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How to Add a Roku Channel: Your Definitive Guide

Adding channels to your Roku is the gateway to a vast universe of entertainment. It’s essentially how you customize your Roku experience beyond the pre-installed basics. You can add channels through the Roku Channel Store on your device, using the Roku mobile app, or via a web browser on your computer or smartphone. Each method ultimately accomplishes the same thing: linking a streaming service or content provider to your Roku account, allowing you to access their content on your TV.

Exploring the Roku Channel Store Method

The Roku Channel Store is the most direct method, accessible right from your TV screen.

Navigating the Store

Power on your Roku device and navigate to the home screen using your Roku remote. Scroll down to the “Streaming Channels” option and select it. This will bring you to the Roku Channel Store.

Searching for Channels

Within the store, you have several options for finding the channels you want.

Search: Use the search bar to type in the name of a specific channel. This is the quickest method if you know exactly what you’re looking for.
Categories: Browse through different categories, such as Movies & TV, News & Weather, Sports, Kids & Family, and more.
Featured: Explore the featured channels highlighted by Roku, often showcasing new or popular additions.
Top Free: Discover the most popular free channels currently available.

Adding a Channel

Once you’ve found the channel you want, select it to view its details. You’ll typically see a description, screenshots, user ratings, and the option to add the channel. Select “Add channel” (or “OK“) and confirm your choice. The channel will then be downloaded and installed on your Roku.

Locating Your New Channel

After installation, the channel will usually appear at the bottom of your Roku home screen. You can rearrange the channel order by highlighting the channel, pressing the “*” button on your remote, and selecting “Move channel.”

Utilizing the Roku Mobile App

The Roku mobile app (available for iOS and Android) provides an alternative way to add channels. This can be convenient if you prefer using your phone or tablet for browsing.

Connecting Your Device

First, ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device. Open the Roku mobile app and sign in with your Roku account credentials. The app should automatically detect your Roku device.

Finding and Adding Channels

Tap the “Channels” icon (often represented by a star) within the app. This will take you to the Roku Channel Store interface within the app. You can then search, browse categories, or view featured channels, just as you would on the Roku device itself. When you find the desired channel, tap the “Add channel” button.

Remote Control Features

The mobile app also functions as a remote control, allowing you to control your Roku directly from your phone or tablet. This can be handy if you misplace your physical remote.

Adding Channels Through a Web Browser

The third method involves using a web browser on your computer or smartphone to access the Roku website.

Accessing the Roku Website

Go to the Roku website (roku.com) and sign in to your Roku account. Make sure it’s the same account linked to your Roku device.

Using the Channel Store Online

Navigate to the “Channel Store” section of the website. You can search for channels, browse categories, and view channel details. When you find the channel you want, click the “Add channel” button.

Account Linking and Installation

The channel will be added to your Roku account. The next time your Roku device connects to the internet, it will automatically download and install the new channel. This might require a system update, which can take a few minutes. You can also manually trigger an update by going to Settings > System > System update > Check now.

Understanding Private (Non-Certified) Channels

Roku also supports private channels, also known as non-certified channels. These channels are not available in the Roku Channel Store and require a special access code. These channels are not reviewed by Roku, so proceed with caution.

Obtaining an Access Code

You’ll need to obtain the specific access code from the channel provider directly. This code is usually a combination of letters and numbers.

Adding a Private Channel

Log in to your Roku account via a web browser. Go to “My account” and find the option to “Add a private channel” (often under “Manage account“). Enter the access code provided by the channel provider and follow the instructions to add the channel.

Risk Considerations

Remember that private channels are not officially supported by Roku. Use them at your own risk, as they may contain questionable content or be unreliable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Adding Roku Channels

Here are some common questions about adding channels to your Roku device.

1. How many channels can I add to my Roku?

There is no hard limit to the number of channels you can add to your Roku. However, the performance of your device might be affected if you have too many channels installed, especially on older models with limited memory.

2. Why isn’t a channel I added showing up on my Roku?

This can happen for a few reasons:

The Roku hasn’t updated: Go to Settings > System > System update > Check now to force an update.
Incorrect account: Ensure you added the channel to the same Roku account linked to your device.
Channel is unavailable in your region: Some channels are region-locked.
Channel is a private channel: Private channels can take some time to show up.

3. How do I remove a channel from my Roku?

Highlight the channel you want to remove on the home screen, press the “*” button on your remote, and select “Remove channel.” Confirm your choice.

4. Are all Roku channels free?

No, many Roku channels are free, but many others require a subscription or one-time purchase. Some channels offer a combination of free and paid content.

5. How do I find free channels on Roku?

When browsing the Roku Channel Store, look for the “Top Free” category. You can also filter search results to show only free channels. Many channels offer free content without requiring a subscription.

6. How do I update channels on my Roku?

Roku typically updates channels automatically in the background. However, you can manually check for updates by going to Settings > System > System update > Check now. This will update both the Roku OS and installed channels.

7. Can I add channels from other countries to my Roku?

Some channels are region-locked and may not be available in your country. You might be able to bypass these restrictions using a VPN, but this may violate the channel’s terms of service.

8. What are Roku Premium Subscriptions?

Roku offers Roku Premium Subscriptions, which allows you to subscribe to various streaming services directly through your Roku account. This simplifies billing and management of your subscriptions. You can manage these subscriptions via your Roku account online.

9. How do I activate a channel that requires an activation code?

Some channels, like ESPN or HBO Max, require you to activate them by visiting a specific website on your computer or smartphone and entering an activation code displayed on your Roku screen. This links your Roku device to your existing subscription.

10. What if I forgot my Roku account password?

You can reset your Roku account password by going to the Roku website and clicking the “Forgot password?” link. Follow the instructions to reset your password via email.

11. How do I rearrange the order of channels on my Roku home screen?

Highlight the channel you want to move, press the “*” button on your remote, and select “Move channel.” Use the arrow buttons on your remote to position the channel where you want it.

12. Why is a channel buffering or not working properly?

Buffering issues can be caused by a slow internet connection, a problem with the channel itself, or an issue with your Roku device. Try restarting your Roku, checking your internet speed, or contacting the channel provider for support.