Links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
Roku’s streaming add-ons are a popular way of changing up the interface on a TV, since they’re affordable, simple, and offer all the media apps you could possibly want. That simplicity extends to connecting to your TV — here’s how to set up Roku for the first time.
Read more: Roku buyer’s guide
To set up a Roku streaming device, first, connect it to your TV via one of its HDMI ports, then to power (a wall outlet or one of your TV's USB ports, depending on the device). If you haven't already done so, switch your TV to the correct input, then insert batteries into your Roku remote. You'll be greeted with the Roku setup interface, which will guide you through choosing a language, connecting to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, setting up your voice remote, and creating a Roku account.
The first thing to do, naturally, is get everything physically connected. Details may vary based on the exact device, but the general process goes like this:
If you’re hooking up a Roku device for the first time, your TV should now be displaying a setup wizard, i.e., the software interface that will configure essential settings. Here’s what to expect:
That’s it for the basics of how to set up Roku streamers. From here, you’ll want to select Streaming Channels to download apps, and Settings to change preferences, but your Roku device is officially up and running.
One specific thing you should consider doing after the fact — go to Settings > Display type, and check that your device is using the best resolution and HDR settings your TV is capable of. If it’s not, you may have to try connecting to a different HDMI port, particularly since some TVs limit HDR (high dynamic range) to single HDMI inputs.
Q: How do I set up my Roku without a remote?
A: You can’t, unfortunately, at least not when setting it up for the first time. The Roku app does offer remote control functions, but it can only detect and control devices on the same network — if you haven’t previously connected your device to your router (via Ethernet or Wi-Fi), the Roku app won’t be able to see it.
If a Roku device is already configured, though, you can use the Roku app to switch it to a new Wi-Fi network. Create a hotspot on your phone with the same name and password as your old network, and your streaming device should connect to your phone automatically. From there, use the app remote to navigate to Settings > Network > Set up connection and enter the new network information.
Q: How do I set up my Roku voice remote if I’ve already completed the initial device install?
A: From the home screen, go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remote. Pick your remote name, then Set up remote for TV control.
Read more: The best Roku channels to watch on your new streaming device