How to Jailbreak a Roku Express

The Roku Express is an inexpensive Roku streaming stick that provides users with a wealth of channels and content. If you're wondering if you can jailbreak a Roku Express to sideload more apps, the short answer is no, because Roku devices use closed system software. Still, there are some workarounds that will allow you to watch additional content.

Screen Mirroring With an Android or Windows Device

With an Android or Windows device, screen mirroring allows you to see your device's content on your TV screen with a Roku Express.

1. From your Roku's main menu, select Settings.

   

2. Select System > Screen mirroring.

   

3. Select Screen mirroring mode.

   

   While screen mirroring is active, you can't perform other tasks on your smartphone. If you tap another app or icon, the content will stop playing.

4. Select Prompt or Always Allow to enable screen mirroring.

   

5. From your Android or Windows device, go to Settings > Display.

6. Select Wireless Display.

7. Find and select your Roku Express.

   

8. Your device's content is now displaying on your Roku Express-equipped TV.

   Traditional screen mirroring to a Roku isn't supported on iOS devices, but there are a number of apps to download on your Mac or iOS device, such as Mirror for Roku, that allow screen mirroring functionality.

Screen Casting

Another Roku Express jailbreaking alternative is casting. To cast content to your TV, you'll need an Android or iOS device and a casting-compatible app, such as Netflix or YouTube, installed on your Roku Express. Here's how it works:

1. On your mobile device, open the app you want to cast, and then tap the casting icon.

2. Select your Roku Express.

3. You'll see a connection message on your phone, and then the app will automatically begin playing on your Roku Express-equipped TV.

   

Play on Roku

Another jailbreak workaround is the Play on Roku feature in the Roku mobile iOS or Android app. With Play on Roku, display your photos and videos or send music to your Roku Express-equipped TV. This feature is compatible with the JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV, M4V, MP3, and M4A formats.

1. Open the Roku mobile app and select Devices from the bottom menu.

2. Select your Roku Express.

3. Tap the Media icon to launch Play on Roku.

   

4. Tap Music, Photos, or Videos.

5. Tap Give Access to permit Roku to access your photos and videos. When prompted, tap OK to give access to your photo library.

6. If you selected Photos, tap the album you want to display.

   

7. Tap the Play button from the bottom. You'll see your photos or videos on your Roku Express-equipped TV.

   

Play Content From a PC or Media Server

Use a smartphone and your Roku Express to play content stored on a PC or media server with the Roku Media Player channel, which is preinstalled on your Roku streaming device. If you don't see it, install it from the Roku Channel Store.

This app plays music, photos, and videos from PCs and media servers on the same home network. Here's how it works:

1. Open the Roku Media Player channel.

   

2. On the Media Type Selection screen, select All, Video, Audio, or Photo.

   

3. Select your media player.

   

4. In a folder, find the content you want to play.

   

   If the content is in an unsupported file format, you won't see it.

5. Press the OK or Play button on the Roku remote. Use the remote's controls to navigate your media, including play, pause, rewind, and fast-forward.

   Not all file types support all controls, however.

6. To stop playback from the Roku Media Player, press the back button on the Roku remote.