How To Add Channels To Roku in 2020: Endless Entertainment

After you’ve chosen which Roku to buy and set up your Roku, you’ll want to add channels and start watching great content right away. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to add channels to Roku using every available method.

Adding Roku channels is a quick and easy process, though, so you’ll be a pro in no time. Plus, it pretty much works the same for both free and paid channels, with paid channels having the extra step of paying.

• What Are Roku Channels?

  Roku channels are basically apps for TV channels and streaming services. You can add both free and paid channels to your Roku account, and then complete any service purchases after.

• What Kind of Channels Do You Get With Roku?

  There are lots of different types of free and paid channels, including sports channels, news channels, streaming services, local channels, YouTube and much more. There are also private or hidden channels not displayed in the Roku Channel Store.

• Why Can’t I Add Channels to My Roku?

  There can be a few reasons why you can’t add channels to your Roku. Many Roku channels are only available in certain regions. The same goes for the Roku Channel Store website, too, which means you’ll need to add channels directly on your device. However, if that is not the issue, we recommend contacting Roku support.

How to Add Channels to Roku

There are three ways to add channels to Roku — through your Roku device, the Roku mobile app or the Roku website. We’ll run through each method with step-by-step instructions.

Add Channels Through Your Roku Device

1. Press the Home Button

   Press the home button on your Roku remote to make sure you’re on the home screen.

   

2. Go to Streaming Channels

   Using the arrow buttons, select “streaming channels” from the menu and press “OK” on your remote. That will open the Roku Channel Store.

   

3. Find the Channel You Want to Add

   There are a couple of ways you can find channels you want to add. You’ll see options for featured, just added and recommended channels, as well as a list of genres. You can choose one of those and browse through the channels until you find something you like.

   

4. Or Use the Search Tool

   Alternatively, you can use the search tool. Go to “search channels” and type in the channel you want to search for using the on-screen keyboard.

   

5. Add the Channel to Your Roku

   Once you’ve found a channel you want to add, press “OK” to see more details. In this example, we’ve chosen to add the UFC channel. Select “add channel” and press “OK” on your remote. Then click “OK” to confirm that you want to add it.

   

6. Confirmation message

   You’ll see a progress bar and then a confirmation that Roku added the channel.

   

7. Find the Channel

   By default, any new channel will be added at the bottom of your channel list (though you can move it). Press the home button on your Roku remote and scroll to the bottom using the down arrow key to find the new channel. You can click on the channel if you want to watch it or go through the steps again to add more channels.

   

If you have the Roku Voice Remote, you can access added channels quickly with a voice command. Hold the microphone button and say something like “launch UFC channel.”

Add Channels Using the Roku Mobile App

If you didn’t already know, there are free Roku apps for Android and iOS that let you not only access your account, channels and other features but also turn your mobile device into a second remote control.

You can also add a channel on Roku using the app. After downloading the app, launch it. It’ll run you through a few simple settings, such as terms and conditions, and pairing the device. Once you’re through with that, you’ll see Roku’s “What’s On” page. Here, you can scroll through new releases, hit shows, etc. You can also use the search bar at the top.

However, you need to be signed in to your Roku account to add a channel. So, it’s best to get that out of the way first. For this how-to, we’re using an Android device.

1. Go to the Account Page

   Tap on the person icon in the top right corner to go to the account page.

   

2. Sign In to Your Roku Account

   Tap “sign in” and log in to your Roku account.

   

3. Go Back to the Home Page

   Once you’re signed in, go back to the home page by tapping the top left arrow.

   

4. Access the Roku Channel Store

   To access the Channel Store, tap “devices” on the bottom menu bar.

   

5. Tap Channels

   Now tap the “channels” option.

   

6. Tap Channel Store

   You’ll now see a list of the channels already installed on your Roku. Tap “Channel Store” to find new ones.

   

7. Find a Channel You Want to Add

   To find a channel, you can view the featured section or scroll down and browse through a list of genres.

   

8. Add the Channel

   When you find a channel you want to add, tap on it to see more details. Then tap “add.” If it’s a paid service, it’ll say something like “service may require additional fees.” Roku will add the  channel, but you’ll need to sign up for the service separately.

   

9. Launch the Channel

   Once Roku adds the channel, you can launch it directly from the app.

   

Add a Channel From the Web

You can also add Roku channels from the Roku website.

1. Go to the Roku Website and Log In

   Go to www.channelstore.roku.com and log in to your Roku account. You can use the on-page arrow buttons to view channels by genre, recommendations, “just added” and so on. You can also use the search bar to find specific channels.

   

2. Check the Buttons

   You will notice that channels have different “buttons” underneath them. If a channel is already on your Roku (some install as default), you will see “installed” underneath. For channels not already added, there will be a “details” button for viewing more information about the channel, and, for the most part, there will also be an “+ add channel” button.

   

3. Add a Channel

   Once you’ve found a channel you want to add, simply click the “+ add channel” button. If that button isn’t there, click the “details” button and then click the “+ add channel” button. You’ll also notice that if a channel is not free, it will say something like “service may require additional fees.” Even though you have added the channel, you’ll still need to sign up for the service separately.

   

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has helped you understand how adding channels on Roku works. It’s an easy process whether you do it through your Roku device, the Roku mobile app or the Roku website. 

You can get lots of Roku channels for free, and Roku often adds new channels to the Roku Channel Store, so it’s a good idea to check back once in a while to see what’s available. You can also check out our guide to the best Roku channels.

Have we missed anything in this guide? Are you having any issues with adding a channel or subscribing to a service? Let us know in the comment section, and we’ll be happy to help. Thank you for reading.