The fastest way to add apps to Roku

You add apps to Roku through the Roku Channel Store, which is built into every Roku device. Press the Home button on your remote, scroll to "Streaming Channels," and select "Search Channels" or "Browse All." Find the app you want, select it, and choose "Add Channel." The app appears on your home screen within seconds.

You can also add apps from your phone or computer using the Roku mobile app or the Roku website, which is useful if you want to set up channels before sitting down to watch. Both methods put the same apps on your device — there's no difference in what you get.

Most apps are free to download, though some require a paid subscription to watch content. Downloading the app itself costs nothing; you only pay if you choose to subscribe to that service.

Key Takeaways

  • The Roku Channel Store is built into your device and accessible from the Home screen — you don't need a computer or phone to add apps.
  • You can search by app name or browse categories like Movies, Sports, or News to find channels you want.
  • Adding an app takes a few seconds and puts it on your home screen immediately; you can remove it just as quickly if you change your mind.
  • The Roku mobile app and website let you add channels remotely, which is handy for setting up before you start watching.
  • Free apps download at no cost, though many require a paid subscription to watch their content.

Adding apps directly from your Roku remote

Start by pressing the Home button on your Roku remote. You'll see your home screen with rows of apps and channels. Look for "Streaming Channels" — the exact name varies slightly by Roku model, but it's always near the top of the menu.

Select "Streaming Channels" and you'll see two main options: "Search Channels" and "Browse All." If you know which app you want, choose "Search Channels," type the name using your remote's keyboard, and select it from the results. If you're browsing, choose "Browse All" to see channels organized by category — Movies, TV, Sports, News, Kids, and others.

Once you find an app, select it to open its detail page. You'll see a description, user ratings, and a button that says "Add Channel." Press it. The app downloads and appears on your home screen in a few seconds. You're done — no additional steps or confirmations needed.

Using the Roku mobile app to add channels

Download the official Roku app on your phone (available for iPhone and Android). Open it and sign in with the same Roku account you use on your device. The app automatically finds your Roku player on your home network.

Tap the search icon and type the name of the app you want. Select it from the results, and tap "Add Channel." The app appears on your Roku device's home screen within a minute, even if you're not sitting in front of the TV. This is useful for setting up channels before guests arrive or before you settle in to watch.

The mobile app also shows you which channels you already have installed and lets you remove them from the same screen. You can organize your home screen by moving channels around — hold and drag them to reorder.

Adding apps through the Roku website

Go to roku.com and sign in with your Roku account. Click on "Channels" or "Browse Channels" in the main menu. Search for the app you want or browse by category, just like on your device.

Click "Add Channel" on the app's detail page. A window will ask which Roku device you want to add it to if you have more than one. Select your device and confirm. The channel appears on that device's home screen within a few minutes.

The website is handy if you're at work or on your computer and want to queue up channels before you get home. You can add multiple channels at once without touching your remote.

What to do if an app won't download or install

If an app fails to download, first check that your Roku device is connected to the internet. Go to Settings > Network on your device and confirm you're connected to your Wi-Fi. If the connection is weak, move your Roku closer to your router or restart both devices.

Some apps require a certain Roku model or software version. If an app won't show up in search results, your device may not support it. Check the app's detail page — it usually lists which Roku models work with it. If your device is too old, you may need to update your Roku software. Go to Settings > System > System Update and select "Check Now."

If an app downloads but won't open, try removing it and adding it again. Press the Home button, highlight the app, press the Options button (the star icon on most remotes), and select "Remove Channel." Then add it again from the Channel Store. Restart your Roku device if the problem persists — hold the power button for 10 seconds.

Managing and organizing your installed apps

Your Roku home screen shows your most-used channels first, but you can rearrange them. Highlight any channel, press the Options button on your remote, and select "Move Channel." Use the arrow buttons to position it where you want, then press OK.

To remove an app you no longer use, highlight it, press Options, and select "Remove Channel." It disappears from your home screen but you can add it back anytime from the Channel Store — removing it doesn't delete your login information or settings for that app.

If you have many channels, use the "Favorites" feature to keep your most-watched ones at the top. Highlight a channel, press Options, and select "Add to Favorites." Favorite channels appear in a separate row above the rest.

Free apps versus apps that require payment

Most apps in the Roku Channel Store are free to download. Apps like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Pluto TV don't charge you to install them. You only pay if you subscribe to their service — and many of them offer free tiers with ads.

A few apps do charge a one-time purchase price, usually between $5 and $20. These are rare and clearly marked as "Paid" on their detail page. You'll see the price before you add the channel, and Roku will ask you to confirm the purchase using your account.

Some apps are free but require a cable or streaming subscription to watch. For example, the ESPN app is free to download, but you need an active cable or streaming service login to watch most content. The app's detail page explains what you need to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add apps from outside the Roku Channel Store?

No. Roku only allows apps from its official Channel Store. You cannot sideload apps or install them from other sources on standard Roku devices. This is a security measure to protect your device and account.

Do I need a Roku account to add apps?

Yes. You need a free Roku account to add channels to your device. You create one during Roku setup. If you've already set up your device, you already have an account. You use the same account on the mobile app and website.

Will my apps stay if I factory reset my Roku?

No. A factory reset removes all channels and settings. If you reset your device and sign back in with the same Roku account, you can add your channels again, but you'll have to do it manually or use the mobile app to re-add them.

How many apps can I add to Roku?

Roku doesn't set a hard limit, but adding too many channels slows down your home screen. Most people keep 20 to 40 active channels. You can always remove channels you don't use and add them back later.

Why is an app I want not showing up in the Channel Store?

The app may not be available in your region, or your Roku model may not support it. Some apps are only available in certain countries. Check the app's detail page to see which Roku models it works with, or search for an alternative app that does the same thing.