"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.
Plugging your Roku into your TV
Roku contains standard HDMI output compatible with most TVs. In the case that you will be streaming 4K resolution content, make sure that you have plugged HDMI 2.0 port which supports HDCP 2.2. After that, connect your device's electrical cord to the power. Turn on your TV and the Roku logo will appear on the TV screen.
NOTE: If you don’t see the Roku logo open your TV Settings using your TV remote and navigate to the Input section. Within the Input section, you need to select the HDMI port where you connected the Roku 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.
Sometimes you will need to add the code manually in the Add Channel section of your Roku account using your computer or phone.
Click on the link Add channel with a code
Enter the code
Complete the Captcha and
Click on the Add Channel button.
Zip file apps and activation of 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:
Pressing the following combination on the Roku remote: 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: rokudev.
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 of phone URL you wrote down before (the IP address of your streaming device)
Enter the following credentials in the Sign in popup: Username: rokudev Password: your password and click on the Sign in button.
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 button
Installing Roku – Official Remote Control
For iOS devices, please visit the Apple Store and download the Roku – Official Remote Control.
For Android devices, please visit the Play Store and download the Roku – Official Remote Control.
For desktop devices, you can install a browser extension RokuKast. Please, visit this link and click on the button Add to Chrome (or any other browser).
Launching the Roku – Official Remote Control
After you download and install Roku – Official Remote Control on your phone, you can launch it by double-tapping on the app icon on your device.
Connecting your Roku – Official Remote Control with your Roku device
Important: Make sure that your Roku – Official Remote Control app and Roku device are connected to the same WiFi and that the Roku device is already connected to your TV.
1. Double-tap on the app icon on your phone.
2. App will display your Roku device. Tap on it.
3. Home screen with a remote will appear and you can control the Roku device using your phone.
Using a VPN on Roku
Please visit our How to share a VPN connection from your PC article for more information.