The basic steps to install an app on Roku

Adding an app to Roku takes about two minutes and requires only your remote and a Roku account. Press the Home button on your remote, scroll to "Streaming Channels" or "Search Channels" (the exact name depends on your Roku model and software version), select the app you want, and choose "Add Channel." Roku will install it when ready, and the app appears on your home screen.

You do not need to pay for the Roku device itself to add apps — the device comes with a free Roku account tied to the email address you used during setup. That account is what Roku uses to track which apps you have installed, so if you factory reset your device or buy a new one, you can sign back in and reinstall everything without paying again.

Key Takeaways

  • Most apps install directly from the Roku Channel Store using your remote, with no computer or separate account needed beyond your Roku login.
  • Free apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu appear in the Channel Store when ready; paid apps or apps requiring a separate subscription show their cost before you install.
  • Your Roku account remembers which apps you have installed, so signing back in on a new device restores your app list without reinstalling each one manually.
  • If an app does not appear in the Channel Store for your region or model, check your Roku's software version and consider updating it first.
  • Removing an app from your home screen does not delete your account or subscription with that service — you can reinstall it anytime without losing your login.

Finding apps in the Roku Channel Store

The Roku Channel Store is built into every Roku device. Press Home on your remote, then look for "Streaming Channels," "Search Channels," or "Channel Store" depending on your model. Scroll through the featured apps or use the search function to type in the name of what you want — Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+, YouTube, Hulu, Max, Apple TV, Peacock, and most major services are there.

The Channel Store shows you whether an app is free or costs money before you install it. Free apps (like YouTube or Pluto TV) say "Add Channel" in a button. Apps that require a subscription to the service itself (like Netflix) also say "Add Channel" — Roku is not charging you; you pay Netflix directly if you want to use it. Some apps, usually smaller or regional services, may cost a few dollars to install on Roku, and that price appears clearly on the app's page.

If you cannot find an app you are looking for, it may not be available for your Roku model or your region. Roku has different app stores depending on whether you are in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or elsewhere. If you are in the US and an app still does not show up, check whether your Roku software is current — go to Settings > System > System Update and select "Check Now."

Installing an app and signing in

Once you select an app and choose "Add Channel," Roku downloads and installs it within seconds. The app then appears on your home screen, usually at the end of your app row. You can rearrange apps by pressing the Options button (the button with three horizontal lines) on your remote while highlighting an app, then choosing "Move Channel."

When you open the app for the first time, you will usually see a login screen. This is where you sign in with your Netflix account, Hulu account, or whatever service the app belongs to — not your Roku account. If you do not have an account with that service yet, the app will show you how to create one. Some apps let you start a free trial before asking for payment information.

If an app asks you to sign in using a code on your TV, it will display a code on your screen and direct you to a website (usually roku.com/link or the app's own website) where you enter that code on your phone or computer. This method is more find than typing your password with a remote, and it is common for services like Spotify, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

What happens when you remove an app

Removing an app from your Roku home screen does not cancel your subscription or delete your account with that service. If you have a Netflix subscription, removing the Netflix app from Roku does not stop your Netflix charges — you would need to cancel Netflix itself through Netflix's website or app on another device.

When you remove an app, Roku forgets that you had it installed on that particular device, but your Roku account still knows you own it. If you sign back into the same Roku device or buy a new Roku and sign in with the same email address, you can reinstall the app and your login information will still be there. To remove an app, highlight it on your home screen, press Options, and select "Remove Channel."

Managing storage and performance

Roku devices have limited storage, but most apps are small enough that you can install dozens without running into problems. If your Roku starts to feel slow or you see a message about storage being full, you can remove apps you are not using. Go to Settings > System > System Memory to see how much space is left.

Removing apps frees up space, but it does not usually speed up your Roku significantly unless you are very close to full storage. If your Roku is sluggish, restarting it often helps more than deleting apps. Go to Settings > System > Power > Restart, or unplug the device for 30 seconds and plug it back in.

Installing apps from outside the Channel Store

Roku also allows you to install apps from other sources if you enable developer mode, but this is not the typical path and carries real security risks. Most people should stick to the official Channel Store. If you are interested in sideloading apps (installing them from outside Roku's store), you need to enable developer mode in Settings > Developer Options, which requires creating a Roku developer account. This method is for people building or testing their own apps, not for installing mainstream services.

Sideloading apps means Roku is not checking them for security or stability the way it does with Channel Store apps. Unless you have a specific reason to do this, the Channel Store is the safer and simpler choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Roku subscription to add apps?

No. Your Roku account is free and comes with the device. You may need to pay for subscriptions to individual services like Netflix or Disney+, but those are separate from Roku. The Channel Store itself costs nothing to use.

Can I use the same app on multiple Roku devices?

Yes. If you sign into multiple Roku devices with the same email address, your app list syncs across them. You can also manually install the same app on different Roku devices, and your login information for services like Netflix will work on all of them.

What if an app crashes or will not open?

Try restarting the app by pressing Home and then opening it again. If that does not work, remove the app, restart your Roku, and reinstall it. Most app problems clear up after a restart. If the problem continues, check whether your Roku software is up to date.

Can I move apps between my Roku and other devices like Fire Stick?

No. Apps are specific to each platform. Netflix on Roku is different from Netflix on Fire Stick or Apple TV, though your Netflix account works on all of them. You will need to install apps separately on each device, but your login credentials transfer.

Why is an app I want not showing up in the Channel Store?

The app may not be available in your region, or your Roku model may not support it. Some older Roku devices have a smaller app selection. Check Settings > System > System Update to make sure your software is current, then search again. If it still does not appear, the app may genuinely not be available for your device.