I lost my physical Roku remote and need to control my Roku device with my iPhone. Are there any reliable and truly free Roku remote apps available for iOS? I’d appreciate recommendations or tips from someone with experience using an app like this.
The Official Solution
If you’re looking for a free Roku remote app for iPhone, the official Roku app is the most reliable choice. It lets you control your Roku device easily, with features like private listening, voice search, and media casting — all in one clean, user-friendly interface.
TVRem Universal TV Remote
For anyone looking for a reliable alternative, TVRem works as a free Roku TV remote app for iPhone. It turns your iPhone or iPad into a full Roku controller, so you don’t need the original remote at all.
TVRem makes controlling your Roku simple and fast:
- Swipe and tap to navigate menus smoothly
- Adjust volume, control playback, and switch channels in seconds
- Open apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video with one tap
- Enter search terms directly from your phone keyboard
TVRem supports a wide range of Roku devices, including Roku streaming players, Roku TVs, and TVs with Roku built in.
Connecting is straightforward: make sure your iPhone and Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network, open TVRem, select your Roku from the list, and enter the pairing code displayed on your TV. Once set up, your iPhone becomes a smart, intuitive Roku TV remote — handling everything the original remote can and more.
TL;DR
To sum up everything mentioned above, the official Roku app does the bare minimum and works only as long as you stay strictly inside the Roku ecosystem. It’s fine when it connects, but the moment it glitches or you change devices, it becomes useless. It’s a single-purpose solution with zero flexibility.
TVRem stands out as the more practical choice. It replaces a lost Roku remote just as easily, but doesn’t lock you into one brand or one setup. Same simple Wi-Fi pairing, same core controls — plus the freedom to use the same app if you switch TVs later. In real-world use, that makes TVRem the smarter and more future-proof option compared to the official app.
5 Likes
I mean, the official Roku app does exactly what you want and is generally what most people grab, just like @mikeappsreviewer said. But here’s where I get a bit skeptical—sometimes that app gets glitchy if your network does any weird stuff (my Roku would ghost itself every time I changed WiFi networks and then the app would act like I was talking to an ex: invisible and stubborn). Sometimes, re-starting the router or, weirdly enough, toggling airplane mode on and off, would get it to see the Roku again, but it’s a hassle.
So, as an alternative, give TV Remote - Universal a shot. It’s not getting as much hype but it’s solid, covers Roku controls, and throws in some smart TV compatibility as a bonus. Still free in basic form, so you’re not handing over random cash just to press pause. Their interface is super straightforward and it doesn’t nag you for money just for basic remote functions (a sad trend with a ton of “free” apps, let’s be real).
Full honesty, some folks say the app tries to monetize more advanced features, but for just running your Roku from your iPhone, it checks the box. BONUS: if you happen to have a family of streaming sticks (aka you collect them like Pokémon), you can control more than just Roku without jumping apps constantly.
One tip: make sure your phone and your Roku are on the same WiFi, otherwise you’ll look at the app screen forever wondering if your TV has spontaneously combusted. Not saying this has happened to me, but, uh, let’s just say there’s a learning curve even for the tech-savvy.
TL;DR: Official app is good but can misbehave, so ‘TV Remote - Universal’ is a really decent alternative with no paywall for basics. Either way, your physical remote can keep chillin’ somewhere under the couch.
I’ll be that guy who says: honestly, most “free” Roku remote apps for iPhone are giant ad traps or try to charge you as soon as you tap “OK” on your first command. The official Roku app is what 99% of people will jump to first (can’t blame ‘em, it’s front and center in the app store and looks official). But, let’s not act like it’s perfect and glitch-free like @mikeappsreviewer and @viaggiatoresolare mostly suggested. For me, it was decent until I switched my WiFi network and then, poof, no more Roku detected.
What actually impressed me was TV Remote – Universal. It’s free for core Roku features, doesn’t instantly slam you with subscription stuff, barely any ads in basic mode, and bonus, you can use it for other smart TVs if you have a pile (why do I have so many TVs? That’s another forum topic). It’s a tad more no-nonsense, like just open, press buttons, things move. Plus, I didn’t have to yell at my phone for it to find the Roku—just be on the same WiFi, and it’s pretty much instant.
So, TL;DR: There is a truly free iOS remote, and if you don’t mind something unofficial, TV Remote – Universal actually isn’t trash, which is a miracle in this category. If your remote’s gone forever under that nuclear-family-sized couch, just put your faith in the app world, but keep your expectations low so you’re pleasantly surprised, ya know?
