## How to get YouTube on a Roku
Roku is a popular streaming media player that allows you to watch movies, TV shows, and other content from a variety of sources. However, Roku does not natively support YouTube. If you want to watch YouTube on your Roku, you will need to use a third-party app.
There are several different third-party apps that you can use to watch YouTube on your Roku. One of the most popular apps is YouTube TV. YouTube TV is a paid subscription service that offers access to live TV channels, as well as a library of on-demand content. YouTube TV also includes YouTube Red, which gives you access to ad-free YouTube videos.
Connecting a Roku Device to the Internet
Connecting your Roku device to the internet is a crucial step before you can start streaming content. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a successful connection:
Wired Connection
- Ethernet Port Identification: Locate the Ethernet port on the back or side of your Roku device. It’s typically a rectangular port with eight pins.
- Connecting the Ethernet Cable: Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your Roku device and the other end to a free port on your router or modem.
- Note: Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the Roku device and the router/modem.
- Powering On Roku: Plugin the Roku device and turn it on.
- Automatic Network Detection: Your Roku device will automatically detect and connect to your home network.
- Verification: Once connected, your Roku device will display the home screen, indicating a successful internet connection.
Wireless Connection
- Network Settings: Navigate to the "Settings" menu on your Roku home screen.
- Network Option: Select the "Network" option.
- Wireless Network Selection: Choose the name of your wireless network from the available options.
- Note: Your Wi-Fi network name and password should be displayed on the router or modem.
- Password Entry: Enter the password for your wireless network using the on-screen keyboard.
- Tip: If you have a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on your router, you can press it to connect your Roku device without entering a password. However, this method is less secure than password protection.
- Connection Test: Select the "Test Connection" option to verify the internet connectivity of your Roku device.
- Success Message: If the connection is successful, your Roku device will display a message confirming the internet connectivity.
Adding the YouTube App to Roku
1. Navigate to the Home Screen
Power on your Roku device and use the remote to navigate to the home screen. This is the main menu that displays your recently used channels, streaming apps, and settings options.
2. Select the Streaming Channels Option
From the home screen, scroll down and select the “Streaming Channels” option. This will take you to the Roku Channel Store, where you can browse and download various streaming apps.
3. Search for the YouTube App
Within the Roku Channel Store, you can search for the YouTube app using one of the following methods:
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Voice Search
If your Roku remote has a microphone, press the microphone button and speak the command “YouTube.” The Roku device will automatically search for and display the YouTube app.
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On-Screen Keyboard
Select the “Search” field at the top of the Channel Store screen. Use the on-screen keyboard to type “YouTube” and press the “OK” button.
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Channel Category
Scroll down the Channel Store menu and select the “Movies & TV” category. Under the “Streaming Channels” section, YouTube will be listed alphabetically.
4. Select and Install the YouTube App
Once you have found the YouTube app, select it to view its details and description. Click on the “Add Channel” button to begin the installation process. Wait for the app to download and install, which may take a few minutes.
5. Launch the YouTube App
After the YouTube app has been installed, it will appear on your Roku home screen. Select the YouTube app icon to launch it and start streaming your favorite videos.
Creating a YouTube Account (if necessary)
If you don’t already have a YouTube account, you’ll need to create one to use the YouTube app on your Roku. Here’s how:
- On a computer or mobile device, go to www.youtube.com.
- Click “Sign In” in the top right corner.
- Click “Create Account.”
- Follow the instructions to create your account.
Adding the YouTube Channel to Your Roku
Once you have a YouTube account, you can add the YouTube channel to your Roku. Here’s how:
- From the Roku home screen, scroll down and select “Streaming Channels.”
- Select “Search Channels.”
- Enter “YouTube” in the search bar.
- Select “YouTube” from the search results.
- Click “Add Channel.”
Activating Your YouTube Account on Your Roku
Once you’ve added the YouTube channel to your Roku, you’ll need to activate your account. Here’s how:
- Launch the YouTube app on your Roku.
- A code will appear on your screen.
- Go to youtube.com/activate on a computer or mobile device.
- Enter the code from your Roku TV and click “Next.”
- Sign in to your YouTube account if prompted.
Navigating the YouTube App on Roku
The YouTube app on Roku has a simple and easy-to-use interface. Here’s a quick overview of the navigation controls:
Button | Function |
---|---|
Up/Down | Scroll through the menu options |
Left/Right | Navigate through the different sections of the app |
OK | Select an option or play a video |
Back | Return to the previous screen |
Home | Return to the Roku home screen |
Star | Add a video to your Favorites |
Info | Display information about the current video |
Signing in to YouTube on Roku
1. **Go to the Roku home screen.**
2. **Select the “Streaming Channels” option.**
3. **Scroll down and select the “YouTube” channel.**
4. **Click the “Add channel” button.**
5. **Select the “My Account” option on the YouTube channel home screen.**
Linking Your YouTube Account to Roku
If you have a YouTube account, you can link it to your Roku to access personalized content and subscriptions.
Here’s how to link your account:
- Click on the “Sign In” option in the “My Account” menu.
