Roku remote app: control your Roku TV or player from your phone

The Roku must already be connected to your network. Put the phone on the same local network, keep the Roku awake and allow the app’s local network access. A reset or unconfigured Roku cannot be recovered just by scanning with a phone app.

Open Settings → System → Advanced system settings, then Control by mobile apps (called External control on some software versions) and Network access. It must allow access from your local network.

Use the default local-network option. If network control is disabled, no phone app can override it. Do not switch to a more permissive mode just to troubleshoot an ordinary home network.

1. Open TV Remotely and let it scan for devices.
2. Select the Roku TV or player you actually want to control. Roku needs no pairing code.
3. Test Home, the arrows and playback. Check volume and power separately, especially on an external Roku player.

If the list is empty, use the TV-not-found checklist and confirm iPhone Local Network permission where relevant.

The command may go to the Roku player rather than the television it is plugged into. HDMI-CEC, the device type and its software affect what is possible. Working playback controls do not mean you have full control of the TV or soundbar.

Roku’s own mobile app has a remote plus Roku-specific features such as private listening. TV Remotely is an independent option for homes with several TV platforms, and it does not offer those Roku-only features. On a Roku, TV Remotely can type into the active text field for you; see phone keyboard limits.

Not from a website: Roku control only works from a device on the same home network. TV Remotely runs on phones and tablets, not computers. Read Roku remote online or on a laptop for what works and what to avoid.

If the Roku can no longer reach your network, restore its connection with another control method first. Read lost TV remote before resetting the device. Check app availability and compatibility.