Forum Discussion

pos1234's avatar
pos1234
Newbie
2 years ago

Phone as hotspot, other phone using app can’t see Roku

My wife’s phone is our hotspot.  When I open the app on MY phone it doesn’t even see the Roku as a Device.  If I simply look at the available WIFI networks available to my phone I can see my wife’s phone as a network.  She wants to use the app just to use her earbuds.  Why won’t the app on MY phone see the Roku??

mobile app

3 Replies

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

    Phone hotspots generally (always?) use something called "client isolation".  It's a security measure that prevents connected devices from communicating with each other.  I don't know if it can be disabled; it may depend on the phone and its OS.

  • RokuJechealR's avatar
    RokuJechealR
    Retired Moderator
    2 years ago

    Hi pos1234,

    A warm welcome to the Roku Community!

    Thanks for letting us know about connecting your Roku device using a mobile hotspot. We want to take action on this, but we need more details to see if there are any options we can investigate further.

    Refer to these questions to better identify the issue you're experiencing:

    • What Roku device are you using right now? (e.g., Roku Express, Roku Streambar, Roku TV—specify TV)
    • Are there any changes in the setup or settings of your Roku device or to the network provider that might cause the problem?
    • When did the issue start?
    • Are you encountering any error codes or messages?
    • What troubleshooting steps have you taken so far to resolve the issue?

    With more detailed information, we will be able to assist you further.

    All the best,
    Chel

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

    pos1234-

    • Your Roku is using your wife's hotspot as its local network.  That means you need to connect your phone to that same hotspot in order for the Roku app on your phone to "see" your Roku.
    • As renojim said, the hotspot must allow multiple connected devices to see each other.  You may need to check with your phone service supplier if this requires a setting change.