Unlike the Firestick streaming device, you can’t jailbreak Roku right away. Roku has almost all streaming services preloaded in its Channel Store and keeps you away from jailbreaking. Still, you can access the apps on Roku that aren’t compatible with the firmware in alternative ways. However, you need to tweak the settings a little to proceed with the next steps.
In this article, we have shown you the ways to access content and apps on Roku apart from the traditional methods.
Using Roku Mobile App
With the Roku app installed on your smartphone, you can cast local media like images, videos, and audio. To use the Roku Mobile App, you need to connect your smartphone and Roku device to the same internet connection.
[1] Install the Roku Mobile App from the Play Store and App Store on your smartphone.
[2] On the bottom panel, click on Devices. Choose the Roku device that you want to pair.
[3] Choose the Media icon below your Roku device name.
[4] Select the media that you want: music, photo, video, or screensaver.
[5] Watch the selected media on your device.
Using Roku Media Player
Roku Media Player is available by default on all the latest versions of Roku. If you can’t find the player, you need to update your Roku device to the latest version. If you are using an older version, you need to add Roku Media Player from the Channel Store.
Prerequisites
- First, copy your media content to the USB drive with a PC and connect it to your Roku device.
- Make sure your USB device is formatted with any one of these file systems: FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, EXT2, EXT3, and HFS+.
[1] Launch Roku Media Player and choose the Media Type.
[2] Select the device that holds the media content.
[3] Navigate to the content and press OK on your Roku remote to start playing.
Screen Mirroring to Roku
Screen Mirroring is one of Roku’s most common things to view or stream an app from mobile and PC that is unavailable on the Channel Store. To stream the content, you need to turn on screen mirroring on Roku. Also, ensure to connect both devices to the same WiFi.
Android
1. Open the app you like to mirror on Roku.
2. Head to the Notification Panel, and tap Cast / Screen Cast.
3. Choose your Roku device.
4. When the devices are connected, you can see the mobile screen on Roku.
5. Play the video and watch it on the big screen.
Windows
1. Launch the Action Center on the Windows PC.
2. Click Connect from the options.
3. Select Roku from the list of nearby devices.
4. Once connected, the Windows screen appears on Roku.
5. Now, stream content, play games, etc., on your PC and view it on the big screen.
AirPlay to Roku
By enabling AirPlay on Roku, you can easily mirror the content from your iPhone and Mac. To AirPlay, the devices must be connected to a similar WiFi network.
1. Play the video on your iPhone/Mac.
2. On your iPhone and Mac, head to the Control Panel and tap Screen Mirroring.
3. Tap the Roku device and it gets connected.
4. You can see the video streaming on the Roku TV screen.
Screencast on Roku
The screencast is another way to watch third-party content on Roku. However, the feature is not compatible with most of the apps. YouTube and Netflix are the best examples for making screencast.
Important Note: The app you cast, must be installed on your Roku device. If you cast Netflix from your smartphone, then you must have installed Netflix on Roku.
[1] Launch the app, which is compatible with the screencast.
[2] Click on the Cast icon.
[3] Select your Roku device.
[4] You are all set for casting.
Use Kodi Media Player
Kodi is another effective way to watch media content that is not available on Roku. Since Kodi is known for playing third-party content, it is not featured on the Roku Channel Store. You can still watch Kodi content on Roku by using the screen mirroring feature.
FAQ
The IPTV content on Roku can’t be streamed directly. You need to tweak the settings and turn on developer Mode on Roku.
Sadly, no. You can’t be able to jailbreak the Roku Ultra device.
Yes, using the Roku website, you can add private channels to your Roku device.