The basic way to add apps to Roku

You add apps to Roku through the Roku Channel Store, which is built into your device. Press the Home button on your Roku remote, scroll to "Streaming Channels," and select "Search Channels." Type the name of the app you want — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, or any of thousands of others — and select it from the results. Choose "Add Channel," and Roku will install it to your home screen within seconds. The app then appears in your channel list, ready to open and use.

Most apps are free to add to your Roku, though some require a paid subscription to watch anything. Adding the app itself costs nothing. Your Roku connects to the internet through your home WiFi, so as long as your device is online and you have a Roku account (which you set up when you first turn on the device), you can add channels when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • You add apps through the Roku Channel Store by pressing Home, selecting Streaming Channels, and searching for the app by name.
  • Adding an app to Roku is free and takes seconds, though watching content in that app may require a paid subscription.
  • You can organize your channels by moving them around on your home screen or removing ones you no longer use.
  • If an app stops working, restart your Roku device or reinstall the app from the Channel Store.
  • Roku automatically updates apps in the background, so you do not need to manually check for updates.

Finding apps in the Roku Channel Store

The Roku Channel Store has over 10,000 channels available, though you will use only a fraction of them. The easiest way to find an app is to search by name. From your home screen, go to "Streaming Channels," then "Search Channels," and type what you are looking for. Roku will show you exact matches first, then similar results.

If you do not know the exact name, you can browse by category instead. The Channel Store organizes apps by type: Movies & TV, Music, Sports, News, Kids, and others. Scroll through a category to see what is available, read the description and user ratings, and add anything that interests you. Many apps show whether they are free or require a subscription before you add them.

Organizing your channels after you add them

When you add a new app, it appears at the end of your channel list. You can rearrange your channels so the ones you use most are at the front. Press the Home button, highlight any channel, and press the Options button (the star icon) on your remote. Select "Move Channel," then use the arrow buttons to slide it left or right to a new position. Press OK when you are happy with the placement.

You can also remove channels you no longer watch. Highlight the channel, press Options, and select "Remove Channel." This does not delete your account or settings in that app — it just removes the shortcut from your home screen. You can add it back anytime by searching the Channel Store again.

What to do if an app will not install or stops working

If you search for an app and it does not appear in results, the app may not be available in your region or on your specific Roku model. Older Roku devices sometimes lack support for newer apps. Check the Roku website or the app's official page to confirm it works with your model.

If an app installs but crashes or freezes when you open it, restart your Roku device first. Press Home, go to Settings, then System, then Power, and select "Restart." Wait for the device to reboot — this usually takes a minute or two. If the app still does not work, remove it from your home screen and reinstall it from the Channel Store. This clears out any corrupted files and often fixes the problem.

Roku automatically updates apps in the background when your device is connected to WiFi and not in use. You do not need to manually check for updates or install them yourself. If an app has a known issue, Roku usually pushes a fix within days.

Using the Roku mobile app to add channels remotely

You can add channels to your Roku without touching the remote. read the official Roku app on your phone (available for iPhone and Android), sign in with the same Roku account you use on your device, and select your Roku from the list of devices. Tap "Streaming Channels," search for an app, and select "Add Channel." It will install on your Roku within seconds, and you will see it appear on your home screen.

The mobile app is useful if you lose your remote or want to add several channels at once without navigating menus on your TV. You can also use the app as a remote control itself — it has a virtual remote that works over WiFi, though the physical remote is usually faster for everyday use.

Paid apps and subscription services on Roku

Most channels on Roku are free to add and free to use if you already have a subscription elsewhere. For example, you add Netflix to your Roku for free, but you need an active Netflix subscription to watch anything. You log in with your Netflix account, and the app pulls your shows and movies from your Netflix library.

Some apps charge a one-time fee to add them, and a few require a monthly subscription through Roku itself. The Channel Store shows the cost before you add the app, so you will know what you are paying. If you add a paid app and change your mind, you can remove it and request a refund through your Roku account settings within a short window — usually 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add apps to Roku without a Roku account?

No. You need a Roku account to add channels, and you create one when you first set up your device. The account is free and takes a few minutes to complete. You use the same account to manage your channels, update your device, and access any paid services you subscribe to.

Why does an app I want not show up in the Channel Store?

The app may not be available in your country or on your specific Roku model. Newer Roku devices support more apps than older ones. Check the app's official website or contact Roku support to confirm compatibility. Some apps are also region-locked for licensing reasons.

Do I need to pay to add apps to Roku?

Adding apps is free. Most channels themselves are free to add and free to use. However, watching content in many apps requires a paid subscription — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others all charge monthly fees. The app itself is free; the content inside costs money.

What happens to my apps if I factory reset my Roku?

A factory reset removes all your channels and settings. When you set up your Roku again and sign in with the same account, you can re-add your channels, but you will need to do so manually or restore from a backup if Roku offers one. Avoid factory resets unless you are troubleshooting a serious problem.

Can I sideload apps that are not in the Roku Channel Store?

Roku does not officially support sideloading apps. The Channel Store is the only supported way to add channels. Some Roku devices have developer mode, but using it voids your warranty and can introduce security risks. Stick to the Channel Store for safety and reliability.