"Setting up a Roku device was never so easy with this tutorial."
Motivation
Getting a new device for testing is always exciting, but on the other hand, it requires you to spend a lot of time searching for the answers online. In order to prevent you from spending hours on the research, we have created this article. The focus of this article will be on the basic steps required for the first-time use of the Roku streaming device.
First-time setup
Complete the following steps only once and you don't need to repeat them in the future:
Just after the Roku logo disappears, you will be prompted with a message to select the preferred language. Using your Roku device remote, go through the list and select the language.
NOTE: If you don’t see the language list after the Roku logo disappears, means that pairing your Roku device was not successful and that you need to do it manually. On the backside of the Roku remote, just below the battery's case, is located a small button. Press it for 5 seconds and release. The green light will indicate that the pairing was successful, and you can proceed with selecting the preferred language.The second step of your Roku setup is dedicated to choosing your wireless network. Ideally, Roku recognizes your WiFi but, in some cases, you need to find it manually by selecting Scan again to see all networks. Once you find your network, you can select it and a popup window will appear with your network Password field. Type your network password and select Connect.
Your Roku will update to the latest build. After that, select OK, go automatic to allow your Roku to choose the resolution that suits your TV. When Roku finishes setting the resolution, you will be prompted with a message to confirm if the resolution is good for you. If not, select option No, I will choose a different setting.
How to create a Roku account?
Before you participate in the first streaming test with your new Roku device, you need to create an account. The registration process runs as follows:
Right after you set up the resolution, Roku will display a message on your TV to enter your valid email.
After that, open your email using your computer or phone and complete the registration. Alternatively, you can create your Roku account before you start setting up your device by visiting this link https://my.roku.com. When Roku asks you during the setup if you already have an account, select Yes, I already have one and enter your credentials (this is a much easier and faster way to set up everything).
Connecting your device to the account
After creating the account, you need to connect your Roku device to the account. Please visit this link https://my.roku.com/link and enter the code displayed on your TV screen. Your device will be linked to your account.
Adding the test channel to your device
When you test betas and non-certified channels, they will be provided in the form of a link or channel code within the test instructions. Usually, the link looks like this https://my.roku.com/account/add?channel=XXXXXX (XXXXX stands for the code of the channel). To add the channel to your device, you need to click on the link in the test instructions.
Zip file apps and activation of the developer environment
Sometimes our customers provide apps for testing in the form of a ZIP file. To install the application, you need to activate the developer environment on your Roku device. But before you do that, you need to visit https://my.roku.com.signupdeveloper.roku.com/enrollment/standard and enroll in the developer program. After that, enable Developer Settings on your device by:
Press the following combination on the Roku remote to open Developer Settings:
Home > Home > Home > UP > UP > Right > Left > Right > Left > Right
When the Developer Settings show up, write down the URL that shows up above the Username.
Select the Enable installer and restart> Read and accept the agreement > Enter your password to access your device.
After rebooting your device, open on your computer or phone the URL you wrote down before (the IP address of your Roku device)
Enter the username and password, and click on the Sign in button.
If you forgot the password, you can reset it in the Developer Settings.
NOTE: Your computer/phone and Roku device must be connected to the same WiFi network.
After that, you can upload that application file and install it on your device by:
Clicking on the Upload button.
And then clicking on the Install with zip button.
Using a VPN on Roku
Please visit our How to share a VPN connection from your PC article for more information.