Whether you are trying to use Roku after a factory reset or get started with a new device, you must set it up from scratch. This implies connecting your Roku device to the required power source, coupling it to the TV, and choosing the best optimum settings. To setup your Roku device, you can follow the steps one by one.
Key Points to Remember Before Roku Setup
- Ensure your TV is compatible and has an HDMI port to plug in a Roku TV Stick.
- Check whether your Roku device is near a WiFi router to receive signals or use a LAN cable to set up a wired connection.
- Verify if your Roku device attached to an external power adapter receives sufficient power from the electrical source.
- Get the login credentials ready for your Roku account. If you don’t have an account, create one. A Roku account is a must to activate your device and access the Roku Channel Store.
- Confirm that you have a Roku remote with 2 AAA batteries installed.
- For 4K streaming, you should use an HDMI cable that supports HDCP 2.2.
1. Connect Roku to TV
HDMI or Composite are the two types of cable connections available for all Roku models. Just connect either of these cables to your TV. These cables come along with the purchase. In the case of a Roku Streaming Stick, which looks like a USB pen drive, you can directly insert it into the HDMI port.
Meanwhile, you can directly connect Roku-powered Smart TVs to the power supply and start the setup.
2. Connect Roku to a Power Source
The next thing you need to take care of is the Power Source. Roku devices require a constant power supply of at least 3.5W. So, insert the Power adapter of your Roku into a compatible power source and turn on the power supply to it. Also, install two AAA batteries to your Roku remote to start using it. These batteries come along with the purchase of your Roku.
3. Pair Your Roku Remote
Next, take your Roku remote, and there will be a pull tab at the back of the remote that prevents the connection from the battery to the remote. Remove the pull tab from the battery compartment and batteries will now be connected to the remote. Thus, your remote will automatically pair with your TV immediately when the connection is established.
You have to pair the Roku remote manually if it doesn’t pair with your TV and show a prompt on the screen. To do so, hold the Back and Home keys simultaneously until the remote’s green light starts flashing.
Now, your remote will be paired with your TV, and you can use it to control your Roku using voice commands. If your remote comes with a separate pairing button in the battery compartment, you can use that button to sync it.
4. Setup Language of your Choice
Once the Roku TV is turned on, the first thing you will see is the language selection page. Use the Roku remote to scroll through the list of available languages. Highlight the language you want and click OK on your remote. Some available languages include English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, etc.
5. Connect it to the Internet
Next, you will be asked to connect your Roku to the internet. First, choose either Wired or Wireless. If you are using an Ethernet cable, choose Wired. If you choose Wireless, Roku will display a list of available WIFI networks. Choose a WiFi network and enter its password to connect your Roku to the WiFi.
6. Check for Updates
Once your Roku connects to the internet, it automatically looks for Firmware updates. If there are any pending software upgrades, your Roku will start to update and install on your device. This will take a few minutes to complete. Once updated, your Roku will gain access to all the advanced features.
7. Set your Optimum Display
Then, you will be asked to set up the display resolution. Roku devices automatically set the optimum display resolution for your TV.
However, you can also change the resolution manually. To do this, go to your Roku’s Settings → Display type → Select a resolution → Click OK.
You can set up to a maximum of 4K HDR. Then, follow the on-screen formalities and complete the procedure.
8. Roku Account Sign-Up
This is the final step in setting up your Roku device. Here, you will be asked to sign in and activate your Roku account.
- On the Activate Your TV page, click on the Activate with QR Code option.
- Scan the shown QR code using a phone camera, and it will take you to the my.roku.com/link page on your phone’s browser.
- Scroll down to the page and tap Agree to Roku’s terms and conditions.
- Now, enter the required details to create a new account. If you are an existing user, tap Existing Customer and log in to your account using the credentials.
- Next, open the email and verify your Roku account by pressing Yes, Sign me in to complete the activation process.
Once you have completed the setup, you can add your favorite channels on your Roku and start watching them. You can even set up additional features, such as AirPlay, Private Listening, HDMI-CEC, and Secret Menu on Roku. If you have any more doubts regarding setup or prefer to get involved in the discussions, feel free to reach out to my community forum for further guidance.