How to Watch YouTube on Roku

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Last Updated: August 2, 2024

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Installing YouTube

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Signing In

|

Watching Videos

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Q&A

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Installing YouTube

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1
Determine if your Roku model supports YouTube. With recent updates, all "current-gen" Roku devices can now add an official YouTube channel. This means every Roku device except the original Roku (which is released in 2010) can now add the YouTube channel.
- Note: Roku's model-naming system can be very confusing. The original Roku launched in 2010, and the Roku 2 launched in 2011. After the Roku 2 came out, they released a new Roku 1 and Roku 2 in 2013. This means that the Roku 1 and the original Roku are actually two completely different models.^{[1]
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- If you have the original Roku from 2010, the only way to get YouTube videos is to install the Twonky channel, which requires a subscription.
If you don't see the Channel Store option, press the Home button on your Roku remote.

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You should see the YouTube channel on the right side of the screen.
You'll see that it's free and the current user rating for the channel.
Roku will download the YouTube channel and add it to your channel list. This may take a few moments.
You can also return to your Roku home screen and select YouTube from the Home or "My Channels" list.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Signing In

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You can open this by selecting the Gear icon in the left YouTube menu on your Roku.
You will be asked to visit youtube.com/activate on your computer or mobile device. Once you visit the site, log in with your Google account and then enter the code on the TV display to sign in on Roku. Click the "Allow access" button to complete the sign-in process.
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Select "Pair Device". This will allow you to use your smartphone or tablet to find and play videos, which is much more efficient than using the YouTube channel's built-in Search function.
- You can also pair a computer or laptop to your Roku and use the YouTube website.^{[2]
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The website is youtube.com/pair. You can also use a barcode scanner to scan the QR code on the screen.
This will pair your smartphone or tablet with your Roku YouTube channel. If you scanned the QR code, this happens automatically.^{[3]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Watching Videos

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Once you've connected your smartphone or tablet, you can use it to find and play videos on your Roku.
The button looks like a TV display with a small signal icon in the corner.
When you tap the "Cast" button, you'll see a list of all of the devices that you can currently send videos to. Select your Roku device from the list.
After selecting the Roku, you can start the video and it will begin playing on your TV. You can use the YouTube app on your mobile device to control playback or find other videos to watch while the video is playing.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I enter an activation code without a Google email account or username?

Community Answer

You can't. You need a Google account to sign in. If you're under 18, ask your parents/guardian to do it for you.

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Question

Can I stream YouTube from my laptop to my TV with Roku?

Community Answer

Yes, but I recommend Apple TV! Just buy an Apple computer and set it up, simple as pie.

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Question

Do I have to pay to watch YouTube on Roku?

Corbin Carter

Community Answer

You don't need to. Just like watching YouTube on a computer, tablet, or phone, watching on Roku will be free.

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