- Enter your YouTube email address and password.
- A code will be displayed on your TV screen. Visit youtube.com/activate on your computer or mobile device.
- Enter the code in the provided field and click “Continue”.
- Your YouTube account will now be linked to your Roku.
Device | Instructions |
---|---|
Computer | Go to youtube.com/activate on your computer browser. |
Mobile | Open the YouTube app on your mobile phone or tablet. |
Tap on your profile picture and select “Settings”. | |
Select “Linked devices” and then “Add device”. | |
Enter the code displayed on your TV screen and tap “Continue”. |
Exploring the YouTube App on Roku
The YouTube app seamlessly integrates into the Roku platform, providing users with a familiar and user-friendly interface. Upon launching the app, you’re greeted with a home screen that presents a curated selection of recommended videos, trending content, and your personalized subscriptions.
Navigating through the YouTube app is fairly straightforward. The main menu provides quick access to your subscriptions, playlists, and recently watched videos. You can also explore different categories such as trending, music, gaming, and news.
Search and Discover
The search bar, prominently displayed at the top of the screen, allows you to easily find specific videos, channels, or topics. Once you start typing, the app will auto-suggest search terms and provide results as you type.
If you’re looking for inspiration, the “Explore” tab is a great place to start. Here, you’ll find curated collections of videos based on your interests and trending topics.
Related Content and Personalization
One of the key features of the YouTube app on Roku is its ability to personalize your experience. The app tracks your watch history and preferences to recommend videos and channels that you’ll likely enjoy.
As you watch more videos, the YouTube algorithm adapts to your tastes and provides increasingly relevant content. You can also create a custom playlist to save your favorite videos for easy access.
Additional Features and Tech Specs
Here’s a table summarizing some additional features and technical specifications of the YouTube app on Roku:
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Resolution | Up to 4K HDR (if supported by your Roku device) |
Voice search | Supported through Roku Voice Remote |
Casting | Supported from smartphones or tablets using the YouTube app |
Parental controls | Yes, available through the Roku device settings |
Searching for and Playing Videos
1. Open the Roku home screen: Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
2. Navigate to the Roku Channel Store: Scroll down to the “Streaming Channels” category and select it.
3. Search for YouTube: In the search bar at the top of the screen, enter “YouTube” and press the OK button.
4. Select the YouTube app: The YouTube app will appear in the search results. Select it.
5. Install the YouTube app: On the app’s page, select the “Add channel” button.
6. Launch the YouTube app: Once the app is installed, select the “Go to channel” button.
7. Sign in to your YouTube account (Optional): If you have a YouTube account, you can sign in to access your subscriptions, playlists, and other personalized content. To sign in, select the “Sign In” button and follow the on-screen instructions.
8. Search for and play videos: Use the search bar at the top of the app to find videos or browse through the recommended and trending content on the home screen. Select a video to start playing it.
Customizing YouTube Settings
Once you have YouTube set up on your Roku, you can customize the settings to fit your preferences. Here are some of the customizable options:
Account Settings
Under the “Account” tab in the YouTube settings menu, you can manage your Google account linked to YouTube, sign out of your account, and view your account’s privacy and security settings.
Playback Settings
In the “Playback” tab, you can adjust the playback quality, enable closed captions, and choose whether or not you want videos to autoplay when browsing.
Parental Controls
The “Parental Controls” tab allows you to set up a PIN to restrict access to certain types of content based on age ratings. You can also block specific channels or videos.
Notifications
Under the “Notifications” tab, you can manage which notifications you receive from YouTube, such as when a new video is uploaded from a subscribed channel or when you receive a comment on a video.
Privacy Settings
In the “Privacy” tab, you can control your privacy settings, such as whether or not your viewing history is saved and whether or not your activity is shared with other Google services.
Language and Location
Under the “Language and Location” tab, you can change the language and region settings for YouTube. This will affect the language of the interface and the recommended videos you see.
Additional Settings
In addition to the above settings, there are several other settings you can adjust in the “Additional Settings” tab, such as enabling or disabling dark mode and setting the default video player size.
Data Usage
You can also select to limit mobile data usage by selecting “Wi-Fi Only” in the “Playback Quality” sub-tab.
Additional Links to Useful Articles
How to Get YouTube on a Roku
1. Press the “Home” button on your Roku remote.
2. Scroll up and select “Streaming Channels”.
3. Select “Search Channels”.
4. Type “YouTube” into the search bar and select “OK”.
5. Select “Add Channel”.
6. Wait for YouTube to be added to your Roku.
7. Once YouTube is added, you can select it from your list of channels and sign in with your Google account.
8. You can now start watching YouTube videos on your Roku.
Troubleshooting YouTube Issues on Roku
1. Make sure your Roku is connected to the internet.
To check your Roku’s internet connection, go to “Settings” > “Network” > “Check connection”.
2. Make sure your Roku is up to date.
To check for Roku updates, go to “Settings” > “System” > “System update” > “Check now”.
3. Restart your Roku.
To restart your Roku, unplug it from the power outlet and then plug it back in.
