15 Roku Settings and Features You Need to Know! | Roku Tips & Tricks

If you have a Roku device, these are the settings and features you need to know about to get the most out of your streaming media player. Roku devices are my #1 pick for first-time streamers because they're inexpensive and easy to use. These tips and tricks will make your Roku experience even better. See a written version of this list here: michaelsaves.com/streaming/ch...
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Program Personal Shortcuts
1:06 Add, Move and Delete Channels
1:42 Limit Ad Tracking
2:15 Unlock Featured Free Content
2:34 Live TV Zone
3:01 Find Things Faster
3:33 Voice Commands
3:58 Adjust Menu Clicks
4:17 Sound Leveling
4:47 Roku Remote App
5:16 Private Listening
5:49 Instant Replay
6:13 Declutter the Home Screen
6:48 Change Your Screensaver
7:13 Guest Mode
NOTE: This video is NOT sponsored. However, this description box includes affiliate links. If you use my links, I may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!
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[@MichaelSaves]

Thanks for watching! Let me know your favorite Roku tips and tricks down below.

[@spaceghost4474]

On some apps the voice level is much lower than the other sounds, so I find the Leveling feature to be very useful. Now I keep it on always, and I've not had a reason to turn it off.

[@MichaelSaves]

@@spaceghost4474 same except when I use the night mode!

[@edwinoconnor4797]

Michael I can't connect to Roku

[@edwinoconnor4797]

I can't connect to Roku

[@edwinoconnor4797]

@@MichaelSaves I can't connect to Roku

[@charlesquinlan9813]

Don't forget that your Roku can be linked to your digital home assistant like Alexa or Google Home. Many of the voice commands you would use on the phone app or advanced remotes work there as well. "Alexa, launch Hulu on Roku," "Alexa, rewind Roku 30 seconds," "Alexa pause/resume Roku," "Alexa, go home on Roku." (Obviously I'm an Alexa user.) It's just nice when the phone rings or the dog starts barking or you want to go to the bathroom to be able to tell your home assistant to pause so you don't have to dig in the couch cushion or blanket you're under to find the remote.

[@SuperLuigiSixty4]

Great video, lots of useful tips! I picked up a Roku Express a month ago and I absolutely love it.

[@michaellicavoli3921]

After purchasing a smart tv for my bedroom, I continued to use the ROKU since it made private listening easier. Also my little poodle rests better.

[@ruslsdad]

Thank you. A lot I won't use, but very clear explanation.

[@lisaknox4113]

Thanks for this! I have the standard Roku remote! I always wondered about this!

[@stevewatne7006]

Thank you! Helpful!

[@Lazybeam]

Great Tips, Thanks! I personally use headphones in my phone rather than the Roku remote. I've found headphones in the remote burn through the remote batteries.

[@michaelwyckoff7593]

These are good tips for people who may be new to the Roku platform.

[@nicolebattlewest]

I love the Roku express I am new to this but so far all the free content is off the hook there is no way I can see all of this content keep it coming glad I choose to get this

[@daviddppreschel1107]

Super Helpful Thanx!

[@corrindion]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@DeeDee-a29L]

Thanks for sharing those helpful information.

[@robertshawiv1513]

Great advice! Thank you!

[@billybilly3333333333]

Good stuff, thank you Michael--

[@robwestmoreland7908]

Thanks for the tips

[@AnglandAlamehnaSwedish]

Thank you very much

[@gordengibson1]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is the very, very best auto tutorial about ROKU on KZbin. Your video makes others look like child's play.

[@judybonard7277]

Excellent presentation most helpful

[@johngriffin7071]

Great video. Thank you.

[@LynyrdSkynyrdFan]

Great KZbinr. Glad I found you.

[@victorialynnstewart9668]

Got internet only last week bought ba Roku, this helped. thanks

[@cindydott452]

I love having the Roku app on my phone. Now my husband can sleep while I'm watching anime all night long! LOL! And MST3K! Also, since this was a very informative video, I subscribed and tickled the like button!

