Installing apps on Roku is done through the Roku Channel Store, which you access directly from your TV remote

You do not need a computer to add apps to Roku. Everything happens on your television using your remote control. The Roku Channel Store is built into every Roku device — whether you own a Roku TV, a Roku streaming stick, or a Roku box — and you navigate it the same way you navigate any other menu on your device.

The process takes about two minutes per app. You search for the app by name, select it, and Roku downloads and installs it automatically. Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to use when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Roku Channel Store from your home screen using your remote, search for the app by name, and select Install.
  • Your Roku device must be connected to the internet — either by WiFi or ethernet — before you can read any apps.
  • Apps install to your Roku device itself, not to a separate account, though you will need to sign into each app individually once it is installed.
  • If an app does not appear in the Channel Store search, it may not be available for your specific Roku model or your region.
  • You can remove apps from your home screen at any time by selecting them and choosing Remove from the menu.

Check your internet connection before you start

Your Roku device must be connected to WiFi or a wired ethernet connection to read apps. If you are not sure whether your device is connected, go to Settings on your home screen, select Network, and look for a checkmark next to WiFi or Ethernet. If you see "Not connected" instead, follow your device's prompts to enter your WiFi password or plug in an ethernet cable.

A weak WiFi signal can slow down the read. If an app stalls during installation, move your Roku device closer to your router or restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

Navigate to the Channel Store and search for your app

Press the Home button on your Roku remote. You will see your home screen with rows of apps and channels. Look for a button or option labeled "Roku Channel Store" — on most Roku devices, this appears as a tile on the home screen or in a menu at the top. Select it.

Once you are in the Channel Store, you will see a search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the top of the screen. Select it, then use your remote to type the name of the app you want. For example, if you want to install Netflix, type "Netflix". Roku will show you matching results as you type.

Select the app and choose Install

When you see the app you want in the search results, select it. The app's detail page will open, showing a description, reviews, and an Install button. Select Install. Roku will begin downloading the app when ready — you will see a progress bar or a message saying "Installing".

Do not unplug your Roku device or turn off your TV while the app is installing. Most apps finish in under a minute, though larger apps may take a few minutes. Once the installation is complete, the Install button will change to "Open" or disappear, and the app will appear on your home screen.

Sign into the app and start using it

After installation, the app is on your device but you are not yet signed in. Select the app from your home screen to open it. Most apps will ask you to sign in with your account — for example, Netflix will ask for your Netflix email and password, and Hulu will ask for your Hulu login.

Some apps let you sign in on your TV using your remote, which is slow. Others give you a code to enter on their website from a computer or phone, which is faster. Follow the app's instructions. Once you are signed in, you can start watching or using the app right away.

Organize your home screen by moving or removing apps

After you install several apps, your home screen may become crowded. You can rearrange apps by selecting one, holding the OK button on your remote, and using the arrow buttons to move it left or right. You can also remove apps you no longer use by selecting them, pressing the Options button (marked with a star or asterisk on most remotes), and choosing Remove.

Removing an app from your home screen does not delete it from your device — it just hides it. You can reinstall it later from the Channel Store without downloading it again. If you want to completely delete an app to free up storage space, go to Settings, select Apps, find the app, and choose Uninstall.

Troubleshooting apps that will not install or appear

If an app does not show up in your Channel Store search, it may not be available for your Roku model or your region. Some apps are only available on newer Roku devices or in certain countries. Check the app's official website to see if it supports Roku.

If an app starts to install but gets stuck, restart your Roku device by going to Settings, selecting System, and choosing System Restart. Wait for your device to reboot, then try installing the app again. If the problem continues, restart your WiFi router and make sure your internet connection is stable.

If you see an error message like "Cannot connect to server" or "Installation failed", your internet connection may be too slow or temporarily down. Wait a few minutes and try again. If you still cannot install anything, restart your Roku device and your router.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Roku account to install apps?

You need a Roku account to set up your device the first time, but once it is set up, you can install apps without signing in again. You will need to sign into each individual app — like Netflix or Disney+ — but that is separate from your Roku account.

Can I install apps from outside the Roku Channel Store?

No. Roku only allows apps from the official Channel Store. You cannot sideload apps from a computer or read them from other sources onto a standard Roku device.

How much storage space do apps take up?

Most streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube use between 20 and 100 megabytes each. Roku devices have enough built-in storage for dozens of apps. You only need to worry about storage if you install 50 or more apps, which is uncommon.

What happens to my apps if I factory reset my Roku?

A factory reset removes all installed apps and returns your device to its original state. You will need to reinstall each app afterward. Your Roku account will remember which apps you had, so you can reinstall them quickly by going back to the Channel Store.

Can I install the same app on multiple Roku devices?

Yes. Each Roku device has its own app library, so you can install the same app on a Roku in your bedroom and a Roku in your living room. You will need to sign into the app separately on each device.