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The free Roku mobile app can handle remote controls, phone-keyboard text entry and private listening through headphones connected to your phone or tablet. It can replace those functions in everyday use, but it is not a universal substitute for a physical remote: the phone and Roku must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and setup or recovery may still call for the physical remote.
What the free Roku app does
Roku’s official app for iOS and Android includes remote navigation and playback controls, voice search, and text entry using your phone’s keyboard. The keyboard function is phone-based typing—not a separate on-screen keyboard feature.
The app also offers Headphone Mode, which routes Roku audio to wired headphones plugged into your mobile device or Bluetooth headphones paired with it. That means a Roku-specific headphone adapter is not required for this method, although the connection between your headphones and phone must be compatible with your phone’s ports and wireless capabilities.
Roku describes the app and its features on its Roku mobile app page.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible devices - Roku TV models ONLY
- NOT compatible devices - Roku Streaming Players, Roku Audio, or other smart TVs
- Made by Roku for Roku TV - Stream easy with an official Roku remote, designed to work seamlessly with your Roku TV.
- No juggling remotes - Power up your Roku TV, adjust the volume, mute, and control your streaming with an official Roku remote.
- Simple setup - Ready to control your Roku TV in just one step. Comes with pre-installed batteries.
How to use your phone as a Roku remote
Remote control through the app depends on both devices being connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Once that is true, use these steps:
- Install the official Roku mobile app on your phone or tablet.
- Connect the mobile device and Roku to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the app and select your Roku device.
- Open Remote to navigate menus and control playback. Use the phone keyboard when a text field appears, or use voice search where available.
Feature availability can vary by Roku device. If the Roku is offline or connected to a different network, the app cannot act as its remote.
Rank #2
- Easy voice search & control: Quickly search across thousands of top channels, play entertainment, control your streaming, and more with your voice
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, control your Roku device, switch inputs on your Roku TV, and more—all in a tap
- Pre-set channel shortcuts: Pre-set channel shortcuts let you launch popular streaming channels with the push of a button, all without having to scroll
- Simple setup: Simply turn on your Roku device and pull the battery tab on the back of the remote and it should pair automatically
- Works with your Roku device: Roku Voice Remote works with all Roku TV models, Roku audio products, and most Roku players*
How to listen privately with Headphone Mode
Headphone Mode sends Roku audio to headphones connected to the phone or tablet rather than to the TV speakers. Roku’s support instructions say to install the latest version of its remote app and connect the mobile device to the Roku before using the feature.
- Plug wired headphones into your phone or tablet, or pair Bluetooth headphones with it.
- Open the Roku app, select the Roku device, and open Remote.
- Tap the headphone icon to start Headphone Mode.
- Set a comfortable, safe volume before putting on the headphones.
When Headphone Mode is active, Roku says audio will not come from the TV speakers. Up to four mobile devices can use Headphone Mode at the same time, according to Roku Support; the support page does not state a publication year for that limit.
Rank #3
- No Setup Required: the remote control replacement for Roku TV which can solve your home backup remote control needs. Simply Insert 2 AAA batteries (Not included) , then turn on your device and it will automatically pair, perfectly replacing your original remote control
- Upgrade Material: our remote replacement is made of high quality ABS and silicone, ABS improves durability, can be used for a long time, and also keeps you and your children away from harm
- Completely Compatible: the replacement remote controls only for roku series TVs, compatible with TCL Roku TVs, Hisense Roku TVs, Onn Roku TVs, Sharp Roku TVs, Philips Roku TVs
- Notice: Only for roku tv, not for roku stick/roku box 1/2/3/4(HD/LT/XS/XD), not for roku ultra/roku express/roku premiere and roku player
- Key Features: Get to favorite apps quickly with 8 shortcut buttons for Disney, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Primevideo sling, Apple TV+ and VUDU. Strongest signal by mature infrared technology, farther transmitting distance, stable performance, following the movement of the tv page without obvious delay
Which Roku devices support Headphone Mode?
Support depends on the Roku model and how it is being used. Roku lists the Roku Streambar SE, Roku Streambar, Roku Streambar Pro and Roku Smart Soundbar for Headphone Mode when using each product’s built-in streaming player. The feature does not apply to an external input device connected to those soundbars. Consult Roku’s Headphone Mode instructions and device comparison information for current model-specific details before buying anything for this purpose.
When the app cannot replace a physical remote
The app’s network requirement is also its main limitation: it cannot control a Roku that is not reachable on the same Wi-Fi network. Roku also notes that a physical remote may be needed for initial setup, after a factory reset, or if app control has been disabled. Those situations can prevent you from using the app to get the Roku onto the network or restore app control.
Rank #4
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: Pack of 2 remote. Two-pack remote control can solve your home backup remote control needs. Infrared remote no pairing or programming needed. Just Insert 2 Pcs*AAA batteries to get it work (Batteries and manual are not included)
- EXACT COMPATIBILITY: Acoyer universal remote control only for Roku Series TVs, Compatible with TCL Roku TVs, Hisense Roku TVs, Onn Roku TVs, Sharp Roku TVs, Element Roku TVs, Westinghouse Roku TVs, Philips Roku TVs, Insignia Roku TVs, JVC Roku TVs, RCA Roku TVs, Hitachi Roku TVs and Sanyo Roku TVs Series.
- NOT APPLICABLE: TV Remote is NOT Compatible with Roku Stick/Streaming Stick/ Box(1/2/3/4(HD/LT/XS/XD))/ Ultra/ Express/ Premiere/ Player. NOT Compatible with TCL TV, Hisense TV, Onn TV, Sharp TV, Element TV, Westinghouse TV, Philips TV, Insignia TV, JVC TV, RCA TV, Hitachi TV and Sanyo TVs.
- SHORTCUT BUTTONS: Get to favorite apps quickly with shortcut buttons and it have 4 shortcuts buttons. Precisely control far from 10 meters/30 feet and it supports over total 160,000 clicks for all buttons via approved tests.
- AFTER SALE SERVICE: Acoyer remote controls with an unlimited return and refund service in 1-year warranty. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your order, please feel to reach out to us.
For everyday use, the app is a practical option when the Roku is already set up and connected. Keep access to a physical remote for setup and recovery situations where phone control is unavailable.
App compatibility and feature differences
Roku’s install guide lists Roku OS 6.2 or later, iOS 11.0 or later, and Android 5.0 or later. Those are published guide minimums, not a guarantee that a current phone can install the app today: Roku advises checking the current app-store listing because mobile compatibility can change. Roku also notes that some app features are not available on every device. Its mobile app page and the current listings in the relevant app store are the best places to verify present-day availability.
Best Value
- Stay powered for months: Keep your remote running for three months on a single charge. With 50% more battery life and USB-C charging, Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) is the ultimate TV companion.
- Built for movie nights: No more fumbling in the dark to find the pause button or turn up the volume. Always know what you’re about to press with easy-to-see backlit buttons.
- Just talk to it: Got popcorn fingers? Leave the remote in the other room? Just say “Hey Roku” from across the couch and control your streaming with your voice.
- Find your lost remote: Don't break a sweat tearing apart the couch. Just say “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” or find it using the free Roku Mobile app.
- One that does it all: No more juggling remotes. Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) powers up your TV, adjusts the volume, and controls your Roku device.
Some controls offered by Roku physical remotes also depend on the Roku device. Roku says only certain voice remotes have a headphone jack, while the app’s private-listening method uses headphones connected to the mobile device instead. Check your Roku model’s capabilities if you need controls beyond app navigation and playback.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
