The Roku App is handy for controlling your Roku device, be it a TV or streaming device, with your smartphone. It uses Wi-Fi to detect and connect to the Roku device and then control it wirelessly.
However, many users cannot do so and face a “No device found” error in the Roku app. This issue can occur for multiple reasons and is fixable if you follow the proper steps.
We’ll list the possible reasons you cannot find the Roku devices in the app, along with methods that’ll help you connect to all of them. Let’s begin.
Why Roku App Can’t Find Device?
Here are a few reasons that prevent the app from locating all the available devices:
- A temporary software glitch that stops the device from being discoverable.
- The devices are on a different Wi-Fi network.
- You’ve disabled the Wi-Fi access on the streaming device.
- You’re using a VPN on the device or the smartphone.
- The Advanced Wireless Receiver is plugged in incorrectly.
Methods to Fix Roku App Not Finding Device
Repeat the following methods sequentially to locate the root of the problem and successfully connect to any Roku device.
1. Restart the Roku Device and App
Before moving on to more advanced fixes, restart the Roku device. Turn it off and disconnect it from the wall socket. Or use the TV or streaming device interface to restart it. Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart.
Force close the Roku mobile app and relaunch it. If any updates are available, install them and then open the Devices section to check if anything shows up.
2. Check Wi-Fi Settings
The Roku app works when the TV or streaming box and the phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If both are on different networks, connect them to the same Wi-Fi router for your home or workplace.
The routers come with 2.4 and 5GHz band support, and it’s common to connect both devices to different bands by mistake. Ensure that both are on a 2.4 GHz or 5GHz band. and use a private IP address on your Roku device.
If you’ve accidentally turned off the Wi-Fi access on your Roku device, it won’t appear in the app list. Here’s how to re-enable it:
Step 1: Press the Home button on the device remote.
Step 2: Navigate to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Control by mobile apps.
Step 3: Go to Network access and select the Default option.
Step 4: Close the Settings.
Restart the Roku app and then check if the device appears in the list of available devices.
3. Disable VPN
VPN app connects your phone to another server and hides your IP address from the apps and services. However, this can interfere with the Roku device pairing in the app because your Wi-Fi router and phone have different IP addresses.
So, disable the mobile VPN while you use the Roku app and turn it back on.
4. Check the Advanced Wireless Receiver’s Connections
Roku Streaming Stick 4K has an Advanced Wireless Receiver, a USB stick, and an HDMI cable. If that is plugged in incorrectly, you cannot connect to it wirelessly.
Connect all the cables tightly and swap the HDMI port if the current one doesn’t work. If the Advanced Wireless Receiver is hidden from the line of sight, you can use an HDMI extender to bring it further from the TV.
Roku offers a free HDMI extender for its users that you can order from their website.
5. Reset the Network Connection
Resetting the network connection will help you fix the app and remote connectivity troubles and remove incorrect configurations. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Press the Home button on the device remote.
Step 2: Navigate to Settings > System > Advanced system settings.
Step 3: Go to the Network connection reset section and select the Reset connection option.
Step 4: Wait for the device to restart, then manually configure the connection.
6. Contact Support
Contact the official Roku customer support if you still cannot find the device. They’ll help you troubleshoot the issue and rule out hardware problems. If the device is under warranty, you might get a replacement.
Wrapping Up
We use the Roku app to control multiple devices from the phone. It’s frustrating when it doesn’t work, but resetting the network connection does the trick in most cases. Tell us the method that worked for you in the comments.
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