Q&A for How to Connect Roku to TV

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Question

Does my TV need a cable connection to connect to Roku?

Community Answer

Cable TV has nothing to do with ROKU. You need either an Ethernet internet connection [wired] or a Wi-Fi internet connection to be able to use Roku.

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Question

How do I make my phone work with my Roku TV?

Community Answer

You turn on Bluetooth on your mobile device, then download the Roku app from the App Store.

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Question

If the picture is fuzzy when I am streaming via my Roku, is it because of poor signal strength or slow WiFi speed?

Community Answer

The Roku buffers the WiFi signal when you first turn it on. The picture stays fuzzy until buffering is complete. How long depends on the strength of your WiFi signal.

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Question

What can I do if I only have one HDMI port that is already in use?

Community Answer

If your TV only has one HDMI port and it's already in use by another device, you'll need an HDMI splitter. This will allow you to connect multiple HDMI devices to a single HDMI port and then switch between them. You can purchase HDMI splitters from most electronics retailers.

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Question

My TV has only red, white, and yellow plugs, how do I connect the Roku?

Community Answer

Roku devices are designed to connect to HDTVs via HDMI, and most new models only have an HDMI connection. If you want to connect a Roku to an older standard definition TV, you'll need to find an older Roku that supports composite A/V connections, such as the Roku 1 (Model 2710).

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Question

Do I have to pay the $70.00 subscription fee after purchasing the stick?

Community Answer

There is no subscription fee for Roku itself, but you may have to pay for some of the apps/channels.

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Question

What can I do if all of my channels have disappeared?

Community Answer

This error can usually be corrected by unplugging the power from your Roku, waiting about ten seconds, then plugging it back in. Your channel selection should be restored.

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Question

How can I install a Roku with only an HDMI port to a TV without an HDMI port?

Community Answer

If your Roku and TV do not have matching connectors, there isn't anything you can do to connect them. You'll either need to find an older Roku model that supports TVs without HDMI, like the Roku 1 (Model 2710), or you'll need to upgrade to an HDTV with HDMI ports.

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Question

Roku said I need a WiFi address. Where do I find this?

Community Answer

Roku uses your home WiFi connection. Your WiFi router should have a password on it (the same password you use for connecting your other devices, such as a computer or phone). If you do not have WiFi in your home, you won't be able to use the Roku.

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Question

My Roku cannot connect to my wireless network, and I am sure my password is correct. What could be wrong?

Community Answer

The Roku is too far away from the router, or walls and/or electronic equipment are restricting signal. Run an ethernet cable, install a WiFi extender, or try relocating the Roku away from other electronic devices.

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Question

How can I use my Roku without a remote?

Community Answer

You can download the Roku app on a phone or tablet, and once you connect it to your account, you can use your smartphone as a remote.

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Question

How do I link my LG phone to Roku?

Community Answer

There should be an app in your version of the app store for a remote control, if you mean "link" as in to control your TV from a phone. Roku should have YouTube on it if you want to link that. Otherwise, make sure your Bluetooth is on and/or press the two boxes at the bottom of the screen of the video you want to play.

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Question

I used to be able to use earbuds with my Roku 2, but now it doesn't work. How can I fix this issue to work again?

Community Answer

You need new batteries in your remote and it will work fine - 2 AA batteries. I have to change mine about once a week, but it depends on how much you use the earbuds.

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Question

Can the Roku 4 play video files that are stored on desktop PC that's connected to the same network?

Community Answer

Yes, by setting up a media server on your PC and then installing the appropriate channel on your Roku. One of the most user-friendly ways to do this is with Plex. Plex can be installed for free on your PC and used to stream videos on your computer to the Plex channel on Roku. See Set Up a Media Server Using Plex for details.

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Question

What can I do if I do not have HDMI hookups?

Community Answer

You can use composite cables or purchase an HDMI cable from outside. If you have an old TV, then a composite cable will help you to make the connection.

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Question

How do I connect Roku's HDMI to my TV?

Community Answer

If your TV doesn't have an HDMI port, you'll have to use an HDMI-to-RCA converter or an older model of Roku that has RCA ports.

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Question

What do I do if my Roku has a message that says "Press OK and Roku will analyze your HDMI connection?"

Community Answer

Press OK. That should determine the proper resolution to display on your TV.

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Question

The Roku is hooked up correctly. However, the TV says there is no connection. What should I do?

Community Answer

Turn off the TV, leave it for a minute and turn it back on. This usually works.

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Question

Do I need a separate Roku stick or device for each TV?

Community Answer

Yes, each TV needs its own streaming device, such as a Roku, unless it is a streaming TV.

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Question

How do I replace my Roku remote if I lost mine?

Community Answer

You can get a replacement online from Roku, Amazon, eBay, or a number of other electronics-related sites.

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Question

Can the Roku activation process be done via iPad Air?

Community Answer

Yes, I did it using my iPad. Just follow the onscreen guidance as you set up the Roku.

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Question

Do I need a phone line to connect Roku to my TV?

Community Answer

No, you need an internet connection. If your internet is provided by DSL, then your phone line must be connected to the internet modem, but even then you may not need an actual hardware phone line. If your internet is provided by another means (cable, fiber, satellite), then no hardware phone is necessary. You can connect the boxes by either WIFI or wired, and the sticks by WiFi only.

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Question

What do I do if my Roku remote doesn't work?

Community Answer

Check the batteries and maybe change them. But if you've done that and the remote moves terribly slowly or not at all, enter your password and try again. If that doesn't work, call Roku about getting a replacement remote.

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Question

How do I connect Roku to TV if I don't have a remote and the Roku Stick says to pair my remote?

Community Answer

Download the Roku Remote app on your phone or tablet, and use that to connect.

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Question

Do I need to pay for Roku?

Community Answer

You pay for the Roku device. Then some apps cost. Many are free. YouTube TV is a free app, but a subscription is required to get the services.

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