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Feb 26, 2024 · If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can use an HDMI composite converter to connect your Roku device. Can I use any HDMI cable to connect my Roku to my TV? Yes, any standard HDMI cable should work to connect your Roku to your TV.
Jun 4, 2024 · Ensure your TV has an HDMI® port. Plug the Roku device into the HDMI port on your TV. 2. Connect the Roku Device to the Network. For devices without an Ethernet port: Connect via Wi-Fi. For Roku players with an Ethernet port: Use a compatible third-party Ethernet adapter for a wired connection.
- Overview
- Setting up your Roku streaming stick
- How to connect a Roku streaming stick to your TV
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How-to
By Rhys Wood
published 28 March 2022
How to set up your Roku streaming stick
(Image credit: Future)
Knowing how to connect a Roku streaming stick to your TV can seem daunting, but it's well worth learning. After all, Roku streaming sticks are a fantastic way to easily - and affordably - gain access to thousands of entertainment apps all packed into one small, portable device. With a Roku streaming stick, you'll no longer be limited to the handful of apps featured on your smart TV.
Before we connect the Roku streaming stick to the TV, we first need to go over everything included in the box. Assuming your streaming device is brand new and yet to be unboxed, you'll find a number of items inside.
First is the Roku streaming dongle itself. This will fit into the back of your TV via an HDMI connection. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as just plugging the stick into your TV, as there are a few other simple steps we'll have to take care of first.
In the box, you'll also find US and UK power adapters, as well as a USB power cable with a built-in WiFi receiver. Finally, your Roku remote and a pair of AAA batteries to power it are inside the box, too. We'll need this to browse through Roku's operating system once we've got it all set up.
First, connect your Roku streaming stick (we used the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, but the same will apply to other models) to the power adapter using the USB power cable. The smaller USB port connects to the streaming stick, while the larger USB port goes into the power adapter.
Now that we've made the connection between the Roku streaming stick and the power adapter via the USB power cable, the next step will be to hook it up to the TV.
First, find a free outlet (ideally close to your TV) and plug in the power adapter. You'll need to use the correct adapter based on your country's socket type, so ensure you have either the international or UK adapter slotted depending on your region.
Alternatively, if your TV has a USB port, you can eschew the need for the adapter entirely and power your Roku streaming stick via the TV. However, Roku recommends the use of the power adapter for the best streaming experience possible.
This secondary option will help if you don't have a free outlet close to your TV. One thing to keep in mind, though, is if you see a red light flash on the Roku streaming stick. This means that your TV isn't providing enough power to the device, and thus must instead be connected to an outlet with the included power adapter.
Once that's plugged in, take the Roku streaming stick, ensure it's still connected to the USB power cable, and slot it into one of your TV's HDMI ports. These will usually be located on the back or on the side of your TV, but their location will differ depending on the model.
Next, turn on your TV, and use your TV's remote to select the HDMI source your Roku streaming stick is plugged into (HDMI 2, for example). If everything has been connected correctly, you'll see the initial Roku setup screen where you'll be prompted to pair your Roku remote and select your device's general language.
With that, you've successfully connected your Roku streaming stick to your TV in just a few simple steps. From there, you just need to follow the on-screen setup process, which will include pairing the remote, and connecting the device via WiFi, in order to begin browsing the Roku operating system and start downloading the best streaming apps available - or even a selection of the lesser known ones.
There's really never been a better time to own a Roku streaming stick, either. The company's latest update, Roku OS 11, is being made available for free in the coming weeks, and will automatically download to your streaming device. The update is bringing a swathe of quality additions, including an option to smartly boost voiced dialogue for a more enjoyable and accessible movie-watching experience.
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- Rhys Wood
- Set-top Box: Identify the ports on the back of your Roku. There are several different Roku models, and some of them have different connection ports available.
- Roku Stick: Connect the Roku Stick to an open HDMI port on your TV. The Roku Stick can only be inserted into HDMI ports. Make sure to insert it straight so that you don't bend the connector.
- Installing the Roku Device Determine which Roku model you have. There are two main types of Roku, both of which require your TV to have at least one HDMI port to use
- Setting Up the Roku Select your language and country of residence. Using the arrow buttons on the Roku remote, scroll through the available languages and countries of residence until you find your preferred ones, then press the OK button on the Roku remote.
Jul 9, 2024 · Your Roku Streaming Stick 4K will work with any television with an HDMI® connection and connects directly to the TV's HDMI port. However, you will not be able to take advantage of 4K resolution, or Dolby Vision™, HDR10+, and similar HDR formats without a compatible TV.
Sep 9, 2022 · All modern Rokus need an HDMI port to work. Older Rokus may have a composite connection you can use with older TVs, but it’s not a common setup these days. If you are seriously short on...
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Oct 11, 2023 · While Roku is compatible with many smart TV models, some older or less popular brands may not support the Roku platform. Here’s what you need to know about compatibility: 1. HDMI connectivity: Roku requires an HDMI port on your smart TV for proper connection.
