In this blog post, we decided to combine everything we know about Roku streaming devices into one post. So whether you’re new to streaming devices, or looking to better understand the features you can leverage on your device, check out this post to get answers to all your Roku questions today!
What is a Roku Streaming Device?
The Roku is a cost-effective streaming device, much like Amazon’s Firestick. With players starting at just $39.99, the Roku Express 4K streaming device offers the best bang for your buck, when compared to other streaming players available on the market. Roku also offers smart TVs, available from a variety of TV manufacturers at relatively affordable prices as well. However, if you’re wanting the smart TV experience, without the price tag the Roku players are the way to go! The rest of this blog post is going to address some of the most common questions I get from people when it comes to using their Roku player.
How do I set up my Roku Player?
The easiest way is to connect with one of our Smart Home Techs. We would be happy to come set up your Roku Player for you and help set your schedules, and preferences and show you how to use it. Check us out here, for an install only option. If you are wanting to set your Roku up on your own, we’ll start with the fact that Roku players connect with your TV via an HDMI cable output. Once you have unboxed your player and plugged it into your TV (power may need to plug into the wall), you should be able to power it up. Once it is on, you will need to connect it to your Wi-Fi network, so that it can stream content for you. They do connect to your Wi-Fi wirelessly, or you can choose a model that offers a wired Ethernet connector if needed. (Not sure which option is best for you? Reach out to one of our Smart Home Techs today and we’ll let you know which option will best suit your needs.) Once you’re connected to your home network, you can go ahead and create your Roku account and activate your device.
Do I need an internet connection for my Roku device/ How to use my Roku TV without a remote?
The short answer is yes! Similarly to other streaming devices, you need an internet connection for your Roku player to work properly. These devices are controlled with a remote, with some higher models letting you use voice control as well.
What about how to use Roku without a remote? Simple, if, for some reason your remote goes missing, you can control your Roku device from the app on your phone or tablet!
My Roku is not connecting to the Wi-Fi, how do I fix this?
Here are 5 quick steps you can take to troubleshoot your Roku/Wi-Fi connection. If you go through each of these steps and find that your Roku still isn’t connecting properly (or at all) we’d recommend reaching out to one of our Smart Home Techs to see if they can help you troubleshoot the problem.
In the settings tab of your Roku, select your wireless network and double check that the password is entered correctly.
Ensure your router is working properly.
Try a wired approach, with an Ethernet cable, or a third-party adapter.
When all else fails, do the restart. Restart your router.
Still not working? Restart your Roku device.
What can I watch?
So, you have your Roku set up and it’s connected to the internet (finally!) and now you’re wondering what you can watch? Well, the short answer is a lot! From the free channels offered through Roku, to your usual subscription channels like Netflix, or Prime through to rent or buy channels like Apple TV, Roku offers hundreds of viewing options on their platform. With more than 140 sports channels, there is no shortage of entertainment through Roku’s streaming services.
My Roku keeps restarting, how do I fix this?
This could be a software update issue. We would recommend you check for any updates and see if you can initiate them. If this doesn’t work, follow these steps:
Unplug the Roku from its power source for about 30 seconds.
Disconnect your headphones from the remote, if connected.
Remove the batteries from the remote and wait for about 30 seconds before putting them back in.
Reboot your Roku and check again for updates.
Complete any updates that are available.
How do I set up my Roku’s Sleep Timer?
You will need to start by navigating to the settings menu on your Roku Player. From there:
Select System.
Select Time.
Select Sleep timer.
Choose a time interval (30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours).
Now your streaming player will automatically power off your streaming stick after the preset time period you have selected. This is extra handy for anyone who tends to fall asleep while watching TV on the couch, after a long day at work!
Does Roku have Bluetooth?
Now that we know what a Roku streaming device is and some basic troubleshooting, let’s consider one of Roku’s greatest workaround to Bluetooth, their Private Listening feature. This feature streams audio to a connected smartphone or tablet through the Roku app. So, while your Roku won’t have Bluetooth, it has substituted another technology to try and achieve the same end goal.
Screen Mirror
Roku has a built-in screen mirroring option, which you can enable to directly access your Android, iOS, or Windows screen on a Roku-connected TV. While screen mirroring, the secondary device will act as a remote to control your functions. This important feature offers increased functionality of what you can do with your TV. Check the instructions below to set up screen mirroring on your device, along with some specific instructions around how to Play Apple Music and even how to Zoom on your Roku streaming device.
Let’s start with how to enable screen mirroring on your Roku TV.
Make sure your Roku device is plugged into the HDMI port on your TV.
Then you’ll want to double check and make sure your Roku device and smartphone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
On your Roku device, open the settings and choose the <System> option.
Then go to Screen Mirroring and ensure it is enabled.
Once it is enabled, you can select the Roku streaming device, or Roku TV from the list of devices that appears and request a connection.
From there you can start screen mirroring the device onto the Roku.
If you are connecting your Windows device, such as a laptop or desktop, you will need to follow steps 1-4 above.
Then go to your Window’s Settings menu and select the Display tab.
Scroll down to the Connect to a wireless display and select Connect.
A list of available devices should be displayed and you can select your Roku device from there.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at how to play Apple Music from your devices onto your Roku.
How to play Apple Music on Roku from your phone:
Make sure your phone is set up to mirror with your Roku device.
Open Apple Music and log in with your Apple ID.
Once logged in, you should be able to play music and listen to it from your Roku device.
How to play Apple Music on Roku from PC:
Go to music.apple.com and log in with your Apple ID.
Press Windows +P on your keyboard.
From the Project tab, choose Connect to a wireless display.
Select your Roku device from the connect tab.
You should be able to play music and listen to it from your Roku device.
Next, let’s look at how you can Zoom on Roku TV.
How to Zoom for Roku on Android:
Make sure screen mirroring is enabled and that your Roku device and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Install the Zoom app on your phone.
Under your android’s settings, go to Connection & Sharing.
Select Cast option
Select your Roku device.
Once the connection is enabled, your smartphone device should appear on your Roku TV screen.
Open the Zoom app and sign in with your credentials.
You should now be able to use your Zoom app on Roku through your smartphone.
Zoom for Roku on iOS:
Make sure screen mirroring is enabled and that your Roku device and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Install the Zoom app on your phone.
Go to your Notification bar and select the Screen Mirroring option.
Choose your Roku device and choose OK.
Your iOS should start to cast your screen onto the Roku device.
Open the Zoom app and sign in with your credentials.
You should now be able to use your Zoom app on Roku through your smartphone.
Zoom for Roku From Windows:
Make sure screen mirroring is enabled and that your Roku device and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Install the Zoom app on your computer and pin to your taskbar for easy access.
Sign into your Zoom account.
Press Winds + K on your keyboard to open your PC’s connect menu.
Select your Roku device from the list of available devices and select OK.
Your computer should start to cast your screen onto the Roku device.
You should now be able to use your Zoom app on Roku through your computer.
Still have questions about this awesome and affordable streaming device? Reach out to one of our smart home techs today so we can help answer your questions. Ready to get your Roku? Click the link below to shop our recommended Roku Streaming Players. Already have a Roku device? No problem! Click the link for an install only option!
