A few weeks ago, I purchased a brand new 4K TV for my living room and moved my old Samsung TV to the bedroom.
Around the same time, I got introduced to Roku streaming services and wondered if I could watch the Roku Channel on the bedroom TV.
It took me a fair bit of research to figure out how to get Roku on my Samsung TV, but now I can enjoy some light-hearted moments every night before drifting off to sleep.
However, there are some limitations to streaming the Roku Channel on Samsung TVs.
Samsung TVs with Tizen OS 2.3 and above have the Roku Channel, and you can install it from the Apps section of your TV’s Smart Hub. However, you will only be able to watch the free content.
Do All Samsung TVs Support Roku?
All Samsung Smart TVs running on Tizen OS 2.3 and newer support the Roku Channel app.
However, if your TV is not Smart or has an older version of Tizen OS, you can stream the channel using a Roku streaming player.
All you need to do is get one of these devices and plug it into an HDMI port of your TV.
How to Check the OS Version on My Samsung TV
All Samsung Smart TVs run on Samsung’s in-house Tizen operating system.
To check the OS version on your Samsung TV:
- Press the Menu button on your TV’s remote.
- Scroll down and click on the Support option.
- Tap on Contact Samsung to view the Tizen OS version and other details about your TV.
If your TV is running on Tizen OS 2.3 or higher, you can install the Roku Channel app.
In case the version of Tizen is lower than 2.3 on your Samsung TV, check if it has any available software updates.
Follow these steps to do so:
- Press the Menu button on the TV’s remote.
- Select Settings from the menu.
- Click on Support.
- Choose Software Update.
- Select Update Now to look for any updates.
- If an update is available for your TV, it will download and install on its own. Otherwise, you will get a notification stating that your TV is up to date.
If your TV’s OS is below version 2.3, even after updating, you will not be able to install the Roku Channel app.
How to Install the Roku Channel on My Samsung TV
Once you have confirmed the version of Tizen OS on your Samsung TV, you can proceed with the installation of the Roku Channel app.
To install the Roku Channel app:
- Press the Smart Hub button on your TV’s remote. If your remote doesn’t have this button, press the Home button.
- Navigate to the Apps section.
- Type Roku Channel in the search bar.
- Select the app and download it on the TV.
Once the installation is complete, launch the Roku Channel app and sign into your Roku account to access the available content.
You can also connect AirPods to your Samsung TV to enjoy the Roku content without disturbing others.
What Content Can I Watch on My Samsung TV via the Roku Channel App?
The Roku Channel has several Roku originals and over 100 live TV channels, which include free ad-supported content and premium subscriptions.
Although all this content is available in the United States, you can only stream the free and ad-supported content on a Samsung TV.
I have a Roku streaming device and a subscription to DirecTV stream, and I’m obsessed with the selection of shows I get to choose from.
If you want to enjoy the Roku Channel’s premium content, you should opt for a Roku streaming device.
Here’s a glimpse of the content available on the Roku Channel.
Limitations of Using the Roku Channel App on a Samsung TV
Using the Roku Channel app on a Samsung TV comes with a few feature limitations.
Firstly, you don’t get parental controls on the app.
Meaning if you have kids at home, you cannot restrict their access to adult content.
Also, as mentioned above, the Roku Channel app experience on a Samsung TV is not ad-free irrespective of your Roku subscription.
However, you can access shows with fewer advertisements than cable TV via the Roku Channel app on a Samsung TV.
What to Do If the Roku Channel App Doesn’t Work on My Samsung TV
If the Roku Channel app fails to work on your Samsung TV for any reason, you can troubleshoot it via the following steps:
Power Cycle Your TV
Power cycling will clear your TV’s memory and drain its remaining power, forcing it to reset.
To power cycle your TV, disconnect it from the power socket and wait for at least sixty seconds before plugging it back in.
Power cycling can also fix the dreaded Samsung TV black screen of death.
Check Your Internet Connection
If you have problems with your Internet connection, the Roku Channel app will not work smoothly.
Note that you must have a minimum Internet speed of 10 Mbps to watch HD content and about 25 Mbps for 4K content.
If you face problems with your Internet connection, power cycle your Wi-Fi router.
Disable VPN and Ad Blocker
VPNs and ad blockers are known to cause trouble with streaming on the Roku Channel app.
Disable the VPN and ad blockers on your Samsung TV and restart it to fix such streaming issues.
Samsung and Roku – An Imperfect Match
It took me less than five minutes to install and use the Roku Channel app on my Samsung TV.
All I needed to do was download the app from the ‘Apps’ section of my TV’s Smart Hub.
However, the app works with limited functionality, as Roku has limited most of its content exclusively to its hardware.
This can be pretty annoying because you cannot watch Roku’s premium content on a Samsung TV, no matter your subscription status.
The only way out of this predicament is to buy a Roku streaming player.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Roku Channel work on every TV?
The Roku Channel app is available only on select TVs, but you can enjoy the Roku experience on any TV, smart or not, by plugging a Roku streaming device into an HDMI port.
How long do Samsung TVs last?
A well-maintained TV will last easily for about 5 to 8 years, depending on how much you use it.
Also, factors like screen brightness play an important role in determining your TV’s lifespan.
Does Roku manufacture TVs?
Roku doesn’t manufacture TVs, but several companies (like TCL and Hisense) have TVs running on the Roku operating system.