Here’s the real tea: using your iPhone as a Roku remote works… until it doesn’t. Sure, @mikeappsreviewer laid out the official app (duh!) and @byteguru added those “gotcha” network notes, but let’s get real about the hiccups and perks.
First, yeah, just about any iPhone can take over Roku duties with the official app. Quick to install, free, all the core buttons you’re used to—plus the blessed on-screen keyboard for those times you’d rather not scroll “QWERTY” like it’s 2003.
BUT—and this is where I heartily disagree with the love fest—if your Roku has lost its mind after a power flicker or somehow isn’t on the same WiFi (explain to me how it still happens in 2024 but it does), the app becomes as useful as a coaster. You need the Roku AND your iPhone to be hanging out on the same network, no exceptions. No, it doesn’t play nice with LTE or hotspots unless you’re a network wizard.
Also, for anyone with family members who panic at “technical stuff”, consider this: if your phone battery dips to zero or you take it out of the house, everyone else is back to square one. And “TV Remote – Universal” is cool for complex home setups, but I hate apps that nag you to pay for every little feature, so I wind up back at the basic Roku app out of principle.
Honestly, I keep a spare remote stashed because I’ve been burned before when the app bugs out after a Roku software update (and it will). But if you’re desperate and your network isn’t acting wonky, swapping in your iPhone as the remote is like giving your old streaming box new life—and typing “90 Day Fiancé” won’t take 4.5 minutes anymore.
If you want more details straight from the source, actually check out leveling up your streaming game with the Roku remote app.
So, sure—use the app. It’s way better than scrounging for AAA batteries at midnight. Just don’t toss that backup remote, unless you like streaming roulette.