How to Connect a Roku Device to Your TV

What you need before you start

A Roku device connects to your TV through an HDMI cable, which plugs into a port on the back or side of your television. Before you begin, locate an available HDMI port on your TV — most TVs have at least two, often labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and so on. You will also need a power source near your TV for the Roku device itself, either an outlet or a USB port on the TV that provides power.

Check what type of Roku device you have. Roku makes several models: the Roku Streaming Stick (shaped like a stick that plugs directly into HDMI), the Roku Ultra (a small box), the Roku Express (another small box), and Roku TVs (televisions with Roku built in). If your TV already has Roku built in, you skip the hardware step entirely and go straight to setup. The physical connection process differs slightly depending on which model you own.

Key Takeaways

Roku devices connect to your TV using an HDMI cable or by plugging directly into an HDMI port, depending on the model you own.
You will need a power source for the Roku device — either a wall outlet or a USB port on your TV that supplies power.
After the physical connection, you turn on the TV, select the correct HDMI input, and follow the on-screen setup steps to connect to your home WiFi.
The entire setup process, from plugging in the device to watching a channel, usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Connecting a Roku Streaming Stick to your TV

The Roku Streaming Stick is the simplest to connect because it plugs directly into an HDMI port. Locate an HDMI port on your TV — these are usually on the back, but some newer TVs have one on the side. Push the stick firmly into the port until it clicks or seats fully. The stick will extend out from the TV, which is normal.

Next, plug the power cable into the stick. Most Streaming Sticks come with a power adapter that plugs into a wall outlet, though some models can draw power directly from the TV through a USB cable. If your stick has a separate power adapter, plug it into an outlet near your TV. If it uses USB power, connect the USB cable to a USB port on the TV itself — check your TV's manual to confirm the USB port provides power even when the TV is off.

Connecting a Roku box (Ultra or Express) to your TV

Roku boxes are small rectangular devices that sit near your TV rather than plugging directly into it. Use an HDMI cable to connect the box to your TV's HDMI port. One end of the cable plugs into the HDMI port labeled "out" or "to TV" on the back of the Roku box; the other end plugs into an available HDMI port on your TV. Push both ends in firmly until they seat completely.

Then plug the power cable into the Roku box. All Roku boxes require a power adapter that plugs into a wall outlet — they cannot run on USB power alone. Plug the adapter into an outlet, preferably one near your TV so the cable does not stretch across the room.

Turning on the TV and selecting the right HDMI input

Once the Roku device is physically connected and powered, turn on your TV using its remote. The TV will likely show your normal input — cable, antenna, or whatever you watched last. You need to switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in the Roku device.

On your TV remote, look for a button labeled "Input," "Source," or "HDMI." Press it, and your TV will show a list of available inputs. Select the HDMI port number where you connected the Roku device. If you are not sure which port, try each one until the Roku startup screen appears — it usually shows the Roku logo and a message like "Press any button to get your free guide."

Completing the on-screen setup

Once you see the Roku startup screen, pick up the Roku remote that came with your device. Press any button on it, and the TV will display a language selection screen. Choose your language, then follow the on-screen prompts. The Roku will ask you to connect to your home WiFi network.

When the WiFi screen appears, select your network name from the list. If your network does not appear, make sure your WiFi router is turned on and within range. Enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard — use the remote's arrow buttons to highlight each letter, then press the center button or OK to select it. This step takes a moment because typing on a remote is slower than typing on a keyboard.

After you connect to WiFi, the Roku will check for software updates and may restart. This is normal and can take a few minutes. Once the update finishes, you will see the Roku home screen with rows of channels and apps. At this point, your Roku is fully set up and ready to use.

If your TV has Roku built in

Some televisions come with Roku software already installed, so you do not need to buy a separate device. To set up a Roku TV, turn it on and look for a setup or welcome screen. If you see one, follow the on-screen prompts to select your language and connect to WiFi — the process is identical to setting up a separate Roku device.

If your Roku TV is already set up but you have never used it, look for a Roku button on the TV remote or press the Home button. This will take you to the Roku home screen. From there, you can browse and add channels the same way you would on a separate Roku device.

Troubleshooting a connection that does not work

If you plugged in the Roku but see no picture on your TV, first check that you selected the correct HDMI input. Use your TV remote to cycle through each HDMI input until you see the Roku startup screen. If you still see nothing, unplug the Roku device for 30 seconds, then plug it back in — this often fixes display problems.

If the Roku powers on but cannot find your WiFi network, move your WiFi router closer to the TV temporarily, or check that your router is turned on. If the Roku connects to WiFi but then loses the connection, your router may be too far away or there may be interference from other devices. Roku devices work best when the router is in the same room or the next room over.

If the Roku remote does not respond, check that the batteries are installed correctly and have charge. Most Roku remotes use two AA batteries — open the battery compartment on the back of the remote, remove the batteries, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert them. If the remote still does not work, try pointing it directly at the Roku device rather than at the TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any HDMI cable, or does it have to be a specific type?

Any standard HDMI cable works with Roku devices. You do not need an expensive cable — a basic HDMI cable from any electronics store will work fine. If your TV came with an HDMI cable, you can use that one.

What if my TV does not have an available HDMI port?

If all your HDMI ports are in use, you can unplug one of the devices currently connected — for example, a cable box or gaming console — and use that port for the Roku instead. Alternatively, you can buy an HDMI switch, which lets you plug multiple devices into one port and switch between them using a remote.

Do I need a separate remote, or can I use my TV remote to control Roku?

The Roku remote that comes with your device is the easiest way to control it. Some newer TV remotes can control Roku if you set them up, but the Roku remote is designed specifically for navigating Roku's interface and is usually faster and more reliable.

Can I move the Roku to a different TV?

Yes. Unplug the Roku from the first TV, plug it into the second TV's HDMI port, and power it on. The Roku will remember your WiFi network and your account, so you do not have to set it up from scratch — though you may need to select the WiFi network again if the new TV is far from your router.

How long does the initial setup take?

From the moment you plug in the Roku to the moment you can watch a channel, setup usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Most of that time is spent connecting to WiFi and waiting for software updates. If your internet is slow, it may take longer.

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.