How to Add Channels to Roku

Roku is a great way to stream free and paid entertainment services, including Netflix, Hulu, broadcast channels, and hundreds more. When you first buy and set up your Roku set-top box, streaming stick, or Roku TV, there's an array of channels already included, with many more available. Here's how to add channels to Roku using the Roku Channel Store as well as how to add "secret" channels. No Roku device? You can watch the Roku Channel using a dedicated mobile app.

To present more of a TV experience, Roku refers to apps, such as Netflix, Fandango, YouTube, and more, as "channels."

ROKU - Add Channels via Roku Streamer or Smartphone

How to Add a Channel From the Roku Channel Store

It's easy to add channels directly from your Roku device, Roku.com, or through the Roku mobile app.

Add Channels From a Roku Device

Use your Roku remote to navigate to the Roku Channel Store.

On your Roku remote, press the Home button to access the Roku Home screen.
Use the down arrow on your remote to navigate to Streaming Channels.
Select OK on your remote to enter the Roku Channel Store.
Browse by Featured, search through Genres, or use the Search function to find a channel by name.
Choose a channel you want to add, and then select Add channel.
You'll see a Channel added message. Select OK.
Select Go to channel to visit the channel immediately, or access it anytime from your Home screen.

Some channels are free to add, while paid channels will prompt you for payment. Certain channels, such as Netflix or Hulu, require a paid subscription to access their content.

Add Channels From the Roku Mobile App

Make sure to install the Roku mobile app for iOS or Android. Once installed, use this app to manage your Roku channels.

Open the Roku app and tap Devices from the bottom menu.

Make sure the app is connected to your Roku device.
Below your connected Roku, tap Channels.
Under the Channels tab, you'll see a list of currently installed channels. To add a channel, tap Channel Store.
Browse by Featured, search through Genres, or use the Search function to find a channel by name.
Find a channel you want to add, and then select Add.
You'll see a Channel added message. Select OK.

Add Channels From Roku in a Web Browser

It's easy to add channels from your account at Roku.com.

Navigate to Roku.com and sign in to your account.
Select your account icon from the top right and then select Channel store.
Browse by category, including Themes, Travel, TV en Espanol, Featured, and more.
Find a channel you want to add, and then select Add Channel.
The app is immediately installed, and you'll see a confirmation message on your screen.

Adding Private, Non-Certified Channels to Roku

If a channel is still in the testing phase, it's considered private, or "non-certified." While these channels aren't available in the Roku Channel Store, it's possible to install them with an access code.

Here's how to add a non-certified Roku channel using an access code:

While there's no official list of non-certified channels, if you search Google for "Roku private channels," you'll find many non-certified channels and their access codes.

Navigate to Roku.com and sign in to your account.
Select your account icon from the top right, and then select My Account.
Under Manage account, select Add channel with a code.
Enter the channel access code and then select Add channel.

In this example, we're using a code for the Wilderness Channel.
You'll see a warning message with Roku's policies about non-certified channels. Select OK to continue.
On the confirmation screen, select Yes, add channel. The channel will be added to your channel lineup.

Roku isn't responsible for any fees a non-certified channel may charge.

How to Remove Channels From Your Roku

It's easy to remove channels from your Roku lineup directly on your TV or through the Roku mobile app.

If you're removing a channel with a paid subscription, such as Netflix, you'll have to cancel your subscription through the service provider.

Remove a Channel From a Roku Device

On your Roku remote, press the Home button to access the Roku Home screen.
Navigate to the channel you want to remove, and select the star button on your remote to load channel information.
Select Remove Channel, and then select Remove again to confirm.