Disconnecting From Your Roku
Whenever youre done casting your web browser to the Roku device, go back to your main PC monitor. At the top, youll see a connection status for the Roku device. Just select the Disconnect button to disconnect the connection.
The TV display will now switch back to your Roku main screen and you can continue using the Roku as normal, either with the Roku remote or the Roku remote app on your mobile device.
Cast A Web Browser To Roku From Windows 10
The easiest method to use a Roku web browser is by casting a browser from your Windows 10 PC to the Roku device. Its also the way to cast the clearest web browser with minimal resolution distortion in the process.
This workaround is made possible thanks to a technology called Miracast. You can project your monitor to any device that supports this technology, such as Roku devices.
Turn On Mobile Hotspot
Your wired Internet connection isnt the only point of access if you have a 4G or 5G phone data plan, and it is possible to use it to play content on your Roku devices.
Be aware that using your phones hotspot plan with your Roku can use up a lot of data on your hotspot allowance if you let the Roku stream and download at the highest quality.
To use your Roku with your phone hotspot:
Once the Roku finishes getting connected, you can use the device like before when you had Wi-Fi, but speeds can fluctuate since you are now on a mobile data network.
Keep an eye on data usage with a utility like Glasswire so that youll know how much data your Roku is using.
You May Like: How Do I Live Stream On My TV
Ways To Use A Roku Web Browser
There is no native web browser for Roku. But youre completely out of luck. There are two workarounds to display a browser on your TV using your Roku device.
One of the most common requests of Roku users is how to browse the web with it. Unfortunately, there is no native web browser included as one of the channels on a Roku device.
There are only two web browser channels included, the Media Browser and the Reddit Browser. Neither are actual full-featured web browsers.
The Media Browser only lets you play movies, TV, and music. Essentially its an internet video browser. The Reddit browser only lets you view posts on Reddit. The Reddit browser is not free.
This doesnt mean youre completely out of luck. Thankfully there are two workarounds to display a browser on your TV using your Roku device.
How To Use A Web Browser On Roku Via Your Smartphone
It’s not possible to install Android apps onto your Roku device, even though that functionality would be very useful. There is also no dedicated web browser app already installed on your Roku as its designed to be used solely for streaming purposes.
However, it is possible to ‘cast’ a web browser across, with Roku able to mirror that content from a different source. By doing so, you see what is already on your smartphone or PC, but on the screen that your Roku is connected to. The best way is to use an app called Web Video Cast on your smartphone. Its a very easy-to-use app that takes moments to set up. Just follow these simple steps:
If you’d prefer to cast the content across from your computer, you can use a similar method which we explain below.
You May Like: How To Hook Phone Up To TV
Play Movies And TV On Roku: Setting It Up
How To Add Apps Using The Roku Mobile App
The Roku mobile app presents an innovative and convenient way to enjoy your Roku device. With the app, you can control your TV from anywhere in the world. It lets you pause, play, rewind and fast forward as you like. You can also launch your most recent channels just with your voice.
The Roku mobile app is especially handy when you want to add apps to your Roku device. These apps could include a new game for your kids or a fancy channel airing your favorite new show. It could even be an all-music channel letting you enjoy authentic, soothing music from your favorite artists. Whatever the case, adding apps to your Roku device has never been easier.
To add an app using the Roku mobile app:
The Roku mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Recommended Reading: How To Stream Phone To Smart TV
How To Install Directv Stream On Samsung TV
Samsung uses Tizen OS on their televisions with its own App Store, where you can download and install Directv Stream. However, you must have a Samsung account if you dont, you can sign up for free. Login to your account and follow the following simple steps to install the Directv Stream app.
After successfully installing the app select the Add to Home button to add the app to your Samsung TV home screen. This way, you can directly access the Directv Stream from the home of your Samsung smart tv.
Additional Steps For Roku TVs
Roku TVs have some additional required and optional setup procedures before they can be used in a home theater setup. Here’s what you need to do:
- Select Home Use: Unless you’re setting up your Roku TV for use as a store display, select Set up for home use. This sets the default video settings to the typical lighting environment in a home. The store display setting maximizes the TV’s light output, color, and contrast settings to be suitable for brightly lit store environments.
- Connect Your Devices: You can connect devices to your TV at any time, or you can do it all during the initial setup. Examples of input devices include a cable/satellite box, Blu-ray/DVD player, VCR, or game console. External audio devices include a soundbar or home theater receiver.
- Turn On Your Connected Devices: The Roku TV can detect some devices and prompts you to turn on those devices before proceeding. When you’re ready, select Everything is Plugged In and Turned On and follow any additional prompts.
- Assign Input Names: You can assign a name and icon to the device connected to each input. To do this, choose from a pre-selected drop-down menu or select Set Custom Name to customize the input name and choose an icon from an available selection. The screen also displays a window showing the program playing on the device connected to the input. Use the up arrow and down arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list, then press the OK button to make your selection.
Read Also: How To Mirror Android To Smart TV Without Wifi
Google Play Movie And TV On Roku
Since Roku is meant to support all streaming services, there is no surprise that Google Play Movies and TV has a Roku channel that you can download and start to use.
Once you have installed the Google Play Movies Application on your Roku device, you will need to pair it with your Google Account by going to play.google.com/roku.
When you sign up you will need to provide a payment method, do not worry, they wont actually charge you anything unless you order something.
There are some restrictions that exist, according to the Google official help page. You can only use this application if you are in Canada, Germany, The Republic of Ireland, The US, or the UK.
