Forum Discussion

PepperNixon's avatar
PepperNixon
Channel Surfer
2 years ago
Solved

Setup Roku TV without internet

I want to buy a Roku-branded TV but hear rumors that I must have internet to be able to even set it up, otherwise it's impossible to use it in any mode. Is that true?

I understand I need internet to stream videos, but what if I want to use it in "dumb" mode to watch cable, HDMI or DVD in a location that doesn't have internet. Can I do that, or I'll have to take it somewhere where there is internet, to do the first-time setup?

  • RokuCarly's avatar
    RokuCarly
    2 years ago

    Welcome to the Roku Community, PepperNixon!

    Thank you for posting your question about using your Roku TV without a network connection. I'd be happy to provide further information.

    Establishing an active connection to your Wi-Fi network is essential for your Roku TV to access its full range of features and content. Without an active network connection, the only feature available is the ability to stream live TV through an antenna.

    You may check our website to learn more about What is Roku.

    Happy Streaming!
    Best regards,
    Carly

  • RokuArjiemar's avatar
    RokuArjiemar
    6 months ago

    SobeGames,

    We appreciate you posting in the Roku Community!

    Thank you for contacting us regarding setting up your Roku TV without an internet connection. We understand this can be challenging, and we're here to help.

    You will need an internet connection and a Roku account to activate your Roku TV. You can sign in with your existing credentials if you already have a Roku account. If you don't have an account, you can easily create one during activation.

    This activation process registers your TV to your Roku account, enabling you to enjoy your own TV services and access streaming services from various providers, many of which are free.

    Please note that the internet connection is only necessary for the initial activation. Once the activation is complete, you can disconnect from the internet and continue to use your TV with an existing antenna or cable provider as intended.

    For more detailed information, please visit this link: How to set up and watch cable or satellite TV on your Roku TV system.

    Thanks again for reaching out. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns. 

    Cheers,
    Arjiemar

23 Replies

  • RokuCarly's avatar
    RokuCarly
    Community Moderator
    2 years ago

    Welcome to the Roku Community, PepperNixon!

    Thank you for posting your question about using your Roku TV without a network connection. I'd be happy to provide further information.

    Establishing an active connection to your Wi-Fi network is essential for your Roku TV to access its full range of features and content. Without an active network connection, the only feature available is the ability to stream live TV through an antenna.

    You may check our website to learn more about What is Roku.

    Happy Streaming!
    Best regards,
    Carly

    • PepperNixon's avatar
      PepperNixon
      Channel Surfer
      12 months ago

      RokuCarly you didn't provide any solution or answer to my question. I told you so. Still you mark your response as a "solution". This is weird.

      • Diyi75's avatar
        Diyi75
        Reel Rookie
        11 months ago

        Yes, you can set it up without internet. It will ask you if you want to connect during set up. Click "Set up internet later" and then it will let you set everything else up. I factory reset two of mine to use as computer monitors. 

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

        PepperNixon, you can set it up as a "dumb" TV.  That's how I prefer to use my so-called "smart" TVs, Roku or otherwise.

    • Lukejames12's avatar
      Lukejames12
      Channel Surfer
      11 months ago

      Connect to Applekamp Wi-Fi disconnect Applekamp camera disconnect

  • Zakmckee9's avatar
    Zakmckee9
    Newbie
    10 months ago

    Of course you can use any TV without the internet! You just won’t have access to any of its streaming features or applications!

    • PepperNixon's avatar
      PepperNixon
      Channel Surfer
      10 months ago

      To be comfortable, I need to hear "I bought a Roku-branded (not TCL, not Hisense) TV, model number X,  and was able to set it up without connecting to Internet and without creating an account, and watched my DVD just fine". A lot of comments here and nobody said that.

      • SobeGames's avatar
        SobeGames
        Newbie
        6 months ago

        It depends on the model. I just bought one for my aunt for christmas and her internet has been out a couple days so I can't set it up for her because it doesn't have the option to skip internet connection. This is why I will never buy another Roku tv under any circumstance.

  • Raven2015's avatar
    Raven2015
    Binge Watcher
    6 months ago

    I have a Roku TV & just recently disconnected the internet & connected an flat screen antenna. It works great & I have tons of local channels. Of course for anything else other than antenna TV, you need the internet.