[@mdwomble69]

Great video. Really enjoyed watching!

[@teresafinley1071]

Thank you!!!! Literally 4 years later and I got it off finaly

[@wilsonwilliam274]

Thank you very much for your help. I wasted abt 30mnts trying to figure out.

[@driza97]

cool tips. love the roku voice remote pro's. have 2 of them ppaired to my roku tcl tv's. highly recommend. usually the rechargeable battery last about 3 months on the remotes, and then just plug it in to charge it again. think it drains a little bit more, the more you use the headphone jack for private listening. also like the to user buttons, have mine assigned to h b o max and spectrum tv. keep my other roku remotes in drawer for backups. yep.

[@GaryKokaisel]

Great tips! I've noticed that even when I choose my own theme, ROKU will override that usually to advertise a movie.

[@jondeforge8266]

It gives you the ability to shut that feature off in the settings. In the settings select turn off seasonal themes.

[@GaryKokaisel]

@@jondeforge8266 Thank you! Didn't notice that!

[@FuzzyElf]

@@jondeforge8266 - Oh, my gosh! I must check that now. Yay! I checked my TCL Roku tv, will check streaming stick after sunrise. Thanks.

[@RockysFunAndHelpWorld]

Also, I love your videos!

[@markhabeck6614]

Thanks that video was really cool learned allot about our ROKU we have.

[@RoyalBuffoon]

Thanks I Gave You a Like, Because I didn't Know about the Instant Replay You Might also Tell Your Viewers how to Clean the Cache I do This Once a Week

[@stephenwilder3525]

On #11… you can also listen through blue tooth when using the remote app.

[@corieddings5713]

I am dreading cutting the cord...my husband is very impatient and does not like change but we can no longer put up with these hikes constantly every month $186. That's $60. More in less than a year

[@MichaelSaves]

See my recent video on cutting the cord in 2022. A good place to start. You got this

[@meninagreen5704]

Hi. My cable bill was $186 too. What you can do is call them and ask for the lowest package. Then get your Roku. (You will need internet). There are thousands of FREE channels there: movies, tv series, cooking, travel, wildlife, news and documentaries. You could never watch it all! It's fun! Try it; you can always go back to cable. If your hubby likes sports, tho, it may be a challenge. You don't need to sign up for any pay services, just try the free shows.

[@michaellicavoli3921]

I cut the cord over a year ago, mainly because I refuse to donate to channel like ESPN,CNN,and msnbc. Also. The price creep each year started to tick me off!

[@StanLaufey]

Didn’t know everyone had roku’s!

[@monicakasel252]

I love to watch your videos on ROKU. They are so informative. I have a question on something that we've been experiencing, frozen black 'ad info" screen during commercials. Several times a day during commercials using KZbin TV a black screen, with NO sound will appear instead of a commercial with the words " ad info" up in the left top corner of the screen. The screen will remain there until you back out of the channel, choose another channel then switch back. This happened today on the TLC channel but it has happened on other channels in KZbinTV as well. I don't know if it's a ROKU or a KZbin TV problem, I'm reaching out to see if you have any info on this situation. Thanks!

[@MichaelSaves]

This is KZbin TV. Sometimes there will be a "We'll be right back" screen in commercials when there is unsold ad inventory, but usually this screen has the channel logo and music. Ad info frequently appears during commercials in the corner. You could chat with them if you see something out of the ordinary.

[@Levi-hx1vh]

I have very low vision. This is great for my independence.

[@lindasue1955]

Thank you! I have hearing difficulties; nothing is ever loud enough. I've been looking at soundbars. I want a good one that sounds great for music as well but don't have a lot of money to invest. Could you recommend a decent one or us it worth waiting to save a little more money to get a good one?

