Forum Discussion

saltnara's avatar
saltnara
Newbie
2 years ago
Solved

Can't connect to Roku device on mobile app while using phone as hotspot

I'm having trouble connecting my brand new roku device to the mobile app. I suspect the issue comes from the fact I am using a mobile hotspot off my phone.

I tried using the connect manually option with using the IP address off the device but it says that device doesn't exist on that IP (I triple checked that I typed everything correctly).

I also tried all the basic fixes like restarting and unplugging the roku device, uninstalling the app, etc.

I read a few posts here from several years ago talking about the same issue with noone knowing any tips on how to fix it but I'm hoping someone found a solution by now.

I tried to get help from support but I don't think they were getting it. They kept telling me to just try using a different WiFi network

mobile app
  • atc98092's avatar
    atc98092
    2 years ago

    Like makaiguy said. When the phone is acting as a hotspot, it isn't connected to the network it has created, so the app can't see your Roku to connect. Only a second device is able to connect to the hotspot and then control the Roku.

    The Roku app will only connect to a Roku device if both are connected to the same private network, and that network has no security enabled that blocked connected devices from seeing each other. For example, if you connect both your phone and your Roku to a hotel WiFi network, the app will not work because the hotel WiFi has that security setting enabled. And you want it enabled, because you don't want someone else on the network able to see your phone or Roku and try to hack into them.

6 Replies

  • atc98092's avatar
    atc98092
    Community Streaming Expert
    2 years ago

    Like makaiguy said. When the phone is acting as a hotspot, it isn't connected to the network it has created, so the app can't see your Roku to connect. Only a second device is able to connect to the hotspot and then control the Roku.

    The Roku app will only connect to a Roku device if both are connected to the same private network, and that network has no security enabled that blocked connected devices from seeing each other. For example, if you connect both your phone and your Roku to a hotel WiFi network, the app will not work because the hotel WiFi has that security setting enabled. And you want it enabled, because you don't want someone else on the network able to see your phone or Roku and try to hack into them.

    • Michelefg's avatar
      Michelefg
      Reel Rookie
      3 months ago

      This is not true I watch my Roku shows in my car all the time on my hotspot. The problem is there is a update to the mobile app that when you choose a show and hit it it only changes the TV that your Roku is hooking up to. But if you scroll down after choosing your show it says more ways to watch. You have to click on that and choose watch on mobile app and you will be able to watch anything on your mobile app. Customer service is not even aware of that. Customer service is a joke I figured this out on my own

  • makaiguy's avatar
    makaiguy
    Community Streaming Expert
    2 years ago

    saltnara-

    On at least some cell phones (my Samsungs have always been this way) you can either operate it as a WiFi hotspot OR as a regular WiFi-connected device, but not both at the same time.  When using the phone as a hotspot, you can connect a second WiFi equipped phone or tablet to the hotspot and use the Roku app on that second device.

  • Rickstv's avatar
    Rickstv
    Newbie
    2 years ago

    I have repeatedly encountered this on one of my three roku devices and have discovered a work around to force it to connect.

    First go to devices in the app and find the one you want to connect. Click on "connect to this device", a 30 second timer will start as it tries to connect. Quickly go to that devices settings and click on "check connection". This means both devices, the app, and the player are simultaneously looking for each other.

    Usually by the time the internet connection is check marked on the player the app will be connected with a green dot showing.

    Hope I explained it well enough for you to get connected. It works for me. You may have to try more than once if the 30 second timer on the app runs out before you initiate the "check connection" in the player.

    Good luck

    • EchoFoxtrot's avatar
      EchoFoxtrot
      Newbie
      7 months ago

      Dear Rickstv,

      You sir, are a genius.

      Your solution to try and connect the phone to the Roku TV, while the TV is "Testing Connection" totally worked!

      My wife and I are awarding you 100 Cool Points.

      ...Feeling like a hacker over here.,, 💻

      Much obliged.

      - Jonathan (aka EchoFoxtro)

      • Michelefg's avatar
        Michelefg
        Reel Rookie
        3 months ago

        Roku has updated their mobile app. If you open it and find the shows you want to watch do not hit the show itself scroll down and find where it states more ways to watch. If you scroll down it says watch on your mobile app and you have to hit that in order to watch anything on your mobile device. Tested tried and true. Customer service could not even give me that information they said there's no way to watch the Roku app on mobile devices anymore I figured this out on myself and it works perfectly