Are you having trouble setting up the Roku remote app? Does the app fail to discover your Roku TV? Or does it detect the streaming device but won’t establish a connection? This guide provides troubleshooting fixes for Roku TVs that won’t connect to the Roku mobile app.

Why the Roku App Isn’t Connecting to Your TV

The Roku app won’t detect Roku devices without power. Before setting up the app, ensure your device is powered on and connected to your home network. Incorrect or conflicting network configurations can prevent the Roku remote app from connecting to your TV. Likewise, bugs in the Roku app or your Roku TV software may also cause connectivity and performance issues.

1. Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection

Network connectivity issues are the leading cause of interference between Roku devices and the Roku app. Try these troubleshooting solutions to resolve connectivity issues.

Connect Your Devices to the Same Wi-Fi Network

Ensure your phone and Roku device are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your home has multiple networks, verify that both devices are connected to the same one.

Go to Settings > Network > About to check your Roku TV connection details and status.

Switch to a Private IP Address

The Roku app won’t discover devices assigned to a public IP address. Roku recommends using a private IP address in the following ranges:

  • 10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255
  • 172.16.0.0 – 172.32.255.255
  • 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255

Check your Roku IP address under Settings > Network > About.

Turn Off Your VPN App or Connection

VPN connections may interfere with the Roku app. Disable any active VPN on your phone and check if the app detects your Roku.

Perform a Connection Reset

Resetting your Roku’s connection can resolve network-related issues:

Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Network connection reset and select Reset connection.

Turn Off Access Point Isolation

Access Point Isolation can prevent devices on the same network from communicating with each other. Check your router’s settings and disable options like Access Point Isolation, AP Isolation, or Client Isolation.

Reset Your Phone’s Network Settings

If the Roku app connects to your TV on other devices, reset your phone’s network settings:

  • Android: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Mobile Network Settings
  • Samsung: Settings > General management > Reset > Reset mobile network settings
  • iPhone/iPad: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad > Reset > Reset Network Settings

Reboot or Reset Your Router

Restart your router to resolve connectivity issues. If the problem persists, reset the router to its default settings.

2. Connect Your Roku TV Manually

If the Roku app doesn’t automatically detect your Roku TV, try connecting manually:

  1. Check your Roku TV’s IP address under Settings > Network > About.
  2. Open the Devices tab in the Roku app and tap Need help?.
  3. Select Connect manually, enter your Roku IP address, and tap Connect.

 

3. Enable Mobile App Control in Roku TV Settings

Ensure your Roku TV allows mobile app control:

Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Control by mobile apps > Network access and choose Default or Permissive.

4. Force Close and Restart the Roku App

Restarting the Roku app can resolve temporary issues.

Force Close Roku App on Android

  1. Tap and hold the Roku app icon.
  2. Tap the Info icon.
  3. Select Force stop and tap OK.

Force Close Roku App on iPhone/iPad

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the App Switcher (double-click the Home button on older devices).
  2. Locate the Roku app and swipe up to close it.

5. Restart Your Roku

Restarting your Roku can fix connectivity issues:

Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart and select Restart.

6. Update Your Roku

Ensure your Roku software is up to date:

Go to Settings > System > Software update and select Check now.

7. Update the Roku TV App

Updating the Roku mobile app can fix connectivity issues. Check for updates on:

  • Google Play Store (Android)

  • App Store (iPhone/iPad)

 

8. Forget and Reconnect the Device

If the app won’t reconnect to your Roku TV:

  1. Open the Roku app and go to the Devices tab.
  2. Tap the three-dot icon next to your Roku TV and select Forget this device.
  3. Return to the Devices tab and reconnect your Roku TV.

9. Delete and Reinstall the Roku App

Uninstall and reinstall the Roku app to resolve persistent issues:

  • iPhone/iPad: Tap and hold the Roku app icon, select Delete App > Delete.
  • Android: Tap and hold the Roku app icon, select Uninstall > OK.

Reinstall the app from the respective app store and check if it connects to your Roku TV.

10. Get Your Roku TV and Remote App Connected

If none of the above solutions work, ensure your phone’s software is updated. If the problem persists, contact Roku support for further assistance.