4. Clear the YouTube cache.
To clear the YouTube cache, go to “Settings” > “Applications” > “Manage Installed Applications” > “YouTube” > “Clear cache”.
5. Reinstall YouTube.
To reinstall YouTube, go to “Settings” > “Applications” > “Manage Installed Applications” > “YouTube” > “Remove channel”. Then, follow the steps in the “How to Get YouTube on a Roku” section to reinstall YouTube.
6. Check your Google account.
Make sure that you are signed in to the correct Google account on your Roku. To check your Google account, go to “Settings” > “Accounts” > “Google”.
7. Check your YouTube subscription.
If you are having trouble watching YouTube videos on your Roku, make sure that you have an active YouTube subscription. To check your YouTube subscription, go to “Settings” > “Subscriptions”.
8. Contact Roku support.
If you are still having trouble with YouTube on your Roku, contact Roku support. You can contact Roku support by phone, email, or chat.
9. Check the following table for additional troubleshooting tips:
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
I can’t find YouTube on the Roku Channel Store. | Make sure that your Roku is connected to the internet and that you are using the latest version of the Roku software. |
I’m getting an error message when I try to watch a YouTube video. | Try restarting your Roku or clearing the YouTube cache. If you are still getting an error message, contact YouTube support. |
I can’t sign in to my YouTube account on my Roku. | Make sure that you are entering the correct Google account information. If you are still having trouble signing in, contact YouTube support. |
Deleting the YouTube App from Roku
If you no longer use the YouTube app on your Roku device, you can easily delete it to free up storage space. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Go to the Roku home screen: Press the Home button on your Roku remote to access the home screen.
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Navigate to the YouTube app: Use the arrow keys on your remote to navigate through the apps on your home screen until you reach the YouTube app.
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Select the YouTube app: Press the OK button on your remote to select the YouTube app.
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Press the asterisk button: This button is usually located at the bottom left corner of your Roku remote.
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Select the "Remove channel" option: A pop-up menu will appear. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the "Remove channel" option and press OK.
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Confirm the deletion: A confirmation message will appear. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the "OK" button and press OK to confirm the deletion.
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Wait for the deletion to complete: The YouTube app will be removed from your Roku device. This process may take a few moments.
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Restart your Roku device (optional): To ensure that the YouTube app is completely removed, it’s recommended to restart your Roku device.
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Check for any remaining YouTube files: After restarting your Roku device, check the Settings menu to ensure that there are no remaining YouTube files or data.
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Additional tips for deleting apps on Roku:
- You can also delete apps from the Roku channel store website by signing in to your Roku account.
- If you have multiple Roku devices, you can delete apps from all devices simultaneously by selecting the "Remove from all devices" option.
- If you encounter any issues while deleting an app, contact Roku support for assistance.
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Go to the Roku home screen. |
2 | Navigate to the YouTube app. |
3 | Select the YouTube app. |
4 | Press the asterisk button. |
5 | Select the “Remove channel” option. |
6 | Confirm the deletion. |
7 | Wait for the deletion to complete. |
8 | Restart your Roku device (optional). |
9 | Check for any remaining YouTube files. |
10 | Follow additional tips for deleting apps on Roku. |
How To Get Youtube On A Roku
Roku is a popular streaming device that allows users to access a wide variety of content, including movies, TV shows, and live TV. However, YouTube is not available on Roku by default. If you want to watch YouTube on your Roku, you will need to add the YouTube channel to your device.
Here are the steps on how to get YouTube on a Roku:
- Turn on your Roku and press the Home button on the remote.
- Scroll down and select the Streaming Channels option.
- Select the Search Channels option.
- Enter “YouTube” into the search bar and press the OK button.
- Select the YouTube channel from the search results.
- Select the Add Channel option.
- The YouTube channel will now be added to your Roku.
Once you have added the YouTube channel to your Roku, you can launch it by pressing the Home button on the remote and selecting the YouTube channel from the list of channels.
People Also Ask About How To Get Youtube On A Roku
How do I get YouTube on my old Roku?
If you have an older Roku device that does not have the YouTube channel available, you can still watch YouTube by using the Roku Media Player.
Here are the steps on how to use the Roku Media Player to watch YouTube:
- Install the Roku Media Player app on your computer.
- Create a Roku account and sign in to the Roku Media Player app.
- Add the YouTube channel to your Roku Media Player.
- Launch the Roku Media Player app on your computer and sign in to your Roku account.
- Select the YouTube channel from the list of channels.
- Use the Roku Media Player remote to control YouTube.
How do I add YouTube to my Roku without a remote?
If you do not have a Roku remote, you can still add the YouTube channel to your Roku device by using the Roku mobile app.
Here are the steps on how to add YouTube to your Roku without a remote:
- Download the Roku mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Create a Roku account and sign in to the Roku mobile app.
- Select your Roku device from the list of devices.
- Select the Streaming Channels option.
- Select the Search Channels option.
- Enter “YouTube” into the search bar and press the OK button.
- Select the YouTube channel from the search results.
- Select the Add Channel option.
- The YouTube channel will now be added to your Roku.