[@junehawks4666]

Very good info. Thanks

[@kailani808]

I just cut the cord on my dad’s cable account because he was paying way too much money. I have him logged in to my cable account via the Spectrum TV app. It makes sense since he only really watches 2 channels. I tried teaching him to stream directly to the TV sets in the house through his iPad but he has trouble and likes things simple. I’m watching all of your videos on Roku devices and like the ease and simplicity of the remote, plus the fact that Roku has the Spectrum TV app on their devices. Can you recommend a Roku device that doesn’t need to be plugged into the wall? HDMI & USB as a power source would be most ideal

[@aldinetree]

Hi Michael, I have a question. I've recently experienced a bit of random audio distortion. Do you have experience or a video showing how to trouble shoot challenges of this sort? I've had some luck unplugging and resetting the device, however it seems to return. I'm using an Ultra, and it's connected via an HDMI cable. Thanks for your help, Delfino

[@MichaelSaves]

I'm not sure. Since you have an Ultra, you may be able to get agent support via Roku's website: support.roku.com/

[@aldinetree]

Hi Michael, and thanks for sharing another helpful video. I have a question. When I view KZbin on a pc, I'm often able to change the subtitle language using the "auto translate" button after clicking the gear icon. For example, I'm able to do this on your video. Do you know of a way to do this with a Roku? So far, I only see subtitles on/off, but no translation options. Thanks for your help, Delfino

[@MichaelSaves]

Hi! The only other thing I know to try is Settings > Accessibility > Captions Preferred Language from the Roku settings. But even with that, it's not a guarantee the captions will show up in all apps and for all videos.

[@aldinetree]

​@@MichaelSaves Thanks for you're reply. You're right, I've tried the same. Other than connecting a laptop via HDMI, I'm not aware of any other work around. If you discover a more advanced Roku sized box (preferably with a remote control which isn't a phone), please consider sharing in a future video. Have a good night, Delfino

[@brandonsmith1198]

I can remember that in the future

[@roberthansen2008]

So I guess the fancy remote you were showing will work on any Roku device? If it does I'll have to check it out and get it.

[@MichaelSaves]

You can go to Roku's website and see if your current Roku is compatible with Voice Remote Pro. Most are!

[@alexgottmituns7049]

I have "What time is it?" programmed into shortcut 1. Very handy!

[@MichaelSaves]

Smart

[@cindydott452]

Um, I have a clock on the wall. LOL!

[@billybilly3333333333]

We have a Panasonic Viera 65 TV--We paired our new Roku voice remote pro with the TV--it has instructions to link up the remote so it would be able to power off the TV itself but we can't get it to work. It has you select the type of TV you have and Panasonic is a choice. Then it plays music asking you if the music has stopped. When you say no it tries another TV number until you reach 4 or 5 and then says it cannot do it. Any ideas? Thanks Bill

[@chriscampbellcampbell2505]

Man thank you for saving what little I have left with her.😅🎉

[@RockysFunAndHelpWorld]

The Roku Ultra LT, the Roku that I bought came with Roku stickers.

[@MichaelSaves]

Do you know what the stickers are for? I got those too lol

[@RockysFunAndHelpWorld]

@@MichaelSaves They are for decorating your Roku player

[@raulojeda8567]

I have a roku tv 1080p and a miibox s 4k i love both both ui are simple and easy im hoping to get the roku tv 4k in the future to watch 4k content like youtube and movies and finally be able to use the miibox s 4k instead of 1080p.

[@p.rcoursey44]

You have as many roku's as I do. Lol . ROKU TO ME IS THE BEST

[@timc2219]

if you want the shortcut not to a channel, but to a different tv input you created a channel for- like security cameras on av port- can a one button shortcut be created to jump directly to there same way, or is that only for 'packaged channels' like the nasa channel in your example? also is there a way to do a simple 'back' button to return from that channel back to the show you were watching? seems these should be simple/basic options, but roku's ad-driven stuff is prioritized over personalization...the goofy 4 fixed shortcuts i have never used even once, but there they are, locked to useless functionality...