However, we can not tell you for sure just how accurate this statement is. Some unsupported countries may experience some issues when attempting to access this, but this is the most solid proof we have of this.
Using A Web Browser On Your Roku
Now you can launch your favorite web browser and drag it onto the TV since its simply an extended screen for your Windows 10 computer.
Browse the web and display any page you like. Anyone who can see the TV will see your web browsing activity.
If you want to play videos from any streaming site, just visit the site and browse to the video you want to play.
Keep in mind that any sound for the video will come from your computer. So if you want everyone in the room to hear the audio for what your streaming, youll need to connect your computer to speakers or a sound system so that its loud enough for everyone in the room.
Recommended Reading: How To Get TV Channels Without Cable
How To Cast A Web Browser To Roku From Android
If you prefer to browse the internet on your Roku from yourAndroid phone or tablet, these are the steps you should follow to set up.
- Open the Android settings App
- Go to Connected Devices and > Pair New devices
- Let Android find your Roku set-top box or streaming stick
- Tap on the name of your Roku and wait as connection initializes
- Open the web browser you want to use on Roku
You should note that not every Android device supports Miracast. Consult your manufactures literature for more information concerning this.
Using A Roku Web Browser Via Windows
Another method for streaming content is to use a built-in Windows tool called Windows MiraCast to mirror your screen to your Roku. All you need is a PC running Windows 10 or above to follow this method.
Also Check: How To Connect Laptop To TV Hdmi
How Do I Get Google On My Roku
Roku devices are considered the best ways to help youstreaming content on your TV although there are sometimes when you cant useRoku for things like browsing the web and sorting photos.
That is the point when you need to have access to Google services on your Roku. I am going to share with you how you can get Google on your Roku, including Google Play Movies, Google Photos, Google TV and Google search.
Casting A Web Browser To Roku Via Android
If you have never cast before, then the idea of doing so might be a bit overwhelming, but it is really simple, maybe more simple than other alternatives like using Rokus two rather pitiful browsers.
So, if you would rather browse online on your Roku, by casting from your Android phone or tablet, then here are some simple steps and tips that you can follow to help you set this up.
Not every Android device will support Miracast, so you should consult your manufacturer guides for more information on casting and mirroring.
Don’t Miss: Is An Oled TV Worth It
Mirror From Your Phone
If you dont have access to the internet but have access to your Wi-Fi network, you may mirror your phone to your TV and watch material downloaded to your phone.
You can also accomplish this by connecting via a mobile hotspot, but because this already offers you internet access, watching on the Roku is a preferable option.
Regardless of whether you can access the internet with that connection, ensure sure the Roku and the phone are linked to the same Wi-Fi network.
Because Roku supports both AirPlay and Chromecast casting, virtually any device you possess may be used to cast to your Roku.
Start playing any content on your phone, then hit the Cast symbol on the player controls to cast to your Roku.
To cast the content to your TV, select your Roku from the list of devices that appears.
To mirror your screen, go to your phones screen mirroring function, such as Smart View on Samsung phones, and choose your Roku TV.
Play the content on your iPhone or iPad and check for the AirPlay logo on the player controls.
Select the Roku from the list by tapping it.
AirPlay just allows you to cast content it does not allow you to reflect your screen.
While Chromecast does support this feature, it isnt supported on some Roku streaming devices, specifically the Roku Express 3700 and the Roku Express+ 3710.
It is also only supported on the HDMI output for the Roku Express+ 3910.
How Do I Browse The Internet On My Roku Smart TV
While youre casting your Android device, youll see a status that Smart View is on in your Android notifications. Open your favorite browser app and start browsing. Your mobile web browser will be displayed on the TV via your Roku device. Now you can display anything from the web browser that you want on your TV.
Recommended Reading: Can I Hook My Phone Up To My TV
Should I Have An Internet Connection To Cast A Web Browser On Roku TV
Looking at the options discussed above, it is clear that you can only mirror content from other devices. We still do not have a dedicated web browser that you can use directly on Roku TV.
Even if you got a dedicated web browser, using it on Roku TV without a mouse and a keyboard would be challenging. It is, however, essential to note that we have modern keyboards that can be used on smart TVs, making typing easier.
That notwithstanding, casting your browsers screen on your smartphone or computer is the easiest way for you to get a web browser on Roku TV. This rarely fails as long as both devices are connected to the same network. In addition, you can find fixes for devices not supporting Miracast.
It is important to note that you will need to use your smartphone or computer whenever you want to change something on your browser. For example, if you have visited the Windows Report homepage and would like to navigate to Windows 10 System Errors at the footer, you will have to do this from your smartphone or computer.
Can You Connect Roku Directly To Router
If you’re not having luck connecting your Roku wirelessly to your network, you may want to opt for a wired connection. However, this is only possible if you have certain Roku devices, such as the Roku Ultra, as only some of them have an Ethernet cable port.
To see if you can connect your Roku with an Ethernet cable, look on the back of the device for a port labeled Ethernet. If you see this, use an Ethernet cable and connect the Roku to your router.
If you have a Roku Streambar, you can also buy a USB Ethernet adapter and hook it up to your router that way. A Roku TV may also have an Ethernet port, so check the back of the TV if you have one.
After connecting a Roku device to your router, do the following:
Navigate to the Home screen on your Roku.
Go to Settings > Network > Set up connection.
Select Wired connection.
Don’t Miss: How Much Is Acorn TV