Remotes

[stephhelp]

My roku express remote stopped working, and my wifi password was recently changed so now I can't even use the Roku cell phone app to control my device because it's not connected to wifi anymore!

I followed the steps in the roku support article, anyone else have any tips to make it work? 

[makaiguy · Accepted solution]

As you've found, the Roku app on a phone can only be used with Rokus that are already connected to your home network, so you have to use a method other than the Roku app to set up a new net connection.

FIRST METHOD

Normally a remote compatible with your Roku model is used to set up the Roku's net connection. This is by far the simplest method.

For a Roku Express, the Roku "Simple remote" that came with the unit can be purchased directly from Roku, or can be found at many retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, etc.  You can also use many inexpensive universal remotes, as long as they say they have codes for Roku devices.  Note that Roku TV's (ones from various manufacturers with Roku services built in) use a different set of commands.

SECOND METHOD

You will need all of these:

-- A Roku that is still set up for its prior network. If it was no longer connecting to that network when you shut it down, if you have cleared its network settings, or if you have done a factory reset, your only recourse is to use a remote to set the Roku network connection up.

-- Knowledge of the network name (SSID) and password from your former network that the Roku is currently configured to use.

-- Access to your new router's control panel. If you don't have this access, scroll down to the third method.

-- A phone or other mobile device with the Roku app (not TheRokuChannel app) installed.

If you have ALL of the above:

Go into your router's control panel and set your new network to use the same network name (SSID) and password as your previous network.

Pull the power plug on your Roku for a few seconds then plug it back in. When it boots up it should connect to your reconfigured net.

Now when you connect your phone to this same net you should be able to use the Roku app to control your Roku once again.

THIRD METHOD

This method is more complicated, but if you really need it …

In addition to a Roku still configured for its prior network and knowledge of the prior network's SSID and password as listed for method two, you'll also need:

-- A mobile phone with WiFi hotspot capabilities.

-- A second WiFi-equipped mobile device, either a phone or tablet, with the official Roku (not TheRokuChannel) app installed.

If you have all these things, here's how you do it:

1 ) Configure the WiFi hotspot on your mobile phone to use the same network name (SSID) and password from your former home network that the Roku is currently configured to use. If your hotspot can use the 5 GHz WiFi band, switch it to the 2.4 GHz band for compatibility with all Roku models.

2 ) After you turn on this hotspot, pull the power plug on your Roku for a few seconds then plug it back in. When the Roku starts up it should connect to the hotspot and through the phone to the internet. You just won't be able to control the Roku yet.

3 ) Connect your second device (phone or tablet) to the first phone's WiFi hotspot network.

4 ) Now that this second device and your Roku are both connected to the same WiFi hotspot, you can run the Roku app on the second device to gain control of your Roku using the app's remote control capabilities.

5 ) Using the app on the second device, set up the new network on the Roku, via Settings > Network > Set up network, using the new network's SSID and password.

6 ) When the Roku connects to the new network, disconnect the second mobile device from the WiFi hotspot and connect it to the new home network (SSID and password).

7 ) You can now continue to use the Roku app on the second device to operate your Roku on the new network.

8 ) The Roku is no longer connecting to your phone's WiFi hotspot, so you can shut that down. If you wish, you now can also connect this phone to your home wifi and use the Roku app on this phone to control your Roku.

If you decide to try this, please report back how it worked.

If you use method two or three I'd still suggest acquiring a compatible remote to make it much easier to recover if your Roku ever drops its network connection and needs to be reconnected to this or a new network.

[stephhelp]

Thanks for the quick reply. Unfortunately we're with a new internet company and the previous network was just a random sequence of numbers that we can't remember. Sounds like the only option will be to buy a new remote? Disappointing considering this device is less than 6 months old. 

[DBDukes]

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@stephhelp wrote:

... Sounds like the only option will be to buy a new remote? ...

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Probably the best option. Additionally, it's good to have a remote stashed away even if you use the app, in case something unexpected happens (such as this).

You can find a Roku Simple Remote ($15) at Walmart, Best Buy, and a bunch of other retailers. You may be able to find a cheap universal remote at those places, as well as Walgreens, CVS, Family Dollar, and other retailers. Just ensure the packaging says it works with Roku.

[CelticsFan]

@stephhelp  Your Roku is covered under warranty for 12 months from date of purchase. 

https://support.roku.com/article/208757058

[KSRaptor1]

Only a few months old and one of my simple remote stopped working. No change with new batteries. Do I need to buy a new one? Seems that it should not fail this fast. Is the remote control covered in the warranty?

[DBDukes]

@KSRaptor1 

The entire box (everything in the cardboard box) is covered by warranty. So, yeah. Here's the problem. You gotta pay shipping. And if you've priced shipping, then you know that's gonna cost you almost as much as a new remote. Meaning for just a few dollars more, you wouldn't have to wait for things to be sent in, checked, repaired/replaced, and shipped back.

So, while yes, it's covered by warranty, it's probably more cost effective to just get a new one. Such is the way things go when electronics are so cheap, and shipping is so expensive.

You could spend the $15 for a new Roku Simple Remote, or you may find a cheaper universal remote (under $10) at Dollar General, Family Dollar, Walmart, Best Buy, etc. Just ensure it says "Roku" on the box as a supported device. And Roku and Roku TV are not the same IR codes, so "Roku" is what you're looking for, not "Roku TV."

If you get the $15 Roku Simple Remote -- available at Walmart, Best Buy, Target, etc -- it's the very same one that came with the Roku Express, and would be an exact replacement.

Keep in mind that it's possible it's not the remote. It could be the IR sensor or something else on the Express is bad. The only way you'd know is with a new/universal remote. If  you go that route, make sure the return policy is a good one. That way, if you get a new remote and it still doesn't work, then you probably need warranty return/replace on the Express itself, and may want to take the remote back.

[KSRaptor1]

All true and as I posted my original question I also ordered a new remote........Knowing that everything you said is the way it is in our throw away society. My other remotes work fine on one that is broken.