Using a major TV streaming service like Roku without the internet can be pretty annoying and frustrating, especially if the absence of Wi-Fi or the internet is prolonged. The use of Wi-Fi or internet connection is important as Roku’s contents are stored in the cloud and not on the device, if your Roku uses internal storage or has ports and capacities for an external SD card or a hard drive, you can make use of these media forms with zero restrictions. In this article, we’ll know how can people use Roku without the Internet or Wi-Fi?
However, Roku has some features that let you enjoy some of your favorite shows or some other type of entertainment on the device, although, this limits their capacities extremely. The use of Wi-Fi on Roku makes it convenient and relatively easy to set up your device when compared to some other internet options like a wired connection.
Using Wired Internet on Roku
This option can be used when there is internet availability but your Router’s Wi-Fi capacity is down. Roku TV and even Roku ultra have Ethernet ports on their devices, which you can use to connect. To configure the Ethernet connection on your Roku device, you must:
- Locate and select the Home button option on your remote control.
- Open up the settings menu.
- Navigate the pointer to the Network option and select Wired.
- Follow the command prompts to complete the connection setup.
Once you have completed your wired setup, to test it, you should try playing a channel or try streaming content from the cloud.
Using Mobile Hotspot on Roku
Your mobile hotspot can also serve as Wi-Fi and so you can connect your Roku device to them. You should note, however, that if the Wi-Fi feature of your Roku device is malfunctioning, you would not be able to connect your mobile hotspot with the device. This option does not come cheaply as your mobile service provider may charge hotspot usage separately from normal mobile usage. Mobile data are generally expensive to use, but adding high-definition content on services like Roku could skyrocket the cost. To use your mobile hotspot on Roku, you must:
- Turn on your mobile data.
- Locate your mobile hotspot option on your phone on turn it on.
- Using your Roku remote control, navigate to the Wi-Fi option and try connecting your Device to your mobile network.
- Once you have successfully connected your Hotspot with your Roku device, you can resume normal content viewing without any issue.
Use Screen Mirroring on my Roku Device with no Wi-Fi
A very uncommon thing to do, your Roku device is not just some box that becomes useless without the internet. Roku can still function in many ways. Screen Mirroring is one such way. With a wireless router that has no network or internet connection, your devices operate within the local network. With Screen Mirroring, you can cast any content, however, on your mobile device to your TV screen. With this option, you can only screen contents that are not copyrighted using your mobile data. IOS devices can automatically switch to mobile data in situations where there is no Wi-Fi network, however, android devices will require that you turn on this feature. To use the Screen Mirroring feature, first, connect your phone and the Roku device to the same Wi-Fi network, then activate your mobile data to use in cases where your Wi-Fi network collapses by:
- Opening the settings menu on your mobile device.
- Scroll down to the last option on your phone and tap the About phone menu.
- Tap on the Build Number menu option 7 times.
- Go back to the settings option and scroll down.
- Tap on the Developer options menu.
- Scroll down to locate cellular or mobile data always an active option and turn it on.
To activate Screen Mirroring,
- Go to the setting menu on your phone.
- Scroll to the system menu and select Screen Mirroring.
- For android devices, search for screen mirroring on the settings page. Some android phones have a different name for them but on Samsung’s, it is called Smart View.
- Turn on the Screen Mirroring feature.
- Locate and select your version of Roku from the options.
- Confirm mirroring with your mobile device on your Roku.
- Select the proceed prompt that pops up.
Having followed these steps, you can now mirror contents that aren’t copyrighted or other contents stored on your mobile device.
Using External Digital Media on Roku
There is a streamlined option for Roku Devices that have USB ports and SD-card ports such as the Roku Streambar, Roku TV, and even the Roku Ultra. To use this feature, all you have to do is connect the digital media device you want to and select on your Roku box. To do this,
- Install the media channel player that you downloaded from the Roku Channel Store.
- Connect your digital media storage device to the USB port on your device or Roku TV.
- Select the Roku Media Player channel from your home screen.
- Now select any media that you want to play.
Note that whatever content you have selected does not require an internet connection to play.
Conclusion
Roku media boxes or TVs do not entirely rely on Wi-Fi or an internet connection to give you the king of entertainment you want. They still function remarkably with great quality over local networks and external digital media devices.
FAQ
- How can I enjoy services like Netflix without the internet on Roku?
To do this, you will have to download content over a network from Netflix to be able to enjoy this service.
- Can I still enjoy Roku channels without the internet?
Roku channels require an internet connection to be able to work and without one, they do not work. However, you can use your External digital media storage device to view the contents on your Roku box.
