How to use the Roku mobile app to control your Roku streaming device without a remote

How to use the Roku mobile app as a remote

Note: The remote opens automatically anytime you launch an app from the mobile app.

• Private : Tap to activate Headphone Mode and keep the sound to yourself.
• Guide : Tap to open Live TV Channel Guide and view upcoming TV schedules when using the Live TV input on your TV.
• Microphone : Tap to open the voice search and control screen. For more help, review example voice commands you can use with your Roku device.
• Options : Tap to open the options menu with various special functions.
• Play/Pause : Tap to see playback controls including 10-second instant replay, play/pause, rewind, and fast forward.
• Keyboard : Tap to open the keyboard on your mobile device.
• Channels : Tap to open controls for the Live TV input on your TV, letting you enter specific channel numbers.
• Volume Up/Volume Down/Mute /: Tap to control the volume output on the Roku device.
• Power : Tap to turn the Roku device on/off.

Note: Some of the controls listed above may not be available depending on which Roku device you’re using.

Use the Roku Mobile App with a Roku Streaming player

Go to Settings > System > Control other devices > Enable TV power and TV volume

Note: You may not be able to use the Roku Mobile App to turn the TV on if you're using a Roku streaming device powered by USB.

How to change between traditional and swipe remote

You can configure the remote to move up, down, right, and left in one of two ways – Traditional or Swipe. To change between them, tap Settings and choose the Remote type.

• Traditional - Mimics the physical Roku remote, where each button press on the app replicates the corresponding button on the Roku remote.
• Swipe - Uses finger gestures in a designated area to control your Roku device. For example, swiping left mimics pressing the left directional button on the Roku remote. Tap the highlighted area on the screen to make a selection.

Troubleshoot Roku mobile app issues

How to fix error "Unable to sign in, device incompatible"

on Android:

Update the Google Play Store^™

Restart Your Device

Restarting the device can help refresh your device and downloads from the Google Play Store.

Clear Google Play Store cache

Ensure Google Play services are updated

Verify the app is installed from the Google Play Store

What you see on screen may differ from the steps below based on your device.

on iOS:

Why won't my mobile device pair with my Roku player? I have lost my remote

If your Roku device isn’t connected to the Internet—such as after a reset or if you are setting it up for the first time—the mobile app cannot detect your device, and you will not be able to use it as a remote.

Why doesn't the Roku mobile app control my TV when I'm using a Roku streaming player?

When you’re using a Roku streaming player (not a Roku TV), the Roku mobile app controls the player, not the TV. If the app isn’t controlling your TV’s power or volume, try the following steps:

I'm seeing an error that says I can't access the Roku Mobile App. Why?

Because of new state laws, we’ve updated our app access policy. If the Google Play Store or App Store lists you as under 18, you won’t be able to access the Roku Mobile App.