Seniors: 4 Essential Tips That Make Roku Streaming Easier and Save Money
By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man
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Your Roku Streaming Device
If you’re a senior who uses a Roku, these four simple tips can make Roku streaming easier, more convenient, and help you save money.
Roku is one of the most popular and user-friendly streaming devices available. Millions of people, including many seniors, rely on it every day. Here are four helpful things every senior Roku owner should know.
1. You can watch your regular cable channels on Roku — no extra box needed.
Do you have Comcast (Xfinity) or Spectrum cable service? You can use free apps on your Roku to watch the exact same channels you already pay for.
Open the Xfinity Stream app or the Spectrum TV app on your Roku. This is especially useful for seniors who want cable TV in a second room (bedroom, kitchen, or den) without paying for another expensive cable box. Just plug a Roku into that extra TV and enjoy your shows.
2. Lost your remote? Use your phone as a free remote.
Losing the remote is a common frustration. The good news is you don’t have to buy a replacement right away.
Download the free official Roku app on your smartphone (search for “The Roku App, Official” in the Apple App Store or Google Play). When your phone and Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network, the app works just like a regular remote. You can change channels, adjust the volume, pause programs, and search for shows — everything the physical remote does.
Many seniors find this much more convenient than searching for a misplaced remote. It works with both Roku sticks and Roku TVs.
3. Roku works with almost any television you already own.
You don’t need a new TV. As long as your set has an HDMI port (the standard rectangular connection found on most televisions made in the last 10–15 years), Roku will work just fine.
Look on the back or side of your TV for a port labeled HDMI. Most Roku devices connect with just one simple cable.
4. Setting up a Roku is easy for seniors — follow these six clear steps:
Step 1. Gather your items
• Your Roku device
• The HDMI cable that came with it
• Your television
• Power cord or USB power
• The Roku remote and batteries
Step 2. Find an open HDMI port
Check the back or side of your TV for an unused HDMI port and note its number (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.).
Step 3. Connect the cables
• Plug the HDMI cable into the Roku and into the TV.
• Plug the Roku into power.
Step 4. Turn on and pair the remote
• Turn on your TV and switch to the correct HDMI input using your TV remote.
• You should see the Roku welcome screen.
• Insert batteries into the Roku remote and follow the simple on-screen instructions to pair it.
• Choose your language and connect to your home Wi-Fi (enter your password when asked).
Step 5. Update and sign in
• Allow the Roku to install any updates (this only takes a few minutes).
• Sign in to your free Roku account, or create one if you don’t have one yet.
Step 6. Add channels and start watching
• Go to the Channel Store and add free or paid channels you enjoy (Netflix, YouTube, news, classic movies, etc.).
• You’re ready to watch!
Extra tip for seniors: Roku regularly adds new free channels. From time to time, check the “Streaming Channels” section to discover something new.
Have a Question? Ask The TV Answer Man!
Have a question about a favorite show, streaming service or new TV product? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com. Please include your first name and hometown in your message.
The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.
