Adding an app to Roku takes three steps: open the Roku home screen, find the app in the official channel store, and select it to install
The Roku Channel Store is built into every Roku device. You navigate to it from your home screen, search for the app you want, and press a button to add it. The app then appears on your home screen and is ready to use. Most apps are free, though some require a subscription or payment to watch content inside them.
The process is the same whether you have a Roku TV, a Roku streaming stick, or a Roku box. You do not need a computer or phone to add apps — everything happens on your TV using your Roku remote.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Roku home screen, scroll to "Streaming Channels," and select "Search Channels" to find apps by name.
- Once you find an app, select it and choose "Add Channel" — it will appear on your home screen within seconds.
- Your Roku account must be set up on the device before you can add apps, but this happens automatically when you first turn on the device.
- Apps you add stay on your device until you remove them; you can rearrange them by moving them around on your home screen.
- Some apps require you to sign in with a separate account (like Netflix or Hulu) after you add them, but the app itself is free to install.
Step-by-step: Adding an app from the Roku Channel Store
Start on your Roku home screen. This is the main page you see when you turn on your device, showing your apps and channels in rows.
Scroll up to the top row and look for "Streaming Channels." Select it. You will see options including "Search Channels," "Featured Channels," and "Categories."
Choose "Search Channels" if you know the name of the app you want. Use your remote to type the app name — the Roku remote has a text input screen that appears on your TV. Once you type the name, select "Search" and Roku will show you matching results.
If you do not know the exact name, use "Categories" to browse by type: Movies, TV, Music, Sports, News, and others. Scroll through the list until you find an app that interests you.
When you find the app you want, select it. You will see a description, screenshots, and a button that says "Add Channel." Press that button. The app will download and install — this usually takes less than a minute.
Once installation is complete, the app appears on your home screen. You can now open it and use it.
Moving and organizing apps on your home screen
After you add apps, you can rearrange them so your most-used apps appear first. Press the star button (or options button) on your remote while an app is highlighted on your home screen.
A menu will appear with options including "Move Channel." Select this option. Your remote will then let you move the app left or right on the screen. Press the button again when the app is where you want it.
You can also remove an app from your home screen without deleting it. In the same menu, select "Remove Channel." The app is no longer visible on your home screen, but you can add it back later from the Channel Store without reinstalling it.
Signing in to apps after you add them
Some apps, like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max, require you to sign in with your account before you can watch anything. Adding the app to your device is free — you only need an account if you want to use that service.
When you open an app for the first time, it will usually prompt you to sign in. You can enter your username and password using your remote, or many apps offer a faster option: they give you a code to enter on the app's website from your phone or computer, which signs you in without typing.
Free apps like Pluto TV, Tubi, and YouTube do not require a separate account, though you may choose to sign in to save your preferences.
What to do if an app will not install
If you try to add an app and it fails, the most common reason is that your Roku device does not have enough storage space. Roku devices have limited built-in storage, and adding many apps can fill it up.
Check how much space you have left by going to Settings > System > About. If storage is low, remove apps you no longer use. Open each app's menu (using the star or options button) and select "Remove Channel."
If storage is not the problem, restart your device. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Once it restarts, try adding the app again.
If the app still will not install, check that your Roku device is connected to the internet. Go to Settings > Network and confirm you are connected to your Wi-Fi. If you are not connected, select your network and enter your password.
Finding apps that are not in the official Channel Store
The Roku Channel Store contains thousands of apps, but not every app you might want is available there. Some developers do not make Roku versions of their apps, or they may have removed them.
If you cannot find an app in the Channel Store, check the app's official website or social media to see if they offer a Roku version. Some apps are available only in certain countries, so if you are outside the United States, some apps may not appear in your store.
Roku also allows sideloading — installing apps from outside the official store — but this requires a computer and is not a straightforward process. For most people, the apps in the Channel Store are sufficient.
Removing apps you no longer use
To delete an app completely from your Roku device, highlight it on your home screen and press the star or options button on your remote. Select "Remove Channel."
A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to remove the channel. Select "Yes" to confirm. The app is now deleted and no longer takes up storage space on your device.
If you change your mind later, you can add the app back from the Channel Store at any time. Your viewing history and preferences in that app may or may not be saved, depending on whether you were signed in with an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Roku account to add apps?
Yes, your Roku device must be linked to a Roku account before you can add apps. This happens automatically when you first set up your device. If you skipped this step, go to Settings > System > About and follow the prompts to link your account.
Can I add apps from my phone or computer instead of using the remote?
Yes. Log into your Roku account at roku.com, go to "My Account," and look for the option to add channels to your device. You can search and add apps from there, and they will appear on your device within a few minutes. This is faster than typing on your remote.
Why does my Roku keep saying "channel not available in your region"?
Some apps are only available in certain countries due to licensing agreements. If you are traveling or using a VPN, Roku may block the app. Check that your account location matches where you are. If you are in the correct region and the app still will not install, the app may have been removed from the Roku Channel Store.
Will adding too many apps slow down my Roku?
Adding apps uses storage space, and if your device runs out of storage, it may slow down or stop working properly. Most Roku devices have between 500 MB and 1 GB of storage. If you add more than 50 apps, you may start to see performance issues. Remove apps you do not use regularly to free up space.
Can I share apps with other people on my Roku?
Apps are tied to your Roku account, not to individual users. Anyone using your Roku device can open any app you have added. However, if an app requires a login (like Netflix), each person needs their own account with that service to watch their own content.