Unexpectedly enough, the ability to use a Roku Remote App without possessing an active internet connection is possible. When you initially set up a Roku device, it is necessary to establish an internet connection. This needs to occur via a wireless network to which your device is configured. Once you've completed the setup and downloaded the various channels of your preference, you can forget the internet and switch to operating your Roku device offline. Side note: an exception does exist that comes into play here. Certain Roku remote applications necessitate constant Wi-Fi connections for them to continue operating smoothly. This is precisely because the very foundation of these applications depends on Wi-Fi to facilitate communication between your smartphone and your Roku device. For instance, all versions of the official Roku mobile application work in precisely this fashion. Keep in mind that despite the small segment of Roku remote apps requiring a steady Wi-Fi connection, for most Roku remote apps, this is not an absolute requirement. You only need an initial network setup, post which you can operate your Roku smoothly even without Internet.