Table of Contents

How to Download Apps on Roku: Your Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve got a Roku and you’re ready to dive into a world of streaming entertainment? Excellent choice! The heart of the Roku experience lies in its vast library of channels, which are essentially the apps that bring your favorite shows, movies, and more to your TV. Downloading these apps is a breeze, and this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Here’s how you download apps (or channels, as Roku calls them) on your Roku device:

Turn on your Roku device and TV. Make sure you are on the Roku home screen.
Navigate to the “Streaming Channels” section. This can usually be found on the left-hand side of the home screen menu.
Browse or search for the app you want to download. You can browse through different categories like “Movies & TV,” “News,” “Sports,” and more. If you know the name of the app, use the search bar located at the top of the “Streaming Channels” screen.
Select the app from the search results or browsing list. This will take you to the app’s information page.
Click “Add channel.” This button is usually located on the app’s information page. Once clicked, the app will begin downloading and installing on your Roku device.
Click “OK” on the confirmation message. This message will confirm that the channel has been added to your Roku and is ready to use.
Find the newly added channel on your Roku home screen. New channels are often added to the bottom of your home screen, but you can move them to a more convenient location by highlighting the channel, pressing the * button on your remote, and selecting “Move channel.”

And that’s it! You’ve successfully downloaded an app on your Roku. Now, let’s delve deeper into some frequently asked questions to further enhance your Roku experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Roku Apps

We get a lot of questions about Roku and its app ecosystem. Here are some of the most common ones, answered with expertise and a touch of insider knowledge.

H3: 1. What’s the difference between “channels” and “apps” on Roku?

While the terms “channels” and “apps” are often used interchangeably, on Roku, the official term is “channels.” Think of them as synonymous. Roku uses “channel” to describe the software that delivers streaming content to your device. So, when someone mentions an “app” for Roku, they’re most likely referring to a channel. They both refer to the same thing – the means of accessing your favorite content.

H3: 2. Are all Roku channels free?

Not all Roku channels are free. While many offer free content, some require a subscription or a one-time purchase to access their content. These are often premium channels like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and others. Some channels might offer a free trial period before requiring payment. Always check the channel’s information page on the Roku Channel Store for details about pricing and subscription options.

H3: 3. How do I remove a channel from my Roku?

Removing a channel you no longer use is simple:

Navigate to the channel on your Roku home screen.
Highlight the channel and press the * (asterisk) button on your Roku remote. This will open a menu.
Select “Remove channel.”
Confirm your decision by selecting “Remove” again.

The channel will then be uninstalled from your Roku.

H3: 4. How do I update channels on my Roku?

Roku typically updates channels automatically in the background. However, you can also manually check for updates. Roku checks for channel updates every 24-36 hours. To force an update check:

Go to “Settings” on your Roku home screen.
Select “System.”
Select “System update.”
Select “Check now.”

Roku will then check for any available updates for your system and your installed channels.

H3: 5. What do I do if a Roku channel isn’t working?

Troubleshooting a malfunctioning Roku channel involves a few steps:

Restart the channel: Go back to the Roku home screen and relaunch the channel.
Check your internet connection: Ensure your Roku is connected to a stable internet connection.
Update the channel: Follow the steps above to check for updates.
Restart your Roku: Unplug your Roku from the power outlet, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in.
Remove and reinstall the channel: As a last resort, remove the channel and then add it back to your Roku.

If the problem persists, contact the channel’s support team for assistance.

H3: 6. Can I install channels from outside the Roku Channel Store?

Generally, no. Roku is a closed ecosystem, meaning you can only install channels that are available in the official Roku Channel Store. This is for security and stability reasons. There are exceptions for developers who are creating private channels for testing purposes, but for the average user, sticking to the official store is the safest and most reliable option.

H3: 7. How many channels can I install on my Roku?

There’s no hard limit to the number of channels you can install on your Roku. However, the available storage space on your device can affect performance. If you have a large number of channels installed and your Roku starts to slow down, consider removing some channels you don’t use frequently.

H3: 8. How do I search for channels on my Roku using voice search?

Many Roku remotes have a voice search function. To use it:

Press the microphone button on your Roku remote.
Speak the name of the channel you want to find.

Roku will then display the search results, and you can select the channel you want to download.

H3: 9. How do I manage my Roku subscriptions?

You can manage your Roku subscriptions through your Roku account on the Roku website:

Go to my.roku.com on your computer or mobile device.
Sign in to your Roku account.
Go to the “Manage your subscriptions” section.

Here, you can view your active subscriptions, update your payment information, and cancel subscriptions.

H3: 10. Can I watch local channels on Roku?

Yes, you can watch local channels on Roku in a few ways:

Roku Channel with Live TV: Some areas offer access to local broadcast channels through The Roku Channel’s Live TV section.
Antenna and Roku TV: If you have a Roku TV (a TV with Roku built-in), you can connect an over-the-air antenna to access local channels for free.
Streaming Services: Some streaming services, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV, offer local channels as part of their subscription packages.

H3: 11. Why is a channel I want not available on my Roku?

A channel might not be available on your Roku for a few reasons:

Geographic restrictions: Some channels are only available in certain regions.
Channel’s availability: The channel might not be available on the Roku platform.
Roku device compatibility: Some channels may not be compatible with older Roku devices.

Check the channel’s website or contact their support team to see if they offer a Roku channel and if it’s available in your region.

H3: 12. How can I rearrange the order of channels on my Roku home screen?

Customizing your Roku home screen to keep your favorite channels front and center is easy:

Navigate to the channel you want to move on your Roku home screen.
Highlight the channel and press the * (asterisk) button on your Roku remote.
Select “Move channel.”
Use the directional pad on your remote to move the channel to your desired location.
Press the OK button on your remote to lock the channel in its new position.

By following these steps and exploring the Roku Channel Store, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a vast array of streaming entertainment tailored to your preferences. Happy streaming!