Whether you’re a seasoned Roku user or just unwrapped a brand-new device, there’s a treasure trove of features awaiting your exploration. Roku TVs, with their diverse range from the budget-friendly Express to the high-end Ultra, offer more than meets the eye. Here, we present 15 expert tips and tricks to elevate your Roku TV experience.
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List of Top 15 tips and tricks on Roku TV
1. Create a Watchlist on Roku
Managing watchlists across multiple streaming apps can be a cumbersome task. Simplify it with Roku. Utilize the Roku OS to create a universal watchlist. Search for your desired shows and movies, then on each detail page, select “Add to Save List.” Access this comprehensive list on your Roku home screen under “What to Watch.”
2. Pick Up Where You Left Off
Never lose your viewing progress again. Head to the Roku Home Screen, click “What to Watch,” scroll to “Continue Watching,” and rediscover your paused movies or shows, even if you forgot the streaming service.
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3. Watch Free Movies and Shows on The Roku Channel
Video-streaming services are usually not free, but The Roku Channel is an exception. You can log in and watch premium channels like Max and Netflix. Additionally, The Roku Channel provides free access to many movies and TV episodes, although there might be some commercials. Roku has been adding more original content too. Simply go to The Roku Channel, scroll down to the Live TV Channel Guide for many options, or use the Roku app. Whether you have a Roku device or not, just download the app, sign in or create an account, and start streaming.
4. Search Thousands of Channels at Once
Instead of individually searching through each Roku channel to find what you want, actively explore them all using Roku Search. Input your search term with the Roku remote, the Roku mobile app, or through voice search, and discover results from over 4,000 channels. Whether searching by title, actor, or director, receive a comprehensive list of options. Take advantage of Roku Search to actively compare streaming content prices. Enter a movie, show, or star to view available titles and their respective prices across various channels and services.
5. Live TV Zone
Roku Zones consist of curated selections of movies and shows from various channels, categorized by genre or topic. Simply navigate to the search option, enter a keyword like “comedy,” and explore the corresponding zone. Additionally, Roku has introduced a Live TV Zone, providing convenient access to live TV streaming services such as Hulu, fuboTV, Philo, Sling, and YouTube TV, among others.
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6. View Google Photos to Roku TV
To view your photos up close or share them with a group using your Roku, consider integrating Google Photos. Simply visit photostreams.roku.com, log in (you might need to confirm your email), and find a link to establish a connection with Google Photos.
7. Turn Your Phone Into a Roku Remote
While the Roku device is excellent, using the remote for navigation could be enhanced for a better user experience. To address this, consider downloading the Roku Official Remote Control app (available on iOS and Android). This app provides advantages such as a keyboard, simplified searching, and the ability to stream directly from your mobile phone or tablet.
8. Talk to Your Roku Remote
You have the option to communicate directly with your Roku using either the Roku Voice Remote Pro, Voice Remote, or the Roku mobile app. When using the remotes, simply press and hold the microphone icon as you articulate your request. If using the app, navigate to the search page by selecting the magnifying glass, then tap the microphone icon, speak your request after releasing it, and finally, tap the center of the screen.
9. Ask Alexa or the Google Assistant
To control your Roku with Amazon Echo, start by linking both accounts through the Alexa mobile app. Navigate to Skills & Games, search for Roku, and tap Enable to Use. Sign in to your Roku account and select the specific Roku device or choose Select All if you have multiple devices.
After linking, initiate a device search on the Alexa app. Once your Roku is detected, go to Manage, Link Devices, and select the desired Roku device for connection. Organize your devices by adding the Roku to a group through the Devices icon – either include it in an existing group or create a new one by tapping the plus button. Ensure the Roku device is enabled in the Alexa app, allowing you to issue commands like “Alexa, open Netflix on living room Roku.”
Alternatively, you can utilize Google Assistant for voice commands. Verify that your Roku player runs Roku OS 9.0 or higher, or your Roku TV has Roku OS 8.2 or higher. Set up Google Assistant on your Google device or app, and within the Google Assistant mobile app, access Explore > Settings > Home Control > Add Device > Find > Roku. Sign in to your Roku account and select the specific device you want to control using Google Assistant.
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10. Find That Lost Remote
Finding your Roku remote need not be a hassle. If your remote has a speaker grille, open the Roku app, tap the microphone, and say, “Hey, Roku, find my remote.” It will make a beeping noise to help you locate it.
For Roku Ultra, just long-press the button on the right side of the device, and the remote will beep. If it’s the Voice Remote Pro you’ve lost, say, “Hey, Roku, find my remote,” and it will start beeping. To stop the beeping, press any button on the remote when you find it.
To change the sound your Roku remote makes when it’s lost, go to Settings > Remote > Change Remote Finder Sound in the Roku app on your TV. Click on Preview Remote Finder Sound to hear how it sounds. These easy steps make finding your Roku remote simple, and you can even choose a sound you like.
11. Make Your Roku at Home(Kit)
For individuals who own iPhones and iPads, Roku devices seamlessly support AirPlay and HomeKit. Easily stream videos, photos, and music from your Apple device to your TV and compatible speakers by navigating to Settings > Apple AirPlay & HomeKit > Launch Apple AirPlay & HomeKit setup in the Roku menu.
Scan the displayed QR code with your iPhone or iPad camera, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup promptly. With HomeKit integration, enjoy the convenience of controlling your Roku device using Siri and the Apple Home app. Simply say, “Hey Siri, play jazz on the living room TV” for effortless and intuitive command over your Roku experience. This streamlined connection enhances your overall user experience, combining the best of Apple’s ecosystem with Roku functionality.
12. Let Siri and Roku Chat
Make your Roku and iPhone work together smoothly with Siri. Use the Roku iOS app and its Siri Shortcuts for voice control. Open the app on your iPhone, tap the account icon, and select “Siri Shortcuts.” You can set up voice commands for tasks like opening the Roku remote, playing or pausing, searching, and turning the Roku on or off for specific models. Customize the commands with your own phrases or use the suggested ones.
Now, control your Roku hands-free and easily with Siri Shortcuts. Just speak your commands, and let your iPhone take care of the rest, making your Roku experience even more convenient.
13. Roku Screen Mirroring
You can use AirPlay to show your iPhone or iPad screen on your Roku. Most Roku devices also let you mirror screens from Android and Windows. To do this, press the Home button on your Roku remote. Then, go to Settings, select System, and choose Screen Mirroring. You can pick between Prompt or Always Allow for your preferences.
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14. Practice Casting
If you like using Google’s Cast technology, you can easily share music, videos, and photos from your phone to your Roku-connected devices. Just make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the content you want to share, find the cast icon, click it, and choose your Roku device from the list that appears.
15. Automatic Volume Leveling
Have you ever fallen asleep watching a show, only to wake up suddenly because of a loud commercial? On most Roku models, you can use Leveling to prevent volume spikes during commercials or channel changes. Night mode also lets you make soft sounds louder and loud sounds quieter. To turn on these features, go to Settings on Streambar or Smart Soundbar, or press the star button on other Roku remotes and select Sound Settings > Volume Mode. It makes watching TV more comfortable!
Conclusion
Embark on your Roku TV journey armed with these tips, and unlock a world of convenience and entertainment. Mastering these features will undoubtedly enhance your streaming experience. Happy streaming!