Adding a channel to Roku takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you use a Roku TV, streaming stick, or box

You add channels through the Roku home screen using your remote. The process is the same across all Roku devices: go to the home screen, find the Roku Channel Store, search for the channel you want, and select "Add Channel." Within seconds, the channel appears on your home screen and is ready to use. You do not need to restart your device or do anything else after that.

The channel installs instantly, but you may need to sign in with a username and password once you open it for the first time. Some channels are free; others require a paid subscription or cable login. Roku itself does not charge you to add channels — the cost, if any, comes from the channel provider.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the Home button on your Roku remote, then navigate to the Roku Channel Store to find and add channels.
  • Channels install immediately and appear on your home screen right away without requiring a device restart.
  • You can remove a channel by highlighting it on the home screen, pressing the Options button (star icon), and selecting "Remove channel."
  • Roku does not charge to add channels, but some channels themselves charge a subscription fee or require a cable login.
  • If a channel does not appear after adding it, restart your Roku device by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

Step-by-step: Adding a channel from the Roku Channel Store

Start by pressing the Home button on your Roku remote. This takes you to the home screen, which shows all your installed channels and apps. From the home screen, look for an option labeled "Roku Channel Store" or sometimes just "Channel Store" — it is usually near the top or bottom of the screen depending on your Roku model.

Once you open the Channel Store, you will see a search box at the top. Type the name of the channel you want to add. For example, if you want to add Netflix, type "Netflix." The search results will show matching channels. Select the one you want from the list.

On the channel's detail page, you will see a button that says "Add Channel." Press it. Your Roku will confirm that the channel is being added, and within a few seconds it will appear on your home screen. You can now open it and sign in if needed.

What to do if you cannot find the channel you want

Not every streaming service or app is available on Roku. Before you spend time searching, check the Roku Channel Store directly to confirm the channel exists. Some services have their own Roku apps, while others do not support Roku at all. If a channel is not in the Roku Channel Store, it is not available for your device.

If you are looking for a specific streaming service and cannot find it, visit the service's website and search for "Roku" in their help section. They will tell you whether they offer a Roku app. If they do not, you may be able to use screen mirroring or AirPlay from another device to watch on your TV instead.

Removing a channel you no longer use

To remove a channel, go to your home screen and highlight the channel you want to delete. Press the Options button on your remote — this is the button with a star or asterisk symbol on it. A menu will appear with several choices. Select "Remove channel" from that menu.

Roku will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the channel. Select "Yes" to complete the removal. The channel disappears from your home screen immediately. Removing a channel does not delete your login information, so if you add the channel again later, you may be able to sign back in without re-entering your password.

Signing in to a channel after you add it

Many channels require you to sign in with a username and password before you can watch. When you open a newly added channel for the first time, it will prompt you to log in. Use the remote to type your username and password — this can be slow, so take your time and check each letter as you type.

Some channels offer a faster sign-in method: they display a code on your TV screen and ask you to visit a website on your phone or computer, enter that code, and log in there. This is usually faster than typing on the remote. Once you sign in, the channel remembers your login and you will not have to do it again unless you remove the channel or clear the device's data.

Organizing your channels on the home screen

After you add several channels, your home screen can become crowded. You can rearrange the order of your channels to put the ones you use most at the top. To move a channel, highlight it, press the Options button (star), and select "Move channel." Use the arrow buttons on your remote to position it where you want it, then press OK.

You can also create custom rows or folders on some Roku models to group similar channels together. The exact steps depend on your Roku software version. If you want to organize your channels into groups, go to Settings on your home screen, look for a Display or Home Screen option, and explore the customization choices available.

Troubleshooting: Channel does not appear after adding it

If you added a channel but it does not show up on your home screen, the most common fix is to restart your Roku device. Unplug the power cable from the back of your Roku, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Let the device boot up completely — this usually takes about one minute. Once it finishes, check your home screen to see if the channel appears.

If the channel still does not appear, try removing it from the Channel Store and adding it again. Go to the Channel Store, search for the channel, and look for an "Add Channel" button. If you see a button that says "Remove" instead, the channel is already installed but may be hidden. In that case, go to Settings, select Channels, and look for an option to show hidden channels or manage your channel list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Roku account to add channels?

Yes, you need a Roku account to add channels from the Roku Channel Store. You create this account during the initial setup of your Roku device. The account is free and is separate from any subscriptions you may have to individual streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.

Can I add channels from outside the Roku Channel Store?

No, you can only add channels through the official Roku Channel Store. Roku does not support sideloading apps or installing channels from other sources. This is a security measure to protect your device.

Will adding a channel use up my internet speed or data?

Adding a channel itself uses very little data — just a few megabytes to download the app. Watching content on the channel will use data depending on the video quality you select, but adding the channel does not stream anything.

What happens to my login information if I remove a channel?

Your login information is usually saved on the device even after you remove the channel. If you add the channel again later, you may be able to sign back in without re-entering your password. However, if you want to completely clear your login data, you can do so through the Settings menu under Privacy or Data.

Can I add the same channel to multiple Roku devices?

Yes, you can add the same channel to as many Roku devices as you own. Each device has its own installation, and you may need to sign in separately on each one. Your Roku account is linked across all your devices, so channels you add on one device may appear on others depending on your account settings.