How do you set up a roku tv

X

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the streaming service offers that appear on cordcuttersnews.com are from companies which may also provide our site with compensation. This allows us to support our site and continue to provide you with the most up to date entertainment and streaming content. Our team prides itself in providing objective news, reviews, opinions, and other related content to educate our readers so you can make informed decisions. Please view our advertising policy page for more information.

Skip to content

With a Roku device, you can watch content from YouTube, Apple TV, Hulu, and more than 40,000 other paid and free channels. But before you can start watching all that content, you’re going to have to set up your Roku device first. Here’s everything you need to know about how to set up any Roku streaming device.  

How do you set up a roku tv

How to Set Up Your Roku

To set up your Roku device, plug it into an HDMI port on your TV and a power outlet. Then follow the on-screen instructions using your remote. Once you are prompted, enter your email address and follow the onscreen instructions to set up your Roku device.

  1. Plug your Roku into your TV’s HDMI port. If you have a streaming box, you will have to use an HDMI cord.

    Note: Remember the number of the HDMI port you plugged your Roku into – you will need to know it later.

    How do you set up a roku tv
  2. Then plug your Roku player into a power source. The player should have come with a power cable or a micro USB cable and a wall charger.
    How do you set up a roku tv

    Note: If your Roku streaming box has an Ethernet port, you should plug that into your router at this point as well.

  3. Next, turn on your TV and set it to the Roku’s HDMI channel. This channel should correspond to the number next to the HDMI port you plugged your device into earlier. You can change your TV’s HDMI channel by pressing the Input, Video, or Source button on your regular TV remote. You will know you are on the right channel when you see the Roku set up screen.

    Note: If you are using a Roku device with a “point anywhere” remote, you will be asked to pair it now. You can do this by opening the battery compartment and pressing the pairing button.

    How do you set up a roku tv

    Note: If you are having trouble connecting your Roku remote, check out our guide on how to pair or reset your Roku remote here.

  4. Then select your language in the Roku set up screen. You can scroll with the up and down buttons on your remote and select a language by pressing the OK button.
    How do you set up a roku tv
  5. Choose Wired or Wireless. If you choose Wired, you can skip the next step. You can only choose this if your Roku player is hooked up to your router with an Ethernet cable.
    How do you set up a roku tv
  6. Next, choose your WiFi network, enter the password, and select Connect. If you do not see your WiFi network, scroll down and select Scan again to see all networks.

    Note: If you are connecting your Roku player to the internet with an Ethernet cable, you can skip this step.

    How do you set up a roku tv
  7. Enter your WiFi password and select Connect. Use your remote to enter your WiFi password one letter or number at a time.

    Note: If you don’t remember your WiFi password, check out our step-by-step guide on how to find and change your WiFi password here.

    How do you set up a roku tv
  8. Then select Auto detect display type. Your Roku will then display information about your TV’s resolution and frame rate.
    How do you set up a roku tv

    If the information is correct, select OK, go automatic. Otherwise, you can make your Roku device scan your TV again by selecting I’ve changed something, retry.

    How do you set up a roku tv

    Note: If your Roku is not detecting the correct resolution and refresh rate, you can select Cancel. This will let you choose your resolution and refresh rate manually. However, the problem might also be with your HDMI cable.

    How do you set up a roku tv
  9. Next, select Yes, screen looks good. If you select No, I will choose a different setting, or you wait until the timer runs out, you will be able to manually change your settings.
    How do you set up a roku tv

    Note: If your Roku device came with a remote that has volume buttons, you will then be asked to check your remote settings. Your TV will play music and ask if you can hear it. Then it will stop playing music and ask if you don’t hear it anymore. This music is fairly quiet, so make sure your TV’s volume is turned up.

    How do you set up a roku tv
  10. Then select Enter Your email address.
    How do you set up a roku tv
  11. Next, use your remote to enter your email address and select Continue.
    How do you set up a roku tv
  12. Once you enter your email address, you will be sent a link. The link will expire in 15 minutes, so make sure to check your email fast.
    How do you set up a roku tv

    Note: Make sure to double-check the email address listed on the screen. If you entered the wrong email address, you can press the star (*) button on your remote and then select Edit email.

    How do you set up a roku tv
  13. Then go to your email inbox and open the email from Roku. You can do this from a computer or smartphone. If you don’t see the email, try checking your spam folder.
  14. Next, click the link in your email. The link will be under the text that says Roku Device Activation Link. This will open a new browser window.
    How do you set up a roku tv
  15. Then sign up for a new Roku account and click Continue. If you already have a Roku account, you can skip this step. Otherwise, you will have to enter your first and last name, a password, your date of birth, and your gender. You will also have to click the box to agree to the terms and conditions and click the captcha box to prove you are not a robot. Your password can contain letters, numbers, and symbols, but it must be between 8-16 characters long.
    How do you set up a roku tv
  16. Next, name your device and select its location. You can name your device anything you want. However, make sure to remember the name and location you set up for your Roku device. You will need this information if you plan to control your Roku player with voice commands.
    How do you set up a roku tv

    Note: Make sure to check the box next to I have read and agree to the End user License Agreement.

  17. Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your Roku. Your Roku device will try to get you to install channels and sign up for free trials. You can skip each of these steps by scrolling to the bottom of the page and selecting Skip or Continue. You can add any of these channels or sign up for free trials after your Roku device has been set up.

How do you set up a roku tv

Once you know how to set up your Roku device, check out our guide on how to add apps on Roku, so you can start streaming.

How do you set up a roku tv

How do you set up a roku tv

$89.99

in stock

16 new from $89.00

9 used from $49.00

as of November 11, 2022 10:20 pm

Last updated on November 11, 2022 10:20 pm

HelloTech editors choose the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

What is needed for Roku TV?

Roku streaming players and Roku TVs need Internet access to stream content. They use wireless to connect to your home network, or you can choose a model that offers a wired Ethernet connector.

What channel does TV need to be on for Roku?

Next, turn on your TV and set it to the Roku's HDMI channel. This channel should correspond to the number next to the HDMI port you plugged your device into earlier. You can change your TV's HDMI channel by pressing the Input, Video, or Source button on your regular TV remote.

Is Roku TV easy to set up?

Roku devices are our favorite because they're simple to set up and use, plus Roku also connects to all the major streaming services, including new ones like Peacock and HBO Max. We break down the best streaming devices in this guide, but you do have some options if for whatever reason Roku isn't for you.

Do I have to pay to set up my Roku TV?

Create a Roku account and activate your Roku TV Your Roku account stores information on which devices you own, and which channels you have installed, as well as your preferences and settings. Note: There is NEVER a charge to create a Roku account.