Getting More Out of Your Roku
Most people set up their Roku, add a few channels, and never explore beyond the Home Screen. But Roku is packed with useful features, shortcuts, and settings that can genuinely improve your daily streaming experience. Here are ten worth knowing about.
1. Use the Secret Search Shortcut
Instead of navigating to the search bar from the Home Screen, press the Search button (magnifying glass) on your remote anytime — even while inside an app. Roku's universal search spans across Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Disney+, and more simultaneously, showing you where content is available and at what cost.
2. Private Listening with Your Phone
Don't want to disturb others while watching? Download the free Roku mobile app (iOS and Android), connect to the same Wi-Fi as your Roku, and plug headphones into your phone. Your TV audio streams directly to your headphones in real time. This works even without a Voice Remote.
3. Mirror Your Phone Screen to Your TV
Roku supports screen mirroring from Android phones and Windows computers. On your Roku, go to Settings → System → Screen Mirroring and enable it. Then use your Android's "Cast" or "Screen Mirroring" function to connect. This is great for sharing photos, presentations, or mobile games on the big screen.
4. Rearrange and Hide Channels
Your Home Screen doesn't have to be cluttered. Highlight any channel tile, press the Star (*) button on your remote, and you'll get options to move, remove, or learn more about that channel. Rearrange your most-used channels to the top for faster access.
5. Enable the Secret Screensaver Settings
Roku has a variety of screensavers including some beautiful ambient ones. Go to Settings → Screensaver to browse options. You can also set a custom wait time before the screensaver activates, which is handy if you regularly pause content and don't want the screensaver interrupting.
6. Use Closed Captions on Any App
You can enable subtitles globally across all channels. Press the Star (*) button during playback to access caption options for most apps. Alternatively, set your preference at Settings → Accessibility → Captions Mode to always show captions across all content.
7. Check What's Draining Performance with the Secret Menu
Press Home 5 times, then Fast Forward, Pause, Rewind, Pause, Fast Forward to access a hidden developer/diagnostic menu with information about your device's performance, signal strength, and network stats. It's read-only and safe to explore.
8. Set a Sleep Timer
Roku has a built-in sleep timer so your TV turns off automatically. Press the Star (*) button on the Home Screen or during playback and look for the Sleep Timer option. Set it to 30, 60, 90 minutes, or 3 hours — perfect for falling asleep to a show without leaving the TV on all night.
9. Use Roku as a Bluetooth Speaker
Some Roku models support Bluetooth audio output. In Settings → Remotes & Devices → Wireless Speakers, you may be able to pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers directly to your Roku for wire-free audio — no phone required.
10. Add Channels That Aren't in the Channel Store
Roku has a "Private Channels" system where developers publish channels that don't appear in the public store. To add one, go to my.roku.com on your computer, sign in, go to My Account → Add a channel with a code, and enter the channel's access code. Many niche content providers and international channels are available this way.
Keep Exploring
Roku regularly adds new features through software updates, so it's worth revisiting your Settings menu occasionally. The features above work on most current Roku devices and software versions, though some (like Bluetooth audio) are model-specific. Enjoy discovering what your Roku can really do.