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jemk's avatar
jemk
Newbie
6 years ago
Solved

Operate/Configure Roku Through Computer USB Connection

I had packed my Roku Streaming Stick/dongle with my Samsung 32" Series 5 HD TV before traveling to my elderly parents' house to remain in total quarantine during the crisis, but it seems the remote fell out before I left the city that I drove two hours from to get here.

Now, the Roku does not automatically recognize my parents' Wifi connection nor my phone's mobile hotspot--my computer can recognize the device but there's no IP Address listed in the Device settings dialogue windows nor is there a file directory. I cannot configure the device without the remote and Bluetooth connection from my computer does not seem to be working properly, nor does the Samsung TV Wifi Direct capability.

How do I view sdk or file directories/hierarchies for the Roku computer and configure this from a USB connection on my laptop PC? Is there a way to write some sort of JS/JSON/batch file that can operate my Roku and direct it to connect to the Wifi without the remote via the laptop's data connection?

It is difficult to determine the directory link the Roku is connected to the computer through when I connect the hardware together via the USB port. I want to access this file hierarchy to edit the HTML file or SDE file or whatever it is you guys use to direct to my router IP/Wifi connection and password.

tv & player wifi
  • renojim's avatar
    renojim
    6 years ago

    None of what you're attempting to do is possible.  The USB port is strictly for power and nothing else.  You can't use any remote app until the stick is connected to Wi-Fi and you can't connect to Wi-Fi without a remote.  You're only hope is to setup your parents' Wi-Fi SSID, password, and band (2.4GHz vs 5GHz) exactly as yours was at your home.

     

    Short of that, you'll have to order a new Roku remote or a new cheap device like an Express just to get you through your quarantine.

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  • renojim's avatar
    renojim
    Community Streaming Expert
    6 years ago

    None of what you're attempting to do is possible.  The USB port is strictly for power and nothing else.  You can't use any remote app until the stick is connected to Wi-Fi and you can't connect to Wi-Fi without a remote.  You're only hope is to setup your parents' Wi-Fi SSID, password, and band (2.4GHz vs 5GHz) exactly as yours was at your home.

     

    Short of that, you'll have to order a new Roku remote or a new cheap device like an Express just to get you through your quarantine.

  • Eagle200's avatar
    Eagle200
    Newbie
    6 years ago

    Hi,

    I would try to operate the Roku using the Roku cell app.

    I use one a lot on my Android phone but I have no idea if Apple has the same app but I would think so.

    I also am using the USB input on my Roku to watch a lot of things from my 2tb WD hard drive so I do not understand whet the other person means by it is for power only.

    Good Luck, Gordon

     

    • atc98092's avatar
      atc98092
      Community Streaming Expert
      6 years ago
      Eagle200 wrote:

      Hi,

      I would try to operate the Roku using the Roku cell app.

      I use one a lot on my Android phone but I have no idea if Apple has the same app but I would think so.

      I also am using the USB input on my Roku to watch a lot of things from my 2tb WD hard drive so I do not understand whet the other person means by it is for power only.

      Good Luck, Gordon

      That won't work if you can't get connected to the network. The Roku and the phone have to both be connected to the same network for the app to see the Roku.

      And there's only one Roku device that has a USB port that can connect a hard drive, and that's the Ultra. The OP has a Stick, and the USB port on it is power input only.

      • SARCASTICDALEK's avatar
        SARCASTICDALEK
        Reel Rookie
        6 years ago

        You can turn on your Hotspot and rename it to the network the Roku remembers. Makes sure the password is the same. Then connect to the roku app and change the settings to the new wifi. I did this once when I couldn't find my remote. 

  • mts713's avatar
    mts713
    Reel Rookie
    5 years ago

    If you setup your phone's hotspot to exactly match your home WIFI settings, so the roku can connect to the phone's hotspot, you may be able to trick the roku into working well enough to let you change the wifi settings to use the wifi in your new location. Other than that you'd probably need to buy a replacement remote (or universal remote that can operate the tv in question). .

    • atc98092's avatar
      atc98092
      Community Streaming Expert
      5 years ago
      mts713 wrote:

      If you setup your phone's hotspot to exactly match your home WIFI settings, so the roku can connect to the phone's hotspot, you may be able to trick the roku into working well enough to let you change the wifi settings to use the wifi in your new location. Other than that you'd probably need to buy a replacement remote (or universal remote that can operate the tv in question). .

      The Roku app will not connect to a device that is connected to the phone's hotspot, unfortunately. So you can't use the same phone to provide the hotspot and control the Roku. 

      Universal IR remotes are an inexpensive option, but will only work on the non-Stick players. None of the Roku Stick models support IR control. 

      • mindl's avatar
        mindl
        Reel Rookie
        3 years ago

        None of the Roku stick models support IR control. Okay. So, can you tell me what is allowing the Roku remote to connect to a stick before wifi is connected? Is it magic? I'm finding myself in this situation. Got Roku. Ain't got a remote. Clearly wifi is NOT needed to communicate with EVERY SINGLE ROKU PRODUCT. Because, last i checked, Roku doesn't ship products programmed to specific networks. Now, if you want to gain some respect, stop this ridiculous nonsense and let customers have use of a product that you already grip too tight. Forced obsolecence doesn't mean you are saving the planet by reducing remote control waste. No, i believe you'd have to come out and say it.  

        So, quit the b.s. Not only with the remotes, but modding forced junk. Zero respect.  

  • SmileSender's avatar
    SmileSender
    Newbie
    3 years ago

    I want to connect roku device to laptop for install a hotstar application. But device not found or connect to mi dell laptop. Plz advice or guide me how to install hotstar app on roku device.? M from India.

    • atc98092's avatar
      atc98092
      Community Streaming Expert
      3 years ago
      SmileSender wrote:

      I want to connect roku device to laptop for install a hotstar application. But device not found or connect to mi dell laptop. Plz advice or guide me how to install hotstar app on roku device.? M from India.

      It is not possible to connect a Roku to a computer. If the desired app/channel is not available in the Roku channel store, then it is not possible to install it via other methods. Apps written for other devices (such as the Hotstar app you mention) will not work on a Roku, because they are written for a different platform. Only apps/channels specifically written for Roku devices will work on them.

      Unfortunately, India is not a country that Roku officially supports, so it is unlikely there will be a Roku channel written that provides any access to content specific to that country. To see what countries are officially supported, you can go to the main Roku home page, scroll to the bottom of the page, and select "change" to see a listing of all supported countries.