As an avid television and movie watcher, I was frustrated when I found out that my smart TV didn’t have Roku built into it. I wanted to be able to watch all the Roku streaming channels and movies I had come to love, but I didn’t want to buy a separate device. After doing some research and testing, I’m here to share with you how I solved this problem, and some other solutions I discovered along the way.
Tips:
- Roku is a streaming device that can be added to a smart TV to enhance its functionality.
- In order to add Roku to your smart TV, you need to make sure your TV is compatible with the application.
- Benefits of adding Roku to your smart TV include access to thousands of free channels and apps, consolidating streaming apps in one, and being able to control the device with your TV’s remote control.
- Drawbacks of adding Roku to your smart TV include the need to pay for a subscription, lack of compatibility with certain apps, and possible bugs when software updates occur.
- Whether or not adding a Roku to your smart TV is a good idea is up to you.
Table of Contents
What is Roku?
Roku is one of the most popular streaming devices that can be added to a smart TV.
Roku’s interactive menu allows you to access a wide range of channels, including apps and games. You can also watch live TV using a tuner to connect your cable or satellite subscription.
Roku’s wide range of features and, easy interface make it a great choice for anyone who wants a simple way to enhance their smart TV’s functionality.
You can even use it with your TV’s remote control, which is a handy feature for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
How to Add Roku to Your Smart TV?
Adding Roku to your smart TV is simple. First, you need to make sure your smart TV is compatible with the application.
Step One: Check Your Smart TV’s Compatible With Roku
The first thing you’ll need to do is check if your smart TV can be enhanced with the addition of Roku. If it’s one of the following brands, then you’re in luck!
- Samsung – 2015 and newer models
- Sony – 2015 and newer models
- LG – 2015 and newer models
- Vizio – 2016 and newer models
- Panasonic – 2016 and newer models
- Hisense – 2016 and newer models
Step Two: Install the Roku App and Activate Your Account
Once you connect your smart TV’s HDMI to your Roku, you’ll need to install its app on your TV’s smart OS.
Next, make sure the Roku remote that came with the device is paired with the Roku device. Keep holding the button next to the batteries for three seconds to pair your Roku remote. In most cases, the remote is already paired.
Once you’ve done that, you can use your smartphone to add your Roku account to the TV. You can do that by scanning a QR code that’s displayed on the Roku screen.
If you don’t have a smartphone, you can add your Roku account to your TV by entering your Roku’s IP address.
Finally, set up your Roku remote so that it also controls your smart TV.
Your Roku will automatically ask you for permission to sync volume, power controls, and music playing. All you need to do here is click ‘ok’ and follow the steps on your TV.
Pros of Adding Roku to Your Smart TV
Adding a Roku to your smart TV enhances your TV’s functionality. Here are the benefits you get from adding a Roku to your smart TV.
- You can access a wider variety of content, including thousands of free channels and apps, like Netflix, HuluPlus, CNN, Spotify, and many more!
- The app can be easily installed on your TV’s smart OS
- You can save money on your cable or satellite bill by using Roku’s channel guide to watch live TV
- You can easily cast any kind of media from your phone through the Roku app to watch on your smart TV
- Instead of switching between apps, Roku allows you to consolidate all other streaming apps in one!
- Your smart TV’s remote control can be used to control your Roku
- Roku can also be used to play console-quality games on your big-screen TV
Cons of Adding Roku to Your Smart TV
There are a few drawbacks to adding a Roku to your smart TV.
- It’s not free; you may have to pay for a Roku subscription of $14.99 a month
- While Roku’s OS is intuitive, it may not be as easy to use as your TV’s OS
- If you’re not someone who frequently watches shows online, it might become overwhelming to navigate between all the options
- You may not be able to access certain channels or apps that are only compatible with your TV’s OS
- When there’s a software update, it’s possible some bugs may arise and it might not be possible to use Roku until the bugs are fixed
- If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can only get the Roku Express Plus, which is an older version of the device
Final Words
So, can you add Roku to a smart TV? Yes, you can!
However, it’s up to you whether or not adding a Roku to your smart TV is a good idea.
If you’re looking for a simple way to expand the functionality of your smart TV, then adding a Roku is the perfect solution.
Roku’s wide range of features, including live TV and thousands of free channels and apps, make this a great choice for any smart TV owner.
Read more: Can you use Firestick on RokuTV?
