnect it. Repeat the pairing steps, making sure the Roku and remote are both in pairing mode at the same time, then use the directional pad and OK to complete Guided Setup. You can also follow the steps to set up a buttonless Roku remote if you need help identifying the remote type.
Use a programmable remote with a Roku TV
A universal, cable, or satellite remote can complete setup on a compatible Roku TV when it provides full navigation controls. Find your remote’s brand or provider in Roku’s code table, then follow that remote’s programming instructions. The programming sequence and code depend on the remote, so check the instructions for your particular model.
Roku’s generic programming procedure is to hold Setup until the indicator stays illuminated, then enter the listed code. Examples include 2891 for GE and 10885 for Inteset. Test the directional buttons and OK, as power, volume, and input control alone are insufficient for Guided Setup.
If the remote only controls basic TV functions, use a compatible Roku TV remote or voice remote for setup. This programmable-remote route applies to compatible Roku TV systems. For a standalone player or Streaming Stick, choose a controller whose compatibility specifically covers that device.
Choose offline setup for local TV use
Some Roku TVs let you finish setup without internet or account activation when you only need an antenna, cable box, or HDMI source. Using your compatible controller, choose the language and location, then select Set up for home use. Select Connect to the Internet Later, connect your source, and select its input.
This provides local TV and input use without Roku streaming services, and it still requires navigation controls. Roku says the option is unavailable on some systems. If your TV does not offer it, continue through network setup and activation.
Connect your Roku to the internet
With navigation working, select Wireless during network setup, choose your network, and enter its password. Select Connect to continue. If the network is missing from the list, select Scan again.
For Ethernet, connect the Roku’s supported Ethernet interface to your router and select Wired. This requires a built-in Ethernet port or a supported USB Ethernet adapter. Keep your working controller available to select the wired connection during setup.
To use a phone hotspot, enable it on your phone, then select Wireless on the Roku. Choose the hotspot’s network, enter its password, and select Connect. You still need working controls to select the hotspot during setup.
If a Roku TV cannot connect, work through the steps to fix its Wi-Fi connection before moving on to app control. If you also need help choosing a controller, see the connection troubleshooting options for a Roku TV without a remote. After setup, you can change networks through Settings > Network > Set up connection.
Activate your connected Roku
When the Roku reaches account activation, enter your email address using the borrowed or replacement remote. Open Roku’s activation email on your phone or computer and click Activate Device. Complete the account flow while leaving the TV on its activation screen.
On devices displaying an activation QR code, scan it with your phone’s camera and open the resulting link. Complete account creation or sign-in, keeping the Roku on the activation screen until setup finishes. When your device uses email activation instead, follow the email steps above.
Your phone or browser handles the account stage after you reach activation; you still need the controller for earlier setup screens. Sign in only through Roku’s own app or website, and never share a code, password, or remote access with someone who contacts you.
Switch to the Roku mobile app
Once your Roku has a working network connection, get the official app from Roku’s mobile app download page, which links to the Apple App Store and Google Play. Connect your phone and Roku to the same home network. Open the app, sign in to your Roku account, allow device discovery, and select your Roku when it appears.
You can then select Remote in the app to use its remote controls. Keep the borrowed or replacement remote available until the app connects successfully, since some troubleshooting steps require Roku navigation. Installing the app alone does not establish the Roku’s first network connection after a factory reset.
Get the app connected when discovery fails
Start by confirming that your phone and Roku are connected to the same home network. On an iPhone or iPad running iOS or iPadOS 14 or later, allow Local Network access for Roku in Settings; its location varies by OS version. Disconnect a VPN if it prevents local discovery.
For a manual connection, use your working remote to open Settings > Network > About and find the Roku’s IP address. In the mobile app, tap Devices, then Get help?, then Connect manually. Enter the IP address and tap CONNECT.
Manual connection requires your phone to reach the Roku over the local network; entering an address does not configure Wi-Fi or bypass Guided Setup. With Ethernet, make sure the wired Roku and wireless phone are on a mutually reachable local subnet. Ask the router owner or network administrator to remove device-to-device isolation if it blocks communication.
If a mobile-control restriction is blocking access and your Roku exposes the setting, use the remote to open Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Control by mobile apps. Select Enabled for control from devices on the same local network. If that menu is absent, continue with the network and permission checks above and use your compatible remote while resolving app access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a hotspot with my old Wi-Fi name reconnect a factory-reset Roku?
Do not rely on recreating your old network name and password to restore access after a factory reset. Roku says a factory reset resets all settings and unlinks your account, so treat the device as needing a fresh network connection. You can select a hotspot during wireless setup using working navigation controls.
What should you do if the activation email does not arrive?
While your Roku is on its activation screen, press Star and select Resend activation link. Open the new email on your phone or computer and continue activation while leaving the TV on that screen.
Can you activate the Roku with an existing account?
You can use your existing Roku account by clicking Existing Customer? in the email activation flow. Complete the account flow while your Roku remains on its activation screen.
Which Roku software version does the mobile app require?
Roku specifies Roku OS 6.2 or later for mobile app support. Your phone must also meet the requirements in the current Apple App Store or Google Play listing. Check that listing before installing the app.