This is the classic "Chicken and Egg" problem. You moved to a new apartment, or you bought a new router. Your Roku is trying to connect to your old WiFi network. To update the WiFi settings, you need a remote. But you lost your remote.
You might think: "I'll just download a remote app!"
The Bad News: Remote apps (including ours) work over WiFi. If your Roku isn't connected to the WiFi, the app cannot see it. You cannot use an app to connect a disconnected Roku.
The Good News: There is a clever workaround.
The Hotspot Trick
If you know the name (SSID) and password of your old WiFi network, you can trick the Roku into connecting.
- Get two devices (e.g., a Smartphone and a Laptop).
- Set up a Mobile Hotspot on your phone.
- Crucial Step: Change the Hotspot Name and Password to match your old router exactly.
- Turn on the Hotspot.
- Restart your Roku (unplug it and plug it back in).
The Roku will see the familiar WiFi name and connect automatically. Now that the Roku is online (via your phone), you can connect your Laptop to that same Hotspot.
Now, use Windows Roku Remote
Once both your Roku and your Laptop are on the Hotspot:
- Open Windows Roku Remote on your PC.
- It will detect the Roku.
- Use Windows Roku Remote to navigate to Settings > Network > Set up connection.
- Select your actual new home WiFi network.
Once the Roku connects to the new home WiFi, turn off your hotspot, connect your PC to the home WiFi, and you are back in business!
Never lose control again.
Once you are reconnected, keep Windows Roku Remote installed on your PC. It's the reliable backup that's always there when you need it.
Get Windows Roku Remote ($2.99)