Roku users can control their TV with a few taps of their smartphone – and fans say it’s ‘better than the remote’

A USEFUL trick for Roku users allows them to use their TV with just a few taps of their smartphone.

Fans have praised its practicality – but you must install an app first.

Getty

Getty

First, you need the Roku mobile app, which is a free application for iOS and Android devices.

This app is what turns your mobile into a control center for your Roku streaming player or Roku TV system.

You need to install and sign into the Roku mobile app, said Roku Inc .

Next, you connect the mobile app to your Roku streaming device.

Use the app as a remote

Open the Roku mobile app and select the remote icon to access the remote.

“The remote opens automatically anytime you launch an app from the mobile app,” the tech firm added.

You can then use the app as a remote to control your Roku TV or streaming player.

WHICH BUTTONS TO USE:

Private: When your headphones are connected to your mobile and you want to activate headphone mode for personal listening.

Guide: To open the live TV channel guide and view upcoming TV schedules when using the Live TV input on your TV.

Microphone: To open the voice search and control the screen.

Keyboard: Opens the keyboard on your mobile.

Channels: These buttons launch controls for the live TV input, by letting you enter specific channel numbers (eg 1, 2, 3…).

Play/pause: To see playback controls including 10-second instant replay, play/pause, rewind, and fast forward.

Options (star button): Pressing this on the Roku remote on your phone brings you to the options menu with various special functions.

Traditional and swipe remote

You can configure the remote to move up and down, right and left in one of two ways – traditional or swipe.

To change between them, tap settings on the Roku mobile app and choose the remote type.

Which is better: Roku or Fire Stick?

Both Roku and Fire Stick provide access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video.

But Roku offers a wider range of channels and apps, including niche and international options.

Firesticks naturally promote Amazon Prime Video and integrate with other Amazon tech, such as Alexa-enabled Echo devices, providing a smooth experience for users within the Amazon ecosystem.

Ultimately, the best choice hinges on your requirements, budget, and preferences.

Firesticks excel for Alexa device owners or Prime streaming enthusiasts, while Roku offers a comparable experience at a lower cost and with broader content available.

The traditional remote provides you with arrow buttons.

The swipe option provides a mix of buttons to tap, and an area to capture your finger gestures.

Swiping from left to right is the same as pressing the right arrow on your remote.

The Roku app has won applause on Reddit .

“Is it me or is the Roku app better than the remote sometimes?” asked one person last year.

“I’ve had my Roku for many years, but sometimes the remote won’t work. I then use the app and the app always works perfectly.”

MORE TIPS

See this article for a Roku trick which lets you control your TV without touching any buttons at all.

It’s called Roku hands-free voice, and is designed to let you issue spoken commands without having to touch anything.

But it’s only available on the Roku Voice Remote Pro – the second edition version.

Roku users know they can enjoy free content.

But are you also aware of its “secret” channels?

These private channels are technically part of the channel store – but they’re not displayed publicly.