How to Get Netflix on Roku

Roku streaming boxes and Roku TV smart televisions can both be used to watch Netflix, just like other streaming devices. The terminology is a little different, since Roku refers to its apps as channels, but the difference is superficial. All you have to do to to use Roku and Netflix is connect your device to the internet, then download the Roku Netflix channel.

How to Tell if Your Roku Works With Netflix

Netflix doesn't support some older Roku hardware, which means there's a chance you won't be able to stream Netflix using your Roku. This was a direct result of Roku ending support for certain older hardware. Since Roku no longer provides updates for those devices, Netflix is unable to keep their app up to date.

Devices affected by this end of service include both first and second generation Roku units. That means if your Roku was manufactured prior to 2011, it probably won't work with Netflix.

Affected Roku devices that no longer work with Netflix include: Roku HD, HD-XR, SD, XD, XDS, and also the Netgear-branded Roku XD and XDS units.

If you have a third generation or later Roku device that was built after 2011, it should still work with Netflix. However, that may change in the future if Roku stops supporting older hardware again and Netflix is forced to follow suit. For more information, check out Netflix's list of compatible devices.

How to Get Netflix on Roku

To get Netflix on Roku, you need to download the Netflix channel to your device and either sign up for a free trial or enter your login information if you already have an account.

You can queue up the download directly from the Roku Channel Store by following these steps:

1. Navigate to channelstore.roku.com/details/12/netflix.

2. Log in if you aren't already logged in, then click Add Channel.

3. Next time you use your Roku, it should automatically download Netflix.

How to Get Netflix on Roku Without a Computer

If you don't want to use a computer to add the Netflix channel to your Roku, you also have the option to do so directly from your Roku.

1. Plug your Roku in, make sure it's connected to the internet, and switch your television to the appropriate input.

2. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.

3. Scroll the left sidebar, then select Streaming Channels.

4. Select Search Channels.

   If you see Netflix in the list of channels on the right, you can select it and skip the next step.

5. Search for Netflix.

6. When Netflix appears, select it from the list.

7. From the Netflix channel page, select Add Channel.

8. The Netflix channel will download and install.

9. Select OK, and you're done.

How to Watch Netflix on Roku

Once you have installed the Netflix channel on your Roku, streaming is easy.

1. Plug your Roku in, make sure it's connected to the internet, and switch your television to the appropriate input.

2. Press the home button on your Roku remote.

3. Press right on your remote, then scroll through the list of channels.

4. Select Netflix.

5. Select Try 30 Days free to start a trial, or Sign in if you already have an account.

   How to Get Netflix for Free

6. Enter your email address and Netflix password, then select Next.

7. Select the profile to use with your Roku.

8. Select the movie or show you want to watch.

9. You movie or show should begin streaming.