How to Set Up a Roku and Start Watching TV Without Cable

A Roku streaming stick lets you watch Netflix, YouTube, and hundreds of free channels on any TV — here's how to get started in 20 minutes.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Plug the Roku into your TV
2.Select the correct input on your TV
3.Connect your Roku to your home WiFi
4.Create a free Roku account
5.Add your streaming apps and start watching

Plug the Roku into your TV

~34s

Look at the back or side of your TV for an HDMI port — it's a flat, slightly trapezoidal port about the size of a USB port but wider. Every TV made after 2008 has at least one. Plug the Roku stick into that HDMI port. Then plug the Roku's small power cable into the Roku stick and into a wall outlet or power strip. Roku includes an extender cable in the box if the space behind your TV is tight.

Quick Tip

Remember which HDMI port number you used — for example, "HDMI 2." You'll need to select that input on your TV in the next step.

Select the correct input on your TV

~21s

Turn your TV on. Use your TV's remote (not the Roku remote) and look for a button labeled "Input," "Source," or "HDMI." Press it and a menu will appear showing the available inputs. Select the HDMI port you plugged the Roku into (for example, "HDMI 2"). After a few seconds, the Roku setup screen will appear on your TV.

Connect your Roku to your home WiFi

~29s

Follow the on-screen instructions using the Roku remote. When prompted, select your WiFi network name from the list (this is the same network name you use on your phone or computer). Use the on-screen keyboard to type your WiFi password — this is slow but only needs to be done once. Press the right button on the Roku remote's directional pad to move between letters.

Quick Tip

If you're not sure what your WiFi password is, see the guide "How to Find Your WiFi Password on Any Device" at teksure.com/guides/how-to-find-your-wifi-password.

Create a free Roku account

~21s

Roku will ask you to create a free account at Roku.com. You can do this on the Roku setup screen or on a computer or phone by going to roku.com/link and entering the code shown on your TV screen. You'll need an email address and create a password. A Roku account is free and lets you install apps (called "channels") on your Roku.

Add your streaming apps and start watching

~32s

Once setup is complete, you'll see the Roku home screen with popular apps already installed, like Netflix, YouTube, and The Roku Channel (free). Scroll through the tiles to find what you want to watch. To add more apps, scroll to "Streaming Channels" in the main menu and browse or search. Free channels like Pluto TV, Peacock (free tier), and Tubi offer thousands of movies and shows with no subscription needed.

Quick Tip

The Roku Channel is completely free and has a large selection of movies and TV shows — no account or subscription needed. It's a great place to start.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Set Up a Roku and Start Watching TV Without Cable

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A Roku is a small device about the size of a USB stick that plugs into your TV and lets you watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and hundreds of free channels without paying for cable. Roku devices cost between $30 and $80 at most electronics stores, and there's no monthly fee for the Roku itself.

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