How to Add a Private Channel to a Roku 3

Channels make your Roku 3 the entertainment powerhouse it is. You have to install the right channel to stream Netflix, listen to Pandora or play "Angry Birds." You’ll find hundreds of options in the Channel Store on your device, or through the Channels section of the Roku site.

But many more exist that you won't find listed there. These are called private channels — they are real channels, but Roku doesn't promote them. Often created by independent developers, they can help round out your channel lineup. 

Here's how you add a private channel.

MORE: Your Guide to Cable TV Cord-Cutting.

1. Find the channel access code by searching on such sites asRokuGuide orRokuChannels.com. For example, the channel access code for NoWhere TV (a streaming TV channel) is H9DWC.

2. Visit owner.roku.com/Add. NOTE: You'll need to have an account on the Roku site and link your Roku 3 to the account.

3. Click Manage Account > "Add a Private Channel."

4. Insert the channel access code.

5. Confirm you want to add a channel.

6. Click "Return to My Account."

7. Open the Roku Channel Store to find the added channel. NOTE: You may need to force your channel list to update for the channel to appear in your Channels list. To do this on your Roku 3, go to the Settings menu and select System update.

Michael Gowan
Freelance tech writer

Michael Gowan is a freelance technology journalist covering soundbars, TVs, and wireless speakers of all kinds of shapes and sizes for Tom’s Guide. He has written hundreds of product reviews, focusing on sound quality and value to help shoppers make informed buying decisions. Micheal has written about music and consumer technology for more than 25 years. His work has appeared in publications including CNN, Wired, Men’s Journal, PC World and Macworld. When Michael’s not reviewing speakers, he’s probably listening to one anyway.