You need a Roku account to stream on any Roku device

A Roku account is required before you can use a Roku streaming device. The account is free and takes about five minutes to set up. You will need an email address, a password you create, and either a credit card or PayPal account to add to your profile — though you won't be charged unless you buy something from the Roku Channel Store.

You can create your account on a computer or phone before you set up your device, or you can create it directly on the Roku device itself during setup. Either way, the process is the same: you provide your email, create a password, confirm your identity, and link a payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a Roku account on a computer, phone, or directly on your Roku device — all three methods take about five minutes.
  • You will need an email address, a password, and a credit card or PayPal account, though you are not charged unless you purchase content.
  • After you create your account, you link it to your Roku device during the device setup process.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it using the email address associated with your account.

Creating your account on a computer or phone

Go to roku.com/en/account and click "Create account" in the upper right. Enter your email address and choose a password — Roku requires at least eight characters, including at least one number and one uppercase letter. Confirm your email by clicking the link Roku sends you.

Next, add a payment method. Click "Add payment method" and enter either a credit card or PayPal information. Roku will not charge you unless you purchase a channel, app, or content from the Roku Channel Store. You can also skip this step and add a payment method later, though some channels may require it before you can use them.

Once your account is created and verified, you are ready to link it to your Roku device. You do not need to do anything else on the computer or phone — the linking happens on the device itself.

Creating your account directly on your Roku device

If you prefer to set everything up on the device, turn on your Roku and follow the on-screen prompts. When the setup wizard asks you to sign in, select "Create account" instead of signing in with an existing account.

The device will ask for your email address and a password. Use the remote to enter this information — Roku provides an on-screen keyboard. After you confirm your email, the device will ask you to add a payment method. You can enter a credit card or PayPal account using the same on-screen keyboard, or you can skip this step and add it later.

Once your account is created and linked to the device, you will see your home screen. Your Roku is now ready to use.

Linking an existing account to a new device

If you already have a Roku account and are setting up a second device, turn on the new device and follow the setup prompts. When asked to sign in, enter the email address and password for your existing account.

The device will verify your account and ask you to confirm that you want to link it to this Roku. Once you confirm, the device is linked and ready to use. Any channels you have installed on your other Roku devices will not automatically appear on the new device — you will need to install them separately, but your account settings and preferences will be the same across all your devices.

What to do if you forget your password

Go to roku.com/en/account and click "Sign in" in the upper right. Below the password field, click "Forgot password?" and enter the email address associated with your account. Roku will send you a password reset link to that email.

Click the link in the email and create a new password. The new password must be at least eight characters and include at least one number and one uppercase letter. Once you have reset your password, you can sign in to your account and link it to your Roku device.

Changing your account information later

After your account is created, you can change your email address, password, or payment method at any time. Sign in to your account at roku.com/en/account, click your profile name in the upper right, and select "Account settings."

From there, you can update your email, change your password, add or remove payment methods, or manage which devices are linked to your account. Any changes you make will take effect immediately across all your Roku devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to add a credit card when I create my account?

No. You can skip the payment method step during account creation and add one later if you need it. However, some channels or content may require a payment method on file before you can use them, even if you are not charged.

Can I use the same Roku account on multiple devices?

Yes. You can link one Roku account to as many Roku devices as you own. Your account settings and preferences will be the same on all devices, though channels and apps must be installed separately on each device.

What email address should I use for my Roku account?

Use an email address you check regularly. Roku uses it to send you password reset links, account notifications, and information about channels or content you have purchased. Make sure it is an address you can access if you ever need to recover your account.

Can I delete my Roku account?

Yes. Sign in at roku.com/en/account, go to Account settings, and look for the option to close or delete your account. Once deleted, you will not be able to use any Roku devices linked to that account unless you create a new account and link them again.

What happens if I sign in with a different email address on my Roku device?

The device will unlink from your current account and link to the account associated with the new email address. Any channels or settings from your previous account will no longer appear on that device. You can link it back to your original account at any time by signing in with that email and password.