Using Roku without its controller (on a trip)
So… I decided to trip with my girlfriend and one stuff that we like to do is watch some Netflix or Anime. We noticed that packed only: roku, ac adapter and HDMI cable, no controller!
Without a controller, we could do nothing: can’t select app, can’t connect do Wi-Fi, even the common things like play a YouTube video from smartphone wasn’t possible…
After some precipitation, we started Googling… But no success, was all about with the same Wi-Fi network using the controller app. Great, we discovered that there is an app to controll the Roku! Now, how to make it work???
More google and no success. I solved this problem and decided to write the solution here, to help travelers :)
You’ll need 2 (two) smartphones to make this happen.
First, with smartphone A create an Ad-hoc network with the same SSID (wireless name) and Password from your home, don’t need the 3G/4G enabled to this work. With this ad-hoc the roku’ll connect automatically, it “thinks that’s in home so why not auto connect?
Second, on the smartphone B download the controller app then connect to the ad-hoc network. This smartphone should connect automatically too, since it’s your Wi-Fi from home. And now the app will find for and a Roku in the network… Boom! Founded!
Now just go to setting on Roku and connect to the Wi-Fi from hotel/airbnb/place you are to not end your 3G/4G plan before the trip. Just turn off ad-hoc on smartphone A to not drain your battery and connect both smartphone to the hotel/airbnb/place’s Wi-Fi.
That’s all! That simple. I don’t know how didn’t find this on Google :(
Don’t forget to enjoy your trip.
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