5 Roku mobile app tips all users should know

If you’re like me, you do your streaming with your mobile device by your side at all times. How else am I going to discuss the juicy details of my favorite show’s latest episode with friends? I’m obsessed with looking up actors, jumping into the discussion on Twitter, and reading the latest speculation on where the series is heading. For me, staying connected while streaming isn’t a distraction, it’s a way of making the experience more immersive. And with the Roku mobile app, my smartