How to Add Channels to Your Roku Device

The fastest way to add channels to Roku

You add channels to Roku through the Roku Channel Store, which you reach directly from your TV remote. Press the Home button on your remote, scroll to "Streaming Channels," and select "Search Channels" or "Browse All." Find the channel you want, select it, and choose "Add Channel." The channel then appears on your home screen within seconds.

You can also add channels through the Roku mobile app or the Roku website if you prefer using your phone or computer, though the TV remote method is usually fastest. All three routes connect to the same Channel Store and add the same channels to your device.

Key Takeaways

The Roku Channel Store is built into your TV and accessed through the Home button on your remote — you do not need to download anything first.
Channels are free to add to your device, though some channels require a paid subscription to watch their content.
You can search for a specific channel by name or browse by category like Movies, Sports, or News.
Channels you add appear on your home screen and can be rearranged or removed at any time.

Adding channels using your Roku remote

Start by pressing the Home button on your Roku remote. This takes you to the home screen where all your channels live. From there, scroll down to find "Streaming Channels" — the exact name varies slightly depending on your Roku model, but it is always near the top of the menu.

Once you select "Streaming Channels," you will see options to "Search Channels" or "Browse All." If you know the channel name — Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, ESPN, or any other — choose "Search Channels" and type the name using your remote. If you want to explore what is available, choose "Browse All" to see channels organized by category.

When you find a channel you want, select it to open its details page. You will see a button that says "Add Channel." Select it. The channel is then added to your home screen, usually within a few seconds. You do not need to restart your device or do anything else.

Using the Roku mobile app or website

The Roku mobile app (available for iPhone and Android) and the Roku website both let you add channels without touching your TV remote. Download the Roku app or visit roku.com, sign in with your Roku account, and navigate to the Channel Store section. Search for or browse channels the same way you would on your TV.

When you find a channel and select "Add Channel," it appears on your Roku device within moments. This method works well if your remote is lost or if you prefer browsing on a larger screen. Your Roku device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Roku account for channels added through the app or website to show up on your TV.

What happens after you add a channel

Once a channel is added, it appears as a tile on your Roku home screen. You can launch it immediately by selecting it, or you can rearrange your home screen so your most-used channels appear first. To move a channel, highlight it on your home screen, press the Options button (the star icon) on your remote, and choose "Move Channel."

Adding a channel to your device does not automatically subscribe you to that channel's content. For example, adding the Netflix channel requires you to sign in with a Netflix account and an active subscription. Some channels are completely free to watch (like YouTube or Pluto TV), while others require a paid subscription or a cable login to view their content.

Removing channels you no longer want

If you add a channel and later decide you do not want it, removing it takes seconds. Highlight the channel on your home screen, press the Options button on your remote, and select "Remove Channel." The channel disappears from your home screen immediately, though you can add it back at any time by returning to the Channel Store.

Removing a channel from your device does not cancel any subscription you have to that service — it only removes the app from your Roku. If you have a paid Netflix or Hulu account, for example, removing the channel from Roku does not affect your subscription.

Channels that require a subscription versus free channels

The Roku Channel Store includes both free and paid channels. Free channels like YouTube, Pluto TV, Tubi, and Roku's own free ad-supported content do not require a subscription — you add them and start watching immediately. Paid channels like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max require you to have an active subscription with that service and to sign in with your account credentials.

Some channels offer both free and paid content. For example, you can add the Paramount+ channel for free, but watching most of its content requires a Paramount+ subscription. The channel listing usually tells you whether the channel is free or requires a subscription before you add it.

Troubleshooting channels that will not add

If you try to add a channel and nothing happens, first check that your Roku device is connected to the internet. Go to Settings > Network on your Roku to confirm your Wi-Fi connection is active. If your connection is fine, restart your Roku device by going to Settings > System > Power > Restart.

If a specific channel still will not add after a restart, the channel may be temporarily unavailable or incompatible with your Roku model. Very old Roku devices sometimes cannot run newer channels. Try searching for the channel again in a few hours, or check the Roku support website to see if the channel is compatible with your specific model. You can find your model number in Settings > System > About.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Roku account to add channels?

Yes, your Roku device must be signed into a Roku account to add channels. You create a free Roku account during the initial setup of your device. If you have already set up your Roku, you are already signed in.

Can I add channels to multiple Roku devices with the same account?

Yes. If you sign into the same Roku account on multiple devices, you can add channels to each one separately. Channels added to one device do not automatically appear on another device — you choose which channels to add to each Roku.

What if a channel I want is not in the Roku Channel Store?

Not every streaming service has a Roku channel. If a service does not appear in the Channel Store, you may be able to use screen mirroring to watch it on your TV. Most phones and computers can mirror their screen to a Roku device — check your phone's settings or your computer's display options for a "Cast" or "Mirror" feature.

Will adding channels slow down my Roku?

Adding channels does not noticeably slow down your Roku device. You can safely add dozens of channels without affecting performance. If your Roku feels slow, the issue is usually a weak Wi-Fi connection or an outdated software version, not the number of channels you have added.

Can I hide channels instead of removing them?

Roku does not have a built-in hide feature, but you can move channels to the end of your home screen so they are out of sight. Some Roku models let you organize channels into folders or categories, which you can check in your Settings menu under Home Screen.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.