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How to Use iPhone as Roku Remote: Step-by-Step Guide

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Updated on: December 5, 2025
Time to read: 7 minutes
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Whether you’ve misplaced your physical remote or don’t have fresh batteries, you can still watch, control, and navigate your Roku TV or Streaming Stick. We’ll explain how to use a Roku iPhone remote as a quick and easy option.

Table of Contents

Use the Roku Remote App for iPhone

When your Roku TV remote goes missing, it’s aggravating. But thankfully, it doesn’t mean you have to go without your favorite shows. Using the free Roku remote app for iPhone, you can quickly connect your device and watch the latest episodes, trending movies, and saved shows in just minutes.

Once you download and open The Roku App, follow the prompts and then optionally sign into your Roku account. Although you can use the app as a guest, you’ll have quick access to the devices saved to your Roku account and can use other app features like the Save List if you sign in. Either way, you can then easily use your iPhone as a Roku remote.

Step-by-step guide

1. Open the app and tap the Remote option at the bottom.

Tap on the Remote option in The Roku App on iPhone

2. Choose Connect now.

Tap on the Connect now button in The Roku App on iPhone

3. Make sure you’re using the same Wi-Fi network on your TV and iPhone and pick Allow to let the app find available devices.

4. Select the Roku TV or Roku Streaming Stick you’d like to connect.

Select your Roku device from the list

After a moment, you’ll see the remote control screen where you can change channels, open the Guide, adjust the volume, and play, pause, rewind, or fast-forward the show. You can also power the TV on or off, switch to voice or keyboard input, and access the settings.

The main screens of The Roku App

Along with using the Remote feature of The Roku App, you can stream live TV, free movies, and other shows with The Roku Channel. You can also cast media like photos and videos, add and launch channels, search for movies, shows, and actors, and watch directly in the app with Headphone Mode.

Use an iPhone Roku Remote App Alternative

Try TVRem – The Free Universal Remote App for iPhone & iPad

1. TVRem – Our Recommended App

TVRem is a sleek, fast, and intuitive iPhone app designed to control your Roku TV. Use the built-in keyboard to search faster, navigate with a smooth touchpad, and access your favorite apps instantly. Adjust volume, control playback, and more — all from your iPhone.

You can also use TVRem to control additional smart TVs in your home such as Samsung, Fire TV, smart TVs by Amazon, and other TVs with Fire TV built in, Android TV, Chromecast with Google TV, and Google TV Streamers. This makes it convenient for controlling TVs in different rooms with a simple switch.

Use iPhone as Roku Remote: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with TVRem takes just a minute! Follow these simple steps to connect your iPhone to your TV:

1. Download the TVRem app from the App Store.

Download TVRem from the App Store

2. Turn on your TV.

3. Make sure your TV and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network. This is essential for the app to automatically detect your TV.

TVRem is searching for nearby devices

4. Open the TVRem app on your iPhone. Grant permission to access your device if prompted.

5. Tap Choose a TV and select your Roku TV from the list of detected devices.

Select your Roku TV from the list of devices in TVRem

6. Connect – and that’s it!

You now have an iPhone Roku remote that lets you change channels, adjust the volume, and navigate your TV menu right from your phone.

Pros

  • Available for free
  • All-in-one control: buttons, touchpad, and keyboard
  • Supports a wide range of devices: Roku streaming players, Roku-branded TVs, and other TVs with Roku built in; Fire TV streaming players, smart TVs by Amazon, and other TVs with Fire TV built in; Android TVs, Chromecast with Google TV, and Google TV Streamers; Samsung TVs

Cons

  • Requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network

TVRem works seamlessly with a wide range of popular TV models and streaming devices:

  • Fire TV streaming players, smart TVs by Amazon, and other TVs with Fire TV built in
  • Roku TVs, Roku streaming devices, and TVs with Roku built in
  • Samsung TVs
  • Android TV, Chromecast with Google TV, and Google TV Streamer

2. Universal TV Remote Control

An another alternative is the free Universal TV Remote Control app which allows you to use your iPhone as a Roku remote or with your Samsung, LG, TCL, or Fire TV device.

After you download and open this app, follow the prompts to get started and grant access to your Wi-Fi network. Be sure you use the same network as your Roku TV and iPhone and that your TV is powered on.

Step-by-step guide

1. Choose your Roku TV from the list of available devices or tap Refresh if you don’t see your television.

Choose your Roku device from the list in Universal TV Remote Control

2. Select Continue when you see the demo image appear on your TV.

Tap on the Continue button in Universal TV Remote Control

3. Tap the Home button in the app.

Tap on the Home button in Universal TV Remote Control

You’ll then see the remote control screen, which you can begin using immediately. Use the touchpad to move and select items on the screen or choose the number pad or keyboard for other input types. You can also switch TVs using the Cast icon at the top, adjust the options using the Settings icon at the bottom, and access your apps with the Apps button.

The interface screens of the Universal TV Remote Control app

Note that some features require an app upgrade. This includes the channel and volume toggles, advanced keyboard, app control, and power button.

Troubleshoot Common Roku App Issues

If you run into trouble connecting to your Roku device or using The Roku App in general, look for the following:

  • 📌 Check for updates: Confirm that both your Roku TV and The Roku App are up to date using the latest versions.
  • 📌 Confirm the network: Verify that your Roku TV and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • 📌 Verify the TV mobile apps option: Double-check that the mobile apps control option is enabled on your Roku TV by going to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Control by mobile apps.
  • 📌 Disable your VPN: Try disabling your VPN, as it can cause interference with the connection between your Roku TV and The Roku App.

 

If you’re still having problems after checking the above, try restarting your devices or reinstalling the app.

Conclusion

There’s nothing worse than a missing TV remote when you’re starting movie night or ready to binge-watch your favorite shows. Luckily, if you have your iPhone in hand, you can end the frustration quickly by using it as a remote for your Roku TV.

Whether you choose TVRem for its extra features or The Roku App for the basics, consider grabbing a free Roku remote app for iPhone as the main input or even a backup. You’ll be glad you did!

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot currently use your iPhone as a Roku remote without a third-party app.

You can use The Roku App (Official) for free but for extra features check out TVRem which is also a free Roku remote app for iPhone.

Confirm that your iPhone and Roku devices are using the same Wi-Fi network, your Roku TV is enabled for control with mobile apps, and the Roku TV and remote app you’re using are both up to date.

If your Roku TV and iPhone use different Wi-Fi networks, they cannot communicate with each other. So, you’ll be unable to use your iPhone as a Roku remote with a mobile app.