The simplest way to add apps to Roku
You add apps to Roku through the Roku Channel Store, which is built into your device. You navigate to it using your Roku remote, search for the app you want, and select it to install — the whole process takes about two minutes and costs nothing for most apps. The app then appears on your home screen and is ready to use when ready.
You do not need a computer to add apps to Roku. Everything happens on the device itself through your television screen. If you already have a Roku account (which you set up when you first turned on the device), you are ready to start adding apps right now.
Key Takeaways
- Most apps install directly from the Roku Channel Store using only your remote and television — no computer needed.
- Free apps appear on your home screen when ready after installation and are ready to use without any setup steps.
- Paid apps require a valid payment method on your Roku account, and Roku charges your account when you install them.
- If an app does not appear after installation, restart your Roku device by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
- You can remove apps from your home screen by highlighting them, pressing the Options button on your remote, and selecting Remove.
Finding and installing apps from the Roku Channel Store
Press the Home button on your Roku remote to go to your home screen. You will see a row of apps at the top and a menu on the left side. Look for "Streaming Channels" in the left menu — this is Roku's name for the Channel Store. Select it.
You will now see a list of featured apps and categories like Movies, TV, Music, and Games. You can scroll through the featured section or use the search option at the top to find a specific app. Type the app name using your remote (you can use the on-screen keyboard or voice search if your remote has a microphone button). Once you find the app you want, select it to open its details page.
On the details page, you will see a button that says "Add Channel" or "Install" — the wording varies depending on your Roku model and software version. Select this button. For free apps, installation happens when ready. For paid apps, Roku will ask you to confirm the purchase price before charging your account.
What happens after you install an app
After installation completes, the app automatically appears on your home screen, usually at the far right of your app row. You can now select it and open it just like any other app. Most apps are ready to use when ready, though some may ask you to sign in with a username and password the first time you open them.
If an app does not appear on your home screen after you install it, or if it appears but will not open, restart your Roku device. Unplug the power cable from the back of the device, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears the device's memory and usually fixes apps that fail to load. After the device restarts, try opening the app again.
Moving and organizing your apps
Your Roku home screen shows your apps in a single row at the top. You can rearrange them by highlighting an app, pressing the Options button on your remote (it looks like three horizontal lines or stars), and selecting "Move Channel." Use the arrow buttons to move the app left or right, then press OK to place it in its new position.
If you want to remove an app from your home screen, highlight it, press Options, and select "Remove Channel." This does not delete the app from your Roku account — it only removes it from your home screen. You can reinstall it later from the Channel Store without paying again if it was free, or without being charged again if it was paid.
Understanding paid apps and subscriptions
Most popular apps on Roku are free, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Some apps are paid one-time purchases, and some apps are free to install but require a subscription to use. Before you install any app, the Channel Store shows you whether it is free or paid, and how much it costs.
When you install a paid app, Roku charges the payment method on your account — usually a credit card you added when you set up your Roku device. If you do not have a payment method on file and try to install a paid app, Roku will ask you to add one before completing the installation. Subscriptions within apps (like a Netflix membership) are separate from the app itself and are managed through that app's own account, not through Roku.
Troubleshooting apps that will not install
If you try to install an app and get an error message, the most common cause is that your Roku device does not have enough storage space. Roku devices have limited built-in storage, and installing many large apps can fill it up. Delete apps you no longer use to free up space, then try installing the new app again.
Another common issue is an outdated software version. Roku regularly releases updates that add new features and fix problems. If an app will not install, check whether your device needs an update. Go to Settings on your home screen, select System, then System Update, and select Check Now. If an update is available, install it and restart your device. Then try installing the app again.
If an app installs but will not open, or opens and when ready closes, restart your device as described in the "What happens after you install an app" section. If the problem continues, uninstall the app, restart your device, and reinstall it. This usually fixes apps that are corrupted or conflicting with other software on your device.
Using the Roku mobile app to install channels remotely
Roku also offers a mobile app for phones and tablets that lets you browse and install channels without using your television remote. read the Roku app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, sign in with the same Roku account you use on your device, and you will see your device listed. Select your device, then browse the Channel Store and install apps the same way you would on your television.
This is useful if you lose your remote, want to install multiple apps quickly, or prefer using your phone to search for apps. Apps you install through the mobile app appear on your Roku device within a few seconds, just as if you had installed them using the remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for apps on Roku?
Most apps are free to install and use. Some apps charge a one-time fee to install, and some are free to install but require a subscription to use the service inside the app (like Netflix or Hulu). The Channel Store shows you the cost before you install, so you always know what you are paying.
Can I install apps on Roku from my computer?
No. You install apps directly on your Roku device using your remote and television screen, or through the Roku mobile app on your phone. You cannot install apps through a web browser or computer. However, you can use the Roku website to manage your account and see which apps you have installed.
What if an app I want is not in the Roku Channel Store?
Not all apps are available on Roku. Some developers only make apps for other platforms like Apple TV, Fire TV, or smart TVs. Check the Channel Store by searching for the app name — if it does not appear, it is not available for Roku. You may be able to use the service through a web browser on a computer instead, or through a different device.
Will installing apps slow down my Roku?
Installing a few apps will not noticeably slow down your Roku. However, if you install many large apps and fill up your device's storage, your Roku may become slower or less responsive. If you notice your device slowing down, delete apps you no longer use. You can always reinstall them later.
Can I share apps with other Roku devices in my home?
Apps are tied to your Roku account, not to a specific device. If you have multiple Roku devices on the same account, you can install the same app on all of them. Each device stores its own copy of the app, and you can sign into the app separately on each device if needed.