[@kirksanders9478]

Thanks for showing how to delete channels. I couldn't figure it out.

[@MichaelSaves]

Great! I'm here to help if you run into any other issues.

[@saraibucciarelli1821]

Talkback, the built in screen reader for the blind is also on every device.

[@monicabuendia552]

Hi we have Roku in our Airbnb do you know how I can keep channel as one of the first options and stay there after I log out and guests can see this channel?

[@bobwackerman2945]

Thanks for the tutorial. Very informative. Maybe you can help with my problem. I have a home stereo and after setting up my Roku device to turn my TV on and off I lost it and now the sound just comes from the TV. I used to TV remote before to turn on TV and adjust sound. I used the roku remote to go to my steaming of choice in this case Hulu. How do I switch it back as I'm not sure what I did in the first place to lose the home stereo

[@MichaelSaves]

I'm not sure, but maybe someone else with a similar setup will see this comment and chime in!

[@georgeabbot8763]

I am sure you already tried this- settings - audio - audio output Then choose the specific output you want, but not automatic.

[@bobwackerman2945]

George, Thanks for the tip. It worked!! 😃

[@margaret-annecunningham4483]

Thats a great idea because my remote isn't working right. To turn up & down volume now.

[@emilyapricot1313]

I’d suggest making your screensaver to something basic (I use the Roku Clock) to save power. Roku devices are always on.

[@juanesquivel8401]

Jvn ccj. 12 Djs CCCB 7xzH🎤🎵

[@oceanside88]

I turn it off at power bar.

[@gordengibson1]

What is the button on the ROKU Streaming stick used for?

[@patreagen3973]

Help me figure out how to brighten the screen when movies show a night scene. I have tried going to settings and clicking on brightness but it doesn't change anything. Help please.

[@AmyEnzenroth]

I just set up a new Roku. I set my screensaver, and have had it play for a bit, but then it switches to no connection. I arrow back to my home screen and everything is fine. What could be the issue?

[@raulojeda8567]

I cant find sound leveling option just sound option like movies etc.

[@Lulu-ve7ln]

Help! My Roku voice remote, when I hold down microphone button, it shows listening But once I speak a command it shows, unable to hear you. Try again. Everything else works but this. What can I do to fix this? I put it new batteries and i re-paired it again

[@xXRenaxChanXx]

I'm guessing some of these settings depend on your Roku model. In my case, there is no volume leveling and for whatever dumb reason the "sound mode" setting is inaccessible when viewing media.

[@nancyschaefer9748]

I would like to use one of the pictures used in the Wild Nature screen saver. Is this possible?

[@MichaelSaves]

I have a video to make a custom Roku screensaver: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moOllqBsa66gjLM

[@monicakasel252]

Michael is there any way to set the main page to go to Live instead of Home upon opening KZbinTV?

[@MichaelSaves]

Not that I’m aware of

[@patn8999]

Michael, when using the Roku to access KZbin TV, is it possible (once in the YT TV app) to use the voice remote to bring up a channel instead of searching through the guide? When I say, for example, "NBC", it warns me that it is leaving the KZbin TV app, so I cancel before it does. Am I doing something wrong?

[@MichaelSaves]

No you're not doing anything wrong. It doesn't have that functionality at this time. The voice features could still use some work.

[@whatsit2ya247]

@@MichaelSaves Right? Hey Roku, how about a way to numerically change channel on live TV?! What a radical concept!

[@lionelporta3388]

How do you add the live tv shortcut

[@rlbutterfield]

Is the Roku app free? Which one should I download? The App Store lists several. Could you please send a link to a free one. Thank you. Very good video, by the way. I’ll be watching again, and I subscribed.

[@MichaelSaves]

This is the one! www.roku.com/mobile-app and yes it's free!

