How to Connect Roku to TV

Identify your Roku model. There are two primary types of Roku devices, both requiring your TV to have at least one HDMI port:

• Roku Player — A box-shaped device with multiple cables.
• Roku Stick — A USB-shaped device with at least one power cable.

Connect Roku to your TV's HDMI port. All HD TVs come with at least one HDMI port, which is trapezoidal in shape and typically located on the back or side of the TV. The process varies slightly depending on the Roku model:

• Roku Player — Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the back of the Roku Player box and the other end to the HDMI port on your TV.
• Roku Stick — Insert the HDMI connector of the Roku Stick directly into the HDMI port on the back or side of your TV.
• Most HD TVs have multiple HDMI ports.
• If your TV lacks an HDMI port, you cannot use a Roku Stick; however, you can purchase an HDMI-to-component converter if your TV has component ports (e.g., red, white, and yellow ports).

Note the HDMI port number. For TVs with multiple HDMI ports, you'll see a number next to the port used to connect your Roku.

• This number may be labeled as "HDMI 1" or "HDMI 2." Some TVs may simply number the ports (e.g., "1," "2").

Power up your Roku device. Both Roku Player and Roku Stick require a power source (electrical outlet):

• Roku Player — Plug one end of the included power cable into the back of the Roku Player box and the other end into an electrical outlet.
• Streaming Stick (models 3800 and below) — Connect one end of the included power cable to the Roku Stick and the other end to an electrical outlet. If your Roku Stick has a USB power cable and your TV has a USB port, you can connect the USB cable to both the Roku Stick and the TV.
• Streaming Stick+ (model 3810) — Plug one end of the included power cable into the side of the Roku Stick and the other end into an electrical outlet. If your Roku Stick has a USB power cable and your TV has a USB port, you can connect the USB cable to both the Roku Stick and the TV.

Switch to the Roku input. Turn on your TV and press the Input, Video, or Source button on your remote (or TV) to select the HDMI port where your Roku Stick is connected. This will open the Roku setup screen, allowing you to configure your Roku device.

Select your language. Use the arrow buttons on your Roku remote to scroll through the available languages until you find the one you prefer, then press OK on the remote.

Connect to Wi-Fi. Follow these steps on the network setup page:

• Scan for available networks by selecting Scan again to see all networks and pressing OK.
• Browse through the list of available Wi-Fi networks until you find yours.
• Select your network by highlighting its name and pressing OK.
• Enter your network password using the on-screen keyboard.
• Press OK when prompted.
• If you're using a Roku Player, you can also connect an Ethernet cable to the Roku box instead of using Wi-Fi.

Allow Roku to update if necessary. Once your Roku is connected to the internet, you'll be prompted to download the latest software update. This process may take around 30 minutes (or longer, depending on your internet speed), so be patient.

Confirm display settings. If you're using a Roku Player, the device will automatically detect and apply the best settings for your HD TV.

• For Roku Streaming Stick, select Set display type and allow the setup to run.
• For Roku Streaming Stick+, choose Auto detect display type. You can select OK, go to automatic when prompted.
• You can adjust display settings later by navigating to Settings, selecting Display type, and choosing your preferred TV settings.

Set up your Roku remote to control your TV. If you want to use the Roku remote to adjust your TV's volume and other settings, select Check remote settings when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions.

• You can also choose Skip to proceed to the Roku activation step.

Wait for the activation code to appear. Once a 5-character activation code is displayed on your screen, you can proceed to activate your Roku device.

Locate your Roku activation code. You'll need to enter the 5-character code displayed on your screen to activate your Roku.

Visit the Roku activation page. Open your computer's web browser and go to https://my.roku.com/link.

• While you can also do this on your smartphone's browser, using a computer is generally faster.

Enter the activation code. Type the 5-character code into the input field located in the center of the page.

Click on the Submit button. This is the blue button located below the data entry field.

Create a Roku account. Fill in the email address, password, and other required information in the displayed data entry fields on the screen.

• You will be prompted to create a PIN for your account. This is the information you will use to log into Roku TV if you choose password protection.
• If you already have a Roku account, select Log in, then enter your email address and password to log in.

Add a payment method. Enter the payment information you prefer (such as a credit card or PayPal) when prompted.

• You will not be charged when entering the payment method, but this is the method you will use to pay for certain content on Roku (such as service fees).
• If you are using an existing Roku account with a payment method already set up, you can skip this step.

Complete the on-screen steps. After adding the payment method, you will be asked to confirm your account's email address; regardless, once the activation process is complete, you can start using Roku on your TV.