How to add channels on your Roku devices

Published On - January 20, 2025

Jonathan Dough Internet
Editing

Roku is one of the most popular streaming platforms, offering access to a wide variety of channels, from premium subscription services like Netflix and Hulu to free content and niche channels. Adding new channels to your Roku device allows you to expand your viewing options and personalize your entertainment experience. Whether you’re looking for a specific channel or exploring new content, this guide will show you how to add channels to your Roku device with ease.

Step-by-Step Guide: Adding Channels to Your Roku Device

1. Turn On Your Roku Device and Connect to Your TV

  • First, make sure your Roku device is connected to your TV and powered on.
  • You should be on the Roku home screen, which you can access by pressing the Home button on your Roku remote.

2. Access the Roku Channel Store

  • From the home screen, navigate to the Streaming Channels option on the left-hand menu. This will take you to the Roku Channel Store.
  • The Channel Store is where all available channels, apps, and services are organized.

3. Browse or Search for Channels

10 Key Benefits of Custom WordPress Development for Growing BusinessesYou can either browse through categories or use the search feature to find a specific channel.

  • Browse Categories:
    • Scroll through various categories such as Featured, Movies & TV, News, Sports, and more. These categories will showcase channels based on genre or type.
  • Search for a Channel:
    • If you know the name of the channel you want to add, select the Search option from the left-hand menu and type the channel name using your remote.

4. Select the Channel You Want to Add

  • Once you find the channel you want to add, click on it to view more details about the channel, such as its description, ratings, and any additional information.

5. Click ‘Add Channel’

  • After reviewing the channel details, you’ll see an Add Channel button. Click on it to begin the installation process.
  • Some channels may prompt you to enter your Roku account credentials or subscribe to the service, especially if it is a paid or subscription-based channel (e.g., HBO Max, Netflix).

6. Wait for Installation to Complete

  • The Roku device will automatically download and install the channel. This usually takes just a few moments.
  • Once installed, you will receive a notification that the channel has been added successfully.

7. Access Your New Channel

  • After the installation is complete, you can find the new channel on your Roku home screen.
  • Simply navigate to the channel’s icon, and select it to start watching.

8. Manage Your Channels

  • If you want to rearrange, remove, or organize your channels on the home screen, simply scroll to the channel, press the *** (star)** button on your Roku remote, and choose the appropriate option (e.g., Move, Remove, or Add to Favorites).
  • You can also manage your channels by going to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Manage Installed Channels, where you can remove any channels you no longer need.

Adding Channels via the Roku Website

Alternatively, you can add channels to your Roku device directly from the Roku website or mobile app:

  1. Go to the Roku Website: Visit the Roku website at www.roku.com.
  2. Sign In to Your Roku Account: Click the Sign In button and log in to your Roku account.
  3. Browse or Search for Channels: Once logged in, you can browse or search for channels.
  4. Click ‘Add Channel’: When you find a channel you want to add, click the Add Channel button. The channel will automatically sync to your Roku device.
  5. Sync Your Roku Device: After adding the channel, go to your Roku device and check your home screen for the new channel. It should appear once the device syncs.

Adding Private Channels

In addition to the official channels available in the Roku Channel Store, you can also add private channels. These channels are not publicly listed in the Channel Store and may require a special access code.

  1. Obtain the Access Code: You’ll need to find the access code for the private channel you want to add. This code can be found on the channel’s official website or through an invitation from the channel’s creator.
  2. Add the Channel via the Roku Website:
    • Go to the Roku website, log into your account, and select Add Channel with a Code under the My Account section.
    • Enter the access code and click Add Channel. The channel will then appear on your Roku device once it syncs.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while adding channels, consider the following:

  • Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure your Roku device is connected to the internet, as a stable connection is required to download channels.
  • Clear Cache or Restart Device: If a channel isn’t downloading or appearing, try restarting your Roku device or clearing its cache by going to Settings > System > System Restart.
  • Ensure Software is Updated: Go to Settings > System > System Update to check for software updates. An outdated version of Roku’s software can sometimes cause problems.

Conclusion

Adding channels to your Roku device is a quick and simple process that allows you to expand your streaming options and tailor your entertainment to your preferences. Whether you’re using the Roku device itself, the Roku website, or a mobile app, you have a variety of ways to add both free and paid channels. Keep in mind that you can also manage and organize your channels for easy access. So, whether you want to stream movies, news, sports, or niche content, Roku makes it easy to enhance your viewing experience.