[@corieddings5713]

Will I be able to get local tv or regular tv with the Roku or do I need an antenna and a box

[@MichaelSaves]

The paid Live TV services have locals. But an antenna is a good option

[@corieddings5713]

@@MichaelSaves thank you

[@brandonsmith1198]

Dose rouko Remote control we only have a microphone built in the bottom button is it true

[@karenorgan6203]

Do the programmable buttons work in Canada?

[@brandonsmith1198]

I didn’t know your remote control can do that how many in the future

[@bugatti314159]

Any idea how to fix the scrolling issue on the KZbin TV app? The scrolling using the direction keys on the remote simply stops working. Then a week or two later it starts working again like nothing happened. This happens on EVERY Roku device and TV I have and it is ONLY on KZbin TV. No other Roku apps exhibit this behavior. I've tried customer service on both Roku and KZbin and both are completely useless.

[@amyplotner9026]

Hi, I was told you can browse the web on the roku tv, I’m not having any luck any advise?

[@MichaelSaves]

I don't have a Roku TV, only a Roku device. But I don't know of a web browser with my device. Maybe there is some app you could download with a browser. I would go back to the person who told you that and get clarification.

[@terrygarnett3099]

Is there a list (Channel Guide) on the Roku Live Channel, that is printable or download able to show what channels are on the Roku Live channel without scrolling & scrolling & scrolling????

[@MichaelSaves]

Not that I'm aware of, but I will be on the lookout. Here is a partial list I found online though: www.bingegauge.com/list-free-live-tv-the-roku-channel/

[@jondeforge8266]

If you press the star button when you are over the channel number it gives you the ability to set favorite channels and to also delete channels. If you don't want the Spanish channels, kids channels, or music channels you could remove them.

[@jeffgates1906]

Every once in awhile, i wake up the next day and my youtube tv is already on. But, most of the time, i have to enter into the app every day. I wish there was a way of keeping youtube tv always on every day.

[@bradart7289]

Is there a way to lower the noisy background music found in most movies?

[@MichaelSaves]

Not that I know of. Have you tried the sound leveling?

[@joeprincipato5211]

I like the idea of the voice remove pro with 2 personal shortcuts.. I wish there was a remote with zero personal shortcuts , with No shortcuts of any kind.. I find those shortcuts irritating. I hate them, over and over I hit one of those accidentally, and then have to navigate back to where I was ...

[@MichaelSaves]

Yeah I hear ya -- those shortcuts are paid ads from the services -- so I don't think Roku will drop them anytime soon.

[@LeonNikkidude]

Is there a way to access browser without casting to watch foreign tv channels for free like you can on the Fire tv?

[@MichaelSaves]

There's no browser with Roku, but maybe you can cast from your phone and screen share?

[@Tammie-Burns1961]

Our Roku TV is on antenna only and some of the free channels are disappearing even when we rescan. HOW can we get those channels back?

[@brewski17]

Got any tips on how to make the remotes not burn through batteries so much? I have the phone app and like it. But still use the remote. I've never seen a remote burn through AAA's like Roku remotes.

[@MichaelSaves]

Yeah I have noticed this too. I just get the cheap batteries on Amazon or at Costco (Kirkland brand is made by Duracell.) The Voice Remote Pro has a rechargeable battery. I haven't taken mine out of the box, but I'll be testing it over the next few months.

[@FuzzyElf]

@@MichaelSaves - Are the remotes considered "low drain" devices? If yes, would old-fashioned lead-acid batteries work better than alkaline for most folks? Good old "Heavy Duty" (non-alkaline) of some recognizable brand? My streaming stick remote batteries last for many months simplest remote. I guess private listening would be a big drain when used. Maybe voice commands would also make a perceptible difference.

[@cindydott452]

@@MichaelSaves Will the Voice Remote Pro work on a Roku Express?

[@lisamonello6179]

Is there any way to toggle back and forth with two shows?

