How To Use a Roku Device Without Wi-Fi

So, you’ve got your Roku device, some popcorn ready, and a comfy couch calling your name. But wait — there’s no Wi-Fi! Panic? Nope. Let’s figure out how to enjoy your Roku without it. Yes, it’s possible, and no, you don’t have to be a tech wizard.

Why Would You Use Roku Without Wi-Fi?

Maybe you’re out camping. Maybe the internet’s out. Or maybe you’re just cutting off from the world for the weekend. Whatever the reason, Roku can still keep you entertained in a few cool ways.

Option 1: Use a Mobile Hotspot

Don’t have home Wi-Fi? You can use your phone’s data.

Here’s how:

Enable mobile hotspot on your smartphone.
On Roku, go to Settings → Network → Set up connection.
Select Wireless and choose your phone’s hotspot.
Enter the password and connect.

Now, this burns data fast, so keep an eye on your usage. Maybe download movies first, if you can.

Option 2: Play Local Media Using the Roku Media Player

You can watch videos, look at pictures, or play music from a USB drive — no Wi-Fi needed!

Here’s how to do it:

Plug in your USB flash drive into your Roku’s USB port.
Install the Roku Media Player app (you may already have it).
Open the app and select your media.

It supports lots of file types — MP4, MP3, JPG — all the popular ones.

Option 3: Use Screen Mirroring or Casting

This one’s kind of like magic. You can use your phone or tablet to send videos straight to your Roku.

Steps to follow:

Your device and Roku must be on the same network. This can be your phone’s hotspot too!
Enable screen mirroring on the Roku. Settings → System → Screen Mirroring → Enable.
On your smartphone or tablet, enable “Cast” or “Smart View”.
Select your Roku device.

Voila! Your favorite cat videos on the big screen.

Option 4: Use Ethernet (for Roku Ultra)

If you have a Roku Ultra, it has an Ethernet port. If you’ve got wired internet but no Wi-Fi, this is for you.

Plug your Ethernet cable into the back of the Roku Ultra.
Go to Settings → Network → Wired.
It should connect automatically. Boom — you’re online.

It’s super fast and stable — no buffering nightmares here.

Can You Use Roku Without Internet at All?

Technically, yes. But your options are limited. Here’s what works:

Watching media from a USB drive.
Playing media from a local server (if set up already).
Casting from your phone using downloaded files.

Streaming Netflix or YouTube? Nope. Those need the internet.

What About Offline Apps?

Most Roku apps are designed for streaming. So they need the internet. But if you’ve downloaded shows using other apps (like Netflix on your phone), you can cast or mirror them to your Roku.

It’s a bit of a workaround. But it works like a charm!