Although Roku devices ship with some channels (apps) preloaded, you’ll inevitably want to add more to access your media and remove others, so they don’t clutter your home screen. Here’s how to add and delete channels on Roku.
Read more: Roku buyer’s guide
QUICK ANSWER
To add a channel on Roku, open the Streaming Channels menu on your home screen. Once you’ve selected a channel, choose Add Channel if it’s a free install or Buy if it costs money. To delete a channel, highlight the one you want to remove on your home screen, push the asterisk/star button, then Remove channel.
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How to add channels to Roku
On your Roku device
Roger Fingas / Android Authority
The main way you’re meant to add channels is via your Roku device. Select the Streaming Channels menu on the home screen, and Roku will present you with a huge list of options, divided into browsable categories. If you know exactly what you’re looking for — say, Shudder — you can use the Search Channels tool.
Once you’ve found something, hit the OK button to view its details. Select Add Channel if it’s a free install, or Buy if it costs an upfront fee. The latter uses the payment method linked to your Roku account and requires entering a PIN if you’ve created one. Be warned that even if a channel is technically free, there’s a good chance it’ll require an in-app purchase — most major streaming services have subscription fees, after all.
Any new channels added this way should appear on your home screen within seconds.
On the web
The web can be the fastest way to add channels if you’ve got a mouse and keyboard, but it’s less than ideal for actually installing them. Roku devices only perform downloads every 24 hours, so you often have to force channel installs by hopping back on your device and selecting Settings > System > System update > Check now.
To add a channel to your account via the web:
- Open channelstore.roku.com in your web browser.
- Click My account, then sign in.
- Use categories or the Search channel box to find what you’re after.
- Click Details next to a channel to learn more, including installation instructions.
On the Roku mobile app
This approach is similar to the web, with the same install delay, yet worse. That’s because the current incarnation of the Roku app is oriented more towards movies and shows, so browsing only occasionally turns up channels you can download. You can, however, search for a specific channel pretty easily:
- Open the Roku mobile app.
- From the Home tab, enter the name of a streaming service in the search field.
- Tap the correct result and select Add Channel to install. You may be prompted to enter a PIN if you have one or follow additional instructions.
Mobile is further subject to any platform restrictions on in-app purchases. If you want a channel that costs an upfront fee, it’s probably better to try the web or your Roku device.
How to delete channels on Roku
From the home screen
Roger Fingas / Android Authority
You should almost always use this method since it’s dead simple:
- From your Roku device’s home screen, highlight the channel you want to delete.
- Push the asterisk/star button on your remote.
- Choose Remove channel and confirm.
From the Roku Channel Store
Roger Fingas / Android Authority
If you happen to be in the Channel Store on your Roku device (under the Streaming Channels menu), you can remove channels by finding and selecting them, then choosing Remove channel from their details window.
From the Roku mobile app
While on the Home tab, search for the channel you want to remove. Select it, then tap the Remove Channel button.
Read more: The best video streaming services
FAQs
Q: Can you get local channels on Roku?
Yes. Roku claims that it hosts over a hundred channels for local news affiliates. Coverage centers around major US cities, but if you live in a country like Canada or the UK, services like the CBC and BBC offer channels with regional news.
Roku TV owners can hook up an HDTV antenna and integrate local stations into their Live TV Channel Guide. You can even “pause” live TV within storage limits by adding a USB drive.
Q: What channels do you get with Roku?
A: Typically, only the most popular channels are pre-installed, such as Netflix or Disney Plus. Every device also comes with the Roku Channel, which offers a rotating selection of ad-supported movies and TV shows.
There are over 4,000 items on the Channel Store, so if a streaming service exists somewhere, it’s probably available on Roku.
Q: Is the Hallmark Channel free on Roku?
A: There are two Hallmark options: Hallmark TV and Hallmark Movies Now. You can add them for free, but the first requires logging in with cable or satellite credentials, while the second costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year after a brief trial.
Q: Is the History Channel free on Roku?
A: Much like Hallmark, there are two History apps. The core app offers some free content, but you’ll have to sign in with cable or satellite credentials to unlock everything. History Vault is free to download, but it costs $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year after a seven-day trial. Both are US-only.