[@MichaelSaves]

It depends on the service. DIRECTV STREAM has this functionality.

[@judybonard7277]

Can this remote be used on Apple XR iphone

[@MichaelSaves]

Yes download the Roku app from the Apple store!

[@gaillewis5472]

You can download the phone app and do the same thing.

[@bobrozek7723]

What Happens If I Had Channels But I Lost The Channels Like KZbin, KZbin Tv And Other. I Don't Know How I Lost Them The Tv Was Working Fine That After Noon. If You Could Help Great. Bob

[@vtr279]

🤦‍♂️ Love your heart..

[@andrewguise7058]

I bought two rokus last summer and loved them. Then they dropped update 10.5 which bricked both. Roku keeps saying that are going to patch it, but haven’t yet. I’ve tried updating and resetting to factory defaults (which actually works until it connects and updates, bricking it again). Anyone have a similar problem, and any suggestions?

[@corieddings5713]

Oh great so your saying even though we cut the cord we still will be spending money on new sticks...just perfect😩

[@andrewguise7058]

As an update, I did another customer service request and they will be replacing them at no cost.

[@lindaphelps8385]

Same here ... update broke my remote. No help from Roku customer service. Glad they helped you... l will try again contacting them.

[@andrewguise7058]

@@lindaphelps8385 okay- so further update. I did end up have to pay for shipping to send the devices back and Roku replaced them. (The replacements were no cost, not shipping which I only learned after my last post). I did have the same issue with the replacements. The roku update had some incompatibilities with a modem update by Xfinity/Comcast. I had to go to my account and change the modem’s Wi-Fi protocol from g/n to b/g/n. That fixed the issue.

[@rshadrin]

What’s the fastest way to get to the Library

[@mikemcelwain]

been trying to get my Roku to accept email to activate, tried everything but still nothing, sooooo frustrating 😢

[@lunaticleone8534]

My remote has an A and B, how does that work

[@vernhanna4399]

The Roku app won’t find my devices I have the iPhone 14 pro or plus can’t remember

[@pameveridge7714]

Can you record on roku

[@markweiner4430]

What good is voice comments if you still are required to push a button?

[@MichaelSaves]

Voice Remote Pro has hands-free features. The one I’m demonstrating is Voice Remote

[@jondeforge8266]

You only have to be within 12 feet of the roku pro voice remote to use it.

[@wandacarpenter9990]

Active my ruku tv on my phone 1:24

[@darrellboyd]

Is there a way to stop seeing KZbin Shorts on my Roku when watching KZbin with it?

[@papaeli123]

I hate the 4 short cut buttons on the remote. I cut them off so they don't interfere with the useful buttons.

[@MichaelSaves]

Did you open the remote to remote them or just cut them off from the outside? I've heard of other people doing this too!

[@papaeli123]

@@MichaelSaves Never could figure out how to open the remote. I just shaved them off, so they are even with the hard plastic, with a safety razor blade. I don't recommend, danger. I did this to 4 remotes and much prefer them now. I know this is abnormal behavior, but I hate those buttons. The 4 buttons seem to always be in the way and I never used them.

[@OdetteReinhardt]

how to navigate thru channels quicker.

[@marykayvogelgesang564]

I have voice on my tv but no picture.

[@robharper2078]

FYI: I just bought a Roku Ultra LT and my remote doesn't have "1" and "2" buttons.

[@MichaelSaves]

Yes you need the regular Roku Ultra. I wish I had mentioned that

[@robharper2078]

@@MichaelSaves -- no biggie!

[@davidortiz2696]

This is all common sense if u read the instructions when u buy a Roku tv or device people.

[@oceanside88]

I hate that Roku tv updates with zero choice. So frustrating. KZbin no longer has speed feature on Roku tv...just crap. The tv I bought isn't mine anymore.

[@daneo617]

Not one of the secret settings 🤷🏼‍♂️ that's a missed opportunity ✌🏼