The free official Roku mobile app can handle everyday remote control, text entry, and private listening through headphones connected to your phone or tablet. It is not a universal replacement for a physical remote: your Roku and mobile device must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and setup or recovery situations can still require the physical remote.
What the Roku app can replace—and what it cannot
Roku’s official app for iOS and Android includes remote navigation and playback controls, voice search, and text entry using your phone’s keyboard. That makes it useful when entering a title or password on the TV would otherwise mean moving through an on-screen keyboard one character at a time. The keyboard is your phone’s normal text input, not a separate keyboard feature.
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The app can also send Roku audio to headphones connected to your mobile device using Headphone Mode. That can avoid needing a Roku remote with a headphone jack, but the feature is not available on every Roku model. The app’s remote functions, private listening, and physical-remote controls are separate capabilities: support for one does not guarantee support for the others.
The Tool Desk
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- Install the official Roku app from the app store on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
- Connect the phone or tablet and Roku device to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the app and select your Roku device.
- Open Remote in the app to navigate and control playback. Use the phone keyboard when a text field appears, or use voice search if you prefer speaking a query.
Roku’s app information describes remote navigation, playback control, voice search, and phone-keyboard text entry as app features. Availability of individual controls can depend on the Roku device. See Roku’s mobile app page.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 private listening works
Headphone Mode sends the Roku’s audio to headphones connected to your phone or tablet. You can use wired headphones plugged into the mobile device or Bluetooth headphones paired with it. The headphones connect to the phone—not directly to the Roku—so the connector or adapter you need depends on the ports on your phone and headphones.
- Install or update the Roku app and connect the mobile device to your Roku.
- Plug headphones into the phone or pair Bluetooth headphones with it.
- In the Roku app, open Remote and tap the headphone icon to start Headphone Mode.
- Set a safe listening volume before putting on the headphones.
When Headphone Mode is active, Roku says audio will not play through the TV speakers. Up to four mobile devices can use Headphone Mode at the same time, according to Roku’s Headphone Mode instructions.
Rank #2
- 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.
Check compatibility before relying on it
Phone and app requirements
Roku’s app installation guide lists iOS 11.0 or later and Android 5.0 or later, and describes app support for Roku OS 6.2 or later. Those are the guide’s published minimums, not a guarantee that a current app-store version will install on every device meeting them. Roku advises checking the current store listing because mobile compatibility can vary. Some app features are also unavailable on some Roku devices. Start with Roku’s app installation and setup guidance and the current app-store listing for your phone.
Roku device support for Headphone Mode
Roku identifies the Streambar SE, Streambar, Streambar Pro, and Smart Soundbar as supporting Headphone Mode when using their built-in streaming player. The feature does not apply to external input devices connected to those products. Roku directs users to check its device comparison information for current support; verify your exact model and software before depending on the feature or buying accessories. See Roku’s Headphone Mode support page.
Rank #3
- 【NO volume control. NO power button. NO headphone jack. NO pairing button. NO voice search. 】If your original remote has pairing button, please do NOT buy it. It does NOT have the headphone jack to plug in your earphone
- 【 NOT for any Ro-ku Stick or TV】This remote is Only compatible with Roku Box, for Roku Express, for Roku Player, for Roku Premiere, for Roku 1 2 3 4
- 【 4 Shortcuts】It is a IR replacement remote which features 4 shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels - Netflx, sling, hulu, Disny+
- 【 Work out of Box】Without any programming, just insert batteries(2* AAA) and it is all good to go
- 【 Package】Coming with 2x remotes and 1x user manual. Long distances transmitting(8m/26ft), respond in 0.2s to your tvs.
When a physical remote is still necessary
The app communicates with the Roku over the local Wi-Fi network. If the Roku is offline, connected to a different network, or not yet configured for app control, the phone cannot act as its remote. Roku also notes that initial setup, a factory reset, or disabled app control can require a physical remote. For those cases, a phone app is not a reliable recovery plan; see Roku’s setup guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.App control versus a Roku remote with a headphone jack
A physical remote remains useful when Wi-Fi control is unavailable or the Roku needs setup or recovery. Some Roku voice remotes include a headphone jack, but only certain models do, and device-dependent controls may vary. The app is the better fit when you want phone-keyboard input, voice search, or to listen through headphones already connected to your mobile device. Check which controls your particular Roku supports rather than assuming either option covers every function.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Rank #4
- 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.
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