How to Watch YouTube on Roku

Download Article

Author Info

Last Updated: December 14, 2023

Download Article

Installing YouTube

|

Signing In

|

Watching Videos

|

Q&A

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Installing YouTube

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

1
Determine if your Roku model supports YouTube. With recent updates, all "current-gen" Roku devices can now add an official YouTube channel. This means every Roku device except the original Roku (which is released in 2010) can now add the YouTube channel.
- Note: Roku's model-naming system can be very confusing. The original Roku launched in 2010, and the Roku 2 launched in 2011. After the Roku 2 came out, they released a new Roku 1 and Roku 2 in 2013. This means that the Roku 1 and the original Roku are actually two completely different models. ^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
- If you have the original Roku from 2010, the only way to get YouTube videos is to install the Twonky channel, which requires a subscription.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

If you don't see the Channel Store option, press the Home button on your Roku remote.

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You should see the YouTube channel on the right side of the screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You'll see that it's free and the current user rating for the channel.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Roku will download the YouTube channel and add it to your channel list. This may take a few moments.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You can also return to your Roku home screen and select YouTube from the Home or "My Channels" list.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Signing In

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You can open this by selecting the Gear icon in the left YouTube menu on your Roku.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You will be asked to visit youtube.com/activate on your computer or mobile device. Once you visit the site, log in with your Google account and then enter the code on the TV display to sign in on Roku. Click the "Allow access" button to complete the sign-in process.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
Select "Pair Device". This will allow you to use your smartphone or tablet to find and play videos, which is much more efficient than using the YouTube channel's built-in Search function.
- You can also pair a computer or laptop to your Roku and use the YouTube website. ^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

The website is youtube.com/pair . You can also use a barcode scanner to scan the QR code on the screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This will pair your smartphone or tablet with your Roku YouTube channel. If you scanned the QR code, this happens automatically. ^{[3]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Watching Videos

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Once you've connected your smartphone or tablet, you can use it to find and play videos on your Roku.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

The button looks like a TV display with a small signal icon in the corner.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

When you tap the "Cast" button, you'll see a list of all of the devices that you can currently send videos to. Select your Roku device from the list.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/aid5147621-v4-728px-Watch-YouTube-on-Roku-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

After selecting the Roku, you can start the video and it will begin playing on your TV. You can use the YouTube app on your mobile device to control playback or find other videos to watch while the video is playing.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I enter an activation code without a Google email account or username?

Community Answer

You can't. You need a Google account to sign in. If you're under 18, ask your parents/guardian to do it for you.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
Question

Can I stream YouTube from my laptop to my TV with Roku?

Community Answer

Yes, but I recommend Apple TV! Just buy an Apple computer and set it up, simple as pie.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 53 Helpful 1
Question

Do I have to pay to watch YouTube on Roku?

Corbin Carter

Community Answer

You don't need to. Just like watching YouTube on a computer, tablet, or phone, watching on Roku will be free.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

[1]

[2]

[3]

Log in

How to Watch YouTube on Roku

Steps

Installing YouTube

Signing In

Watching Videos

Community Q&A

Tips

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Is this article up to date?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories