If you are reading this article, then I assume you own a Roku device and using it to stream various content. I can assure you that after reading this article you will transform from an ordinary Roku user to a Power Roku user. There are many Roku hacks and tricks to unleash the full potential of your Roku device. Let us check them out one by one. Before that let us check why such hacks are not open for all the users.
Why there is a restriction?
Not just Roku, all the devices have some restrictions to the end-user. You can consider any device like PC, Android devices, Router, Streaming sticks, Smart TVs, and a lot more.
If the Roku streaming sticks are that powerful, why they are not allowing the user to access its full potential? Well, there are two main reasons for it. One is for security and the second is business.
This advanced access is called the Root Access or Admin Access. Once you got root access, you can install any of the apps to your Roku streaming stick. After rooting, you can get full control over your Roku device. And a user can also modify the device functions too. If you are not sure about what you are doing, there is a good probability that you might mess up the device. And this will possibly damage your device beyond recovery.
This was one of the prime reasons for not giving admin access to users. And the second main reason is business. If you are satisfied with the existing device, you won’t buy the next version or an advanced device. So they might lose a potential sale. So they are limiting the user access so that you will go for the next device.
Caution: Jailbreaking Roku can put your device at risk. And it also void warranty. There is a huge possibility for the bricking of the Roku streaming stick. And other problems are beyond repair.
Top 20 Best Roku Hacks 2020
Yes! Literally, you can stream any content for free. And this is one of the major reasons behind jailbreaking Roku.
Installing Kodi on Roku
Undoubtfully Kodi is the streaming app used by millions of people across the globe. Roku doesn’t allow the users to install Kodi directly on the device because Kodi could be used for streaming pirated content. So you need to hack your Roku streaming stick to install Kodi. Since jailbreaking involves high risk, we opted for a much easier and risk-free method. By this method, you can watch all the Kodi contents on Roku. Roku has a screen mirroring option. We will be using this method to cast the Kodi from other devices to Roku. So you need any other device with a cast option. This may be an android phone or a laptop. After installing Kodi on the cast device, you can cast it to Roku. It involves three to four steps. We had made an exclusive guide with screenshots to install Kodi on Roku.
After installing Kodi, you can use any of the best Kodi addons to stream all the content for free. Depending on your need you can install any of the addons. It allows you to stream all the available content for free. Some of the best Kodi addons are Exodus and Neptune Rising.
Private channels on Roku
The functionality of the Roku streaming stick is so unique when compared to the other streaming device. Roku streams channels on the basis of the channel list. You need to add a channel with the channel code. By default, there are some officials channels available. You can add some private channels to stream all the content for free. There are some private channels that are hidden from normal users. You need the channel code to add these channels to the list.
After adding the channel you can stream its contents. There are both free and paid channels. We made a special guide about Roku Private channels. Refer to this guide, to get the channel access code. To add the access code, sign in to Roku, and select manage accounts. Now select Add channel with a code and enter the code. Select the Add channel to add the new private channel to the list.
Depending on the content of the channel you are adding, you can stream the content. With this private channel trick, you can stream all the live matches, PPV events, and other content.
Play Media from the Local Network
Roku is short-handed when it comes to storage. Well its a media player, so we can’t expect high storage. But you can access the contents from the local storage after installing an application. It’s called ROKU Media Player. After installing this app, you can find the device connected to the same network. And it also gives you permission to access the contents. Now you can just click on the content to view them or play them.
And the best part is you can form a local network with this app. It enables you to play the content directly from any location within the ad-hoc network. And if your Roku device supports Pendrive, you can also stream the content directly from it. You can access content like Video, Music, and Pictures.
Eliminate Buffering forever
Buffering is one of the most irritating things when it comes to streaming. No matter what streaming device you are using, the buffering issue is there. With this simple hack, you can eliminate streaming in Roku. The main reason for streaming is when Video quality is greater than the bandwidth. Some of the streams adjust itself based on the video quality. Some do not. So you need to set the bandwidth allocation to automatic. To do this, you need to Press home five times RW three times and FF twice on your remote.
This shortcut key will open the Roku Bit Rate Overwrite menu. Select the speed to automatic. Now depending on the bandwidth of your internet, the quality and playback are adjusted to eliminate streaming.
Wifi strength check
Another major cause of the buffering issue is low signal strength. If you are having a low wifi signal, the problem will be there even after changing the Bit Rate. So you need to check the signal strength of your wifi. But the thing is, you can see whether your device is connected to wifi or not. By hacking Roku, you can see the wifi signal strength in the percentage.
To check this, press the Home button five times followed by Up, Down, Up, Down, Up. After following this, you can see a hidden wireless settings screen. On this screen, you can find signal strength. If the signal strength bar is in green color, it’s ok. If it’s in red, change the router antenna direction towards the Roku streaming stick. Or move router near to the Roku streaming stick.
Listen through headphones
This trick is only applicable to selected devices. If your Roku remote has a headphone jack, you can follow this method. To enable wireless transmission, you need to press Volume Up twice, Volume Down twice, Volume Up three times, Volume Down three times. And now enable Audience Audio. Now your audio will switch to wireless mode. And you can listen to this audio via headphones.
Install web browser on Roku
One of the major drawbacks of Roku is, it doesn’t have an inbuilt browser. So you need to install a web browser from the Roku store. By doing so, you can surf using the browser. You need to install a web browser named X app. You can directly install it. But the big drawback is, you can’t connect a wireless keyboard or mouse. But you can use the Roku Mobile app as a keyboard and mouse.
Play any games on Roku
This is not a Roku hack, yet it is one of the most important tricks every Roku user should know. With this single feature, you can play any of the games on Roku. This Roku trick is based on screen mirroring. Just enable screen mirroring on your device and cast it to your Roku streaming stick. After that, you will find the device on the Roku. Now select the device, and connect it. Now you can play all the games on the big screen.
To take the game to the next level, connect keyboard, mouse, or joystick via Bluetooth. And you can play all the games with this method. You can also use the same method to connect to the Bluetooth headset.
Automatic Volume Leveling
This is yet another cool feature of Roku Streaming Stick. Are you annoyed by sound while changing channels or while watching Ads? If Yes, then this feature is for you. Automatic volume leveling will make sure that the volume will not spike up while changing channels. Go to advanced sound settings > Volume mode > Leveling. You can also choose the Night mode. Night Mode will increase the volume of soft sounds and decrease the volume of louder sounds.
Universal Search
Roku doesn’t have a lot of content like another streaming device. If you are not searching for specific content, you will keep scrolling. You can use the Roku search feature to search for anything. You can search for movies, TV shows, actors, products or anything. It will provide a comprehensive list. If you are spending a lot of time searching, this feature might help you.
Use your Phone as Remote
Now Roku Mobile app is available for iOS and Android, which will improve your searches’ time and quality. Wayback, whenever you need to search something, you need to use the default remote to enter the title, which will be quite annoying. But now, all you need to do is, Open the Roku remote app and press the little keyboard icon on it. This will allow you to type using your phone’s Keyboard. This remote app will be far better than the default remote and going all around the Keyboard on your screen for navigation. The app also provides the following features,
- It offers voice search options along with other Roku Functions.
- Can use the Mobile app for Roku TVs to control both streaming and other TV functions like OTA channeling scanning, Input selection, and both picture and audio settings.
- The Ability to listen privately to your Roku channels using the smartphone’s headphones or speakers.
4K Roku Content
Roku is much more concerned about 4K, so Roku offers you a wide range of options when it comes to streaming UHD content. The problem is you need to find which channel offers 4K UHD content. You can also install 4K Spotlight App available on the Roku Channel Store to make your 4K content search easier. This app will help you to find programs and movies in 4K over multiple channels.
Control with Google Assistant
If you are familiar with Roku, you might know about Roku’s inbuilt voice controls that can be controlled using the Roku app. Whether you have a Google Nest device or just the free google assistant app on your smartphone, you can use voice control over your Roku using Google.
Follow the steps to connect your Google assistant and Roku device,
- Open your Google Assistant app on your phone.
- Click on the account picture at the top right corner of the screen.
- Select the Device tab and click Add.
- Add a device page that will pop up, select Link a smart home device.
- Search for your Roku device.
- Sign in to your Roku account
- Then tap “Accept and Continue” to connect your Google to the Roku.
- Finally, select Link to the Google App.
That’s all now you can use your Google assistant to control Roku.
Travel with Roku
Planning on a trip or going off to college or taking a vacation? Then take your Roku along with you. Roku has a feature for you know as Hotel and Dorm connect.
Necessities:
- Make sure you have the latest and updated Roku firmware.
- HDMI cable if you have a box version (Roku Steaming sticks have a built-in HDMI connection)
- Powe adapter and Remote.
Also, ensure that the hotel you will be staying offers WiFi and that TV with accessible HDMI input.
To use the Roku’s Hotel and Dorm Connect feature,
- Plug-in your Roku stick or box.
- Go to Settings >> Network.
- Now go to Set up Connection >> Wireless, and establish the network connection.
- Then Select I am at a Hotel or College Dorm option.
Now you will receive a lot of prompts on screen for authentication purposes asking for WiFi password to use a specific network and Roku server. Once it’s done, you are all set to use you stream your favorite show.
Instant relay with closed captions
Most of the TVs offer closed captioning for the hearing impaired. Similarly, Roku also offers this feature but with an additional feature. Added to the default closed captions for all programs and movies, you can set it up to work only for instant replay.
So if you have missed or didn’t understand the last few seconds of a program or movie due to any interruption, you can use the Replay button. Using the Replay button will repeat the particular part of the program with the addition of hearing the voice along with subtitles (if available).
To enable this feature, Go to the onscreen menu, Select Settings >> Accessibility >> Captions, and then there will be the Instant Replay option. Enable it and enjoy your show.
These are the some of the insane Roku hacks you should definitely try out. There are lots of other features available. But on this list, we list some of the best features and most used ones. I hope you will become a Power Roku user after testing out all these Roku hacks. If you are facing any issue, do comment below. We will help you to find the solution.
FAQs
How to get the Roku Secret menu?
Press Home five times on Roku remote, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up. Doing this will bring up a secret WiFi menu to see things like signal strength.
What are the web browsers available on Roku?
Roku has not yet developed its web browser. But there are two browsers available in the official store Web Browser X, and POPRISM is the two web browsers currently available.
Can I get Google Chrome on Roku?
As per the updates, there is no Google Chrome app on the Roku’s official store. But if you want to use Chrome on your TV screen, you can use filter mirroring using another Miracast (can also use other compatible casting apps) enabled devices.
Are Roku Games Free?
Not all games are available for free; some may charge a fee. Most of the game use ads to generate revenue, so you need to have some patience to sit through the ads. And one more thing to make sure is, you are not going to find sophisticated Xbox or PS4 like games. The games will be simple, but that doesn’t mean they are not fun. Sometimes all you need is some arcade-style game to pass the time.
Are the Roku Private channels safe to stream?
As long as you download channels from the Official Roku store, it is safe to use. For a number of reasons, not every private channel is available through Roku’s official channel store. Some of them offer adult content, while others don’t even meet the official listing requirement. Yet, the Roku private channels are safe, useful, and a little offbeat.
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