my remote was lost 3 years ago and its been like this for so long what should i do
If you're TV isn't connecting, there's absolutely nothing that can be done (other than turning it on with the power button) without a physical remote. If it's a Roku TV, you can get a cheap universal remote that supports Roku TVs or the Roku simple remote for TVs for 10 bucks.
Roku TV Remote | Replacement Remote For Roku TV | Roku
If you're TV isn't connecting, there's absolutely nothing that can be done (other than turning it on with the power button) without a physical remote. If it's a Roku TV, you can get a cheap universal remote that supports Roku TVs or the Roku simple remote for TVs for 10 bucks.
Roku TV Remote | Replacement Remote For Roku TV | Roku
so how would i connect the universal remote to the tv?
First off, it has to be a universal remote that has codes for ROKU TV. Stand alone Roku streaming devices use a different code set than Roku TVs do.
Each universal remote brand is fifferent. Consult the universal remote's instructions for how to configure it for the correct code set.
Edited to add:
Infrared universal remotes, once set to the proper code set, should just work when you "point and shoot" at the TV.