Connect Roku to TV
Roku streaming devices turn any TV into a Smart TV, giving you access to tons of different streaming services. Most Roku devices are designed to connect to your TV via the HDMI port. Once you've connected your Roku to your TV, you'll need to setup the internet connection so that you can find and stream movies and TV shows.
Steps
Set-top Box
- Identify the ports on the back of your Roku. There are several different Roku models, and some of them have different connection ports available. The ports on your Roku will determine how you connect it to your TV.
- All Roku models have HDMI ports. These look like elongated USB ports, and are used to connect to HDTVs. HDMI cables carry both video and audio from the Roku to the TV, and provide the highest quality image and video. For many Roku models, this is the only video connection port available.
- Almost every Roku model has an Ethernet port that it uses to connect to your router. The port looks like a larger phone line connection. Some of the older models only use Wi-Fi.
- Newer Roku models like the Roku 4 may have an Optical connection. This lets you send the audio signal to your home theater receiver
- Older Roku models may have composite A/V (three prong) connectors. Note that on some Roku models, the A/V connection may be a single port with a cable that splits into three prongs. These can be used for older TVs, but many newer HDTVs do not support these connections. You cannot get an HD image with composite cables.
- Find the connection ports on your TV. Once you've identified the ports on your Roku, you'll want to find the highest quality matching port on your TV. For most HDTVs, you'll want to use one of your TV's HDMI ports.
- Ports may be located on the back of the TV, along the side, or in some rare cases on the front panel.
- If your Roku only has an HDMI port and your TV does not have any HDMI ports, you may be out of luck. You'll need to either find an older Roku that can connect via composite cables, or upgrade your TV to one that has HDMI ports.
- Reset a secondhand Roku (optional). If you're setting up a secondhand Roku, you may want to clear any old settings before setting it up. Plug the Roku into a power outlet. Use a paperclip to press and hold the Reset button on the back or bottom of the Roku for 15 seconds. This will clear all of the internal memory, allowing you to set it up as if it were new.
- Connect the Roku to the TV with an HDMI cable if possible. This is the simplest way to connect the Roku to your TV, and will also result in the best quality. For many Roku devices, this is the only way to connect. If you don't have an HDMI cable, you can pick up a cheap one online or from most electronics departments. For the most part, there is little to no difference between an expensive HDMI cable and a cheap one. Just make sure you get one that is long enough to reach from the Roku to the TV with some slack.
- If you're connecting via composite A/V cables, match the colors on the cable plugs to the colors of the connectors.
- Make note of the input label on the TV when connecting so that you can easily switch to the correct input.
- Connect the Roku to your router via Ethernet (optional). If you want to use a wired connection, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect the Ethernet port on the Roku to an open LAN port on your router. This may provide a better streaming experience, especially in apartment complexes or other areas with lots of Wi-Fi interference. All Roku devices support Wi-Fi as well, so this step isn't required.
- Connect the Roku to a power outlet. Use the included power adapter to connect the Roku to an outlet on the wall or power strip.
- Insert batteries into the Roku remote. If you bought the Roku new, it should come with two AA batteries. Insert these into the remote by removing the battery cover on the back. Leave the back off once you're finished.
- Turn on your TV and select the correct input. Use the INPUT button on your TV remote to select the HDMI or composite input that the Roku is connected to.
- If you don't see the Roku logo or the language menu, check to make sure that you've selected the correct input and that the Roku is plugged into a power outlet.
- Pair your remote with your Roku. Before you can select your language, a pop-up will appear with visual instructions for pairing your remote.
- Remove the battery cover from the back of the remote if you put it back on.
- Press and hold the Pairing button at the bottom for 3 seconds.
- Wait while the Roku pairs with the remote.
- Select your menu language. This is the language that all of the Roku menus will be displayed in. You can change this later from the Settings menu.
- Start the setup process. Press the OK button on your remote to select "Let's get started." This will run you through the initial setup.
- Connect to your network. Roku requires an internet connection in order to stream video, so you'll need to set how you want to connect.
- Select "Wireless" to scan for any available wireless network. Choose your network from the list and enter the password if necessary. If you don't see your network, make sure your Roku is in range.
- If you're connected via Ethernet, select "Wired." You won't have to perform any additional configuration.
- Install any available updates. Occasionally, new version of the Roku software will be released, and the Roku can download and install these updates. If updates are available when setting up your internet connection, you will be prompted to download and install them immediately. Software updates generally lead to a more stable viewing experience.
- The Roku will automatically restart after the update is downloaded and installed.
- Link your Roku to your Roku account. You'll need to activate your Roku before you can start using it. You'll see a code displayed on the screen. Visit roku.com/link on any computer, phone, or tablet and enter the code from your TV screen to link your Roku with your Roku account. If you don't have a Roku account, you'll be prompted to create a free one.
- Create an account PIN. You'll be prompted for this PIN whenever making a purchase to prevent unauthorized purchases. This is especially important for families or for those that share the Roku with lots of other people. You can create a PIN when setting up your Roku account.
- Add channels to your Roku using the Channel Store. Select the "Streaming Channels" from the Roku main menu and browse through the available channels. When you find one you want, select it and then choose "Add channel." It will be added to your Home list. Note that some channels may require additional subscriptions.
- Open a channel to start watching. Select a channel from your Roku main menu to begin browsing streaming titles. You'll likely be prompted to log in with your account for that channel. For example, to use the Netflix channel, you'll need a separate Netflix streaming subscription. You'll then be able to log in with your Netflix account.
Roku Stick
- Connect the Roku Stick to an open HDMI port on your TV. The Roku Stick can only be inserted into HDMI ports. Make sure to insert it straight so that you don't bend the connector. Make note of the input label for the HDMI port on the TV.
- Connect the included USB cable to the power adapter or your TV. The USB cable will provide power to your Roku. Plug the small end of the cable into the port at the end of the Roku Stick. You can plug the other end into the wall adapter, or you can plug it into a USB port on your TV. Note that not all TVs will provide enough power through the USB port, so when in doubt, use the wall adapter.
- Insert batteries into your Roku remote. If you bought the Roku Stick new, you should have two AA batteries. Remove the back of the remote and insert the batteries. Leave the back off the remote for now.
- Turn on your TV and select the correct HDMI input. Use the INPUT button on your remote to select the HDMI input that you plugged the Roku Stick into. You should see the Roku logo on the screen.
- If you don't see the logo, your Roku Stick may not be getting enough power. Use the wall adapter instead of plugging it into your TV's USB port.
- Pair your Roku remote. After the Roku is finished booting up, you'll be prompted to pair your remote so that you can use it with the Roku Stick:
- Remove the battery cover if it isn't off already.
- Press and hold the Pairing button at the bottom for 3 seconds.
- Wait for the remote to pair with your Roku.
- Select your menu language. After pairing your remote, you can use it to select the language you want your Roku menus displayed in. You can change this setting later if you'd like.
- Start the Roku setup. You'll be guided through connecting your Roku to the internet and registering your Roku account.
- Connect to your wireless network. The Roku Stick can only connect wirelessly to your network, so you'll need to have a wireless router or access point in order to use it. The Roku Stick will scan for any available wireless networks and prompt you to choose the one you want to connect to.
- After selecting a wireless network, enter the password if required. Your Roku Stick will then attempt to connect and obtain an IP address.
- If you don't see your network listed, make sure that your Roku Stick and TV are within range of the wireless router.
- Download and install any available updates. After connecting to your wireless network, your Roku Stick will look for any available updates. If an update is available, you will be prompted to download it before proceeding. Updates can improve th stability of the device, and it is always recommended to update whenever one is available.
- Your Roku Stick will reboot once the update installation is complete.
- Link your Roku Stick with your Roku account. When the Roku is finished updating, you'll see the "Activate your Roku" screen. Visit roku.com/link on any computer, phone, or tablet. Enter the code displayed on your TV screen into the field on the website. Log in with your Roku account, or create a free one if you haven't yet.
- Make a PIN while setting up your account. You'll be prompted to enter this PIN whenever making purchases on the Roku. This is great for families with small children.
- Add channels to your Roku. Once your Roku is linked to your account, you can start using it for streaming. You can add streaming channels by selecting the "Streaming Channels" section of the Roku menu. Select the channel that you want to add and click "Add Channel." The streaming channel will be added to your Home list.
- Select a channel to start watching streaming content. Select a channel to load it. If this is your first time using a channel, you'll be prompted to log in with your channel account. Most channels require separate accounts and subscriptions. For example, to use the Hulu channel, you'll need a Hulu account and active subscription to Hulu+.
