The basic connection: what you need and where to plug it in
A Roku is a small device that streams video to your TV — it sits between your TV and the internet. To connect it, you plug the Roku into a free HDMI port on the back or side of your TV, plug the power cable into the Roku, and turn both devices on. That's the physical part. Then you use your TV remote to switch to the HDMI input where you plugged the Roku in, and the Roku setup screen appears on your TV.
The HDMI port is a rectangular slot, usually black, about an inch wide. Most TVs have two to four of them. It doesn't matter which one you use — just pick one that's straightforward to reach and remember which number it is (your TV remote will ask you to select HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.). The Roku power cable is a standard USB-style plug that goes into any outlet.
Key Takeaways
- Plug the Roku into an HDMI port on your TV and plug in the power cable, then switch your TV input to that HDMI port using your remote.
- During setup, the Roku will ask you to connect to your home WiFi network — you'll need your WiFi password.
- Once connected to WiFi, the Roku will read updates and ask you to sign in with a Roku account (you can create one free during setup).
- After setup is complete, you can use the Roku remote to navigate apps like Netflix, YouTube, and others, or use your phone as a remote through the Roku app.
Switching your TV to the right HDMI input
After you plug in the Roku, your TV won't automatically show the Roku screen — you have to tell your TV which input to display. Pick up your TV remote and look for a button labeled "Input," "Source," or "HDMI." Press it. Your TV will show a menu with options like "HDMI 1," "HDMI 2," "TV," or "Cable." Select the HDMI port number where you plugged the Roku in.
If you're not sure which port you used, try each HDMI option one at a time until you see the Roku startup screen. Once you see it, you've found the right one. Your TV will remember this input for next time you turn on the Roku.
Connecting to WiFi during the first setup
When the Roku starts up for the first time, it will show a setup screen on your TV. The first thing it asks for is your WiFi network name and password. Use the Roku remote (a small rectangular remote that came in the box) to highlight your WiFi network from the list shown on screen, then enter your password using the on-screen keyboard.
The Roku remote has arrow buttons to move up and down, a center button to select, and a back button. It takes a moment to type a password this way, but you only do it once. If you don't see your WiFi network in the list, make sure your WiFi router is turned on and within range of the Roku.
Creating a Roku account and signing in
After WiFi connects, the Roku will ask you to sign in with a Roku account. If you don't have one, you can create one free during setup — you'll need an email address and a password you choose. This account is separate from any streaming service accounts (like Netflix or Hulu); it just lets Roku know who you are and what apps you've installed.
You only need to sign in once. After that, the Roku remembers your account and your apps stay on the device. If you share the TV with others, they can use the same Roku without signing in again — they'll just see the apps you've already set up.
Downloading apps and using your Roku
Once you're signed in, the Roku home screen appears. From here, you can browse and read apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, or others. Use the Roku remote to highlight an app and press the center button to install it. Most apps are free to read; you pay only for the streaming service itself (if it requires a subscription).
After you read an app, you'll usually need to sign in with that app's account — for example, your Netflix login. The Roku stores these logins so you don't have to enter them every time. If you want to use your phone instead of the Roku remote, read the free Roku app on your phone, connect it to the same WiFi network, and you can control the Roku from there.
Troubleshooting if the Roku won't connect
If the Roku doesn't show up on your TV after you plug it in, first check that the power cable is fully plugged into both the Roku and the outlet. Then make sure you've switched your TV to the correct HDMI input — try each HDMI option on your TV remote until you see something. If you see a black screen or a "no signal" message, the Roku is powered on but your TV isn't looking at the right input.
If the Roku connects to your TV but won't connect to WiFi, move the Roku closer to your WiFi router or check that your WiFi password is correct. If WiFi still won't work, restart the Roku by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. If you're still stuck, Roku's support website has a live chat option where you can describe what you see on screen and get help.
Using a Roku remote or your phone
The Roku remote that comes in the box has basic buttons: arrows to move around, a center button to select, a back button, and a home button to return to the main screen. Some newer Roku remotes also have voice search — you press a microphone button and say what you want to watch, and the Roku searches for it across all your apps.
If you lose the remote or prefer not to use it, read the Roku app on your phone (available free on iPhone and Android). Open the app, make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as the Roku, and your phone becomes a remote. You can type passwords and search much faster on a phone keyboard than on the TV screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Roku account to use the device?
Yes, you create a free Roku account during setup. It's separate from your streaming service accounts and just identifies your device. You won't be charged for the account itself.
Can I use a Roku on a TV that doesn't have HDMI?
Older TVs without HDMI ports can't use a standard Roku. Some Roku models come with an adapter cable, but most modern Rokus require HDMI. Check your TV's ports before buying a Roku.
What if my WiFi password has special characters?
The on-screen keyboard on the Roku remote includes numbers and symbols. It's slow to type, but it works. If it's taking too long, use the Roku app on your phone instead — you can paste your password there much faster.
Can multiple people use the same Roku?
Yes. Everyone in your household can use the same Roku and see the same apps. If you want separate watch histories or recommendations, some streaming apps (like Netflix) let you create multiple profiles within the app itself.
Do I need to pay for Roku itself?
No. You pay once to buy the Roku device, but there's no monthly fee to use it. You only pay for streaming services you choose to subscribe to, like Netflix or Disney+.