Roku Developer Mode is a useful feature that will allow the Roku app developers to test-run and debug their channels. This feature is available on all Roku models and needs to be activated. It opens the possibilities that otherwise are limited in normal user mode. i.e., you can build and debug your own app or sideload any third-party channels.
If you want to take advantage of these hidden functionalities, then take a look at this article to enable the developer mode on your Roku.
Steps to Enable Developer Mode on Roku
- Switch on your Roku, navigate to the home screen, and press the following codes on your Remote.
Home Button thrice | Up button Twice | Right button Once | Left button Once | Right button Once | Left button Once | Right button Once.
- This will take you to the Developer Settings. Note down the IP address and username shown on the screen.
- Then, click Enable Installer and restart button available at the bottom.
- Accept the SDK License Agreement in the following screen and create a new password on the Development Webserver.
- Once you’ve done this, click Set password and reboot, after which Developer Mode will be enabled on your device.
Access the Developer Mode Website on a PC
- With your PC turned on, connect your PC and the Roku to the same WiFi network.
- Input Roku’s IP address, which you have noted down from the current web browser.
- Type in your Username and Password in the following screen and click Log in. This will take you to the Roku Development Application Installer website.
How to Install or Sideload Channels on Roku using Developer Mode
Once you have entered the Roku Development Application Installer website, you can sideload apps to your Roku device by following the steps below.
- Tap on the Upload option on the website.
- Upload the ZIP file of the application you downloaded on your PC beforehand.
- Once the upload is done, click Install. This will install the channel on your Roku device.
- After this, go to your Roku’s Home screen, click My Channels, and access all your sideloaded channels.
Keep your Roku device and PC connected to the same WIFI network during the entire process.
From the above methods, you can sideload the app of your choice on your Roku device using its Developer Mode. On a side note, remember that there is no assurance that the apps you have sideloaded will work. It is always recommended that you use the feature wisely, as enabling developer mode and misusing the feature may void the warranty.
If you have further doubts, connect with my community forum to join the discussion with the community members.