The free Roku mobile app allows smartphones to function as a fully-featured replacement for a lost or dead Roku remote, offering an alternative to buying a new one. Available for both iOS and Android, it connects over the home Wi-Fi network and requires no purchase, subscription or complicated setup, making it a practical fix for a common household annoyance.

Setup involves downloading the app, ensuring the phone and Roku device share the same Wi-Fi network, and selecting the device once detected. Beyond basic remote functions, the app includes a keyboard for easier text entry, voice command support (useful for older Roku models lacking this feature), and a Roku Channel tab for streaming shows and films directly on the phone. It can also help connect a Roku device to Wi-Fi without a physical remote, and offers a free alternative to replacement remotes, which range from $10 to $30 depending on the model.