I just got my dad's TCL roku TV but I don't have the controller, is there something else I can use instead? Or is there somehow a way to change hdmi to my xbox without the remote? There's a button for the power but I can't seem to find any else, I tried to use the app to control remotely but I can't do it without setting the wifi to my TV and without the remote and lack of an ethernet port i can't do that
Two methods: Get a remote (of course), or, Set the Wi-Fi SSID and passphrase of your router to exactly match your dad’s. In that case, the Roku will automatically (re)connect, and you can use just the phone. If you later get a real remote, then you can change the router again, if you wish.
There's also a trick of using a phone hotspot, and another phone or tablet for just long enough to reconfigure the router onto your new network. (ie: set hotspot to emulate Dad's router, so Roku connects via phone, use another phone that is also connected to the new hotspot to control the Roku, to connect to the regular daily network.) It's kind of confusing and tricky but people have done it.
If your Roku TV has an Ethernet port, connect to that if you can and it should find and connect to your local network without problem the next time you power the Roku up. Then you should be able to use the Roku remote app on your phone.
Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and other retailers have replacement remotes for Roku TVs that are fairly inexpensive. Make sure it is for Roku TV, as separate Roku devices use a different set of infrared control codes.
Roku's own Voice Remote and Voice Remote Pro can also be used with Roku TVs.
