How to use a Roku box or stick

By Marshall Honorof
last updated

Whether you want to search for channels, troubleshoot or simply learn about hidden features, this is the ultimate Roku guide.

Roku is one of the more experienced brands when it comes to dedicated streaming devices, and it's still one of the best. Between boxes, sticks and built-in smart TV operating systems, Roku devices are everywhere. If there's one in your home, you're probably aware of the device's great potential for both entertainment and confusion.

Credit: Tom's Guide

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

There's a lot of stuff you can do with a Roku, and while that's mostly a blessing, it can often be a curse, too. Whether you're troubleshooting a faulty remote, searching for a hard-to-find channel or simply learning about some of Roku's best-hidden features, read on to learn how to get the most out of your device. 

The latest Roku change, though, is all about live TV. Check out our explainer on the Roku upgrade directed at cord-cutters.

How to Set Up a Roku Box or Streaming Stick

Setting up a Roku device is both quick and intuitive, but if you run into any snags, here's a start-to-finish guide on how to do it.

How to Add Public and Private Channels to Roku

Each Roku system comes with a handful of channels built in, including Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Video. Here’s how to find and install others.

How to Customize Your Roku Home Screen and Feeds

You can move or delete just about anything from your Roku home screen and even get alerts when movies and shows become available. Here’s how.

If you can master Roku's Search intricacies, you'll have more hundreds of the device's most popular channels at your disposal.

Roku customer service: How to reach a human

Everything you need to get your Roku questions answered by a real human being.

How to use screen mirroring on Roku

Roku has a screen mirroring protocol that works about half of the time. Here's how to play with it.

How to Cast Netflix and YouTube from Phone to Roku

If you decide a video needs the big-screen treatment ASAP, you can cast from Netflix or YouTube directly onto your Roku.

How to Stream Content to Roku via Plex, PlayOn and More

Your Roku can stream your collection of movies, TV shows and albums by using a media server program like Plex, PlayOn or Roku Media Player.

What to Do If Your Roku Remote Is Lost or Broken

You can probably fix your Roku remote without having to call tech support, or, you can replace your remote by using Roku’s mobile app.

How to Reset Your Roku Box or Streaming Stick

Resetting a Roku to factory settings is easy, and you won't lose much, since all of your apps are stored in the cloud. Here’s how to do it.

How to Get Kodi (Formerly XBMC) On Roku

The short version: you can't. Kodi doesn't have a Roku app, and probably won't get one. There's a workaround, but there are also much easier ways to use the app.

How to clear your Roku cache

You can fix minor Roku issues easily — without factory resetting your device. You just need to clear the cache.

How to replace your Roku TV remote

Need a new remote for your Roku? Replacing an older remote can also help you upgrade your experience.

Marshall Honorof
Marshall Honorof

Marshall Honorof is a senior editor for Tom's Guide, overseeing the site's coverage of gaming hardware and software. He comes from a science writing background, having studied paleomammalogy, biological anthropology, and the history of science and technology. After hours, you can find him practicing taekwondo or doing deep dives on classic sci-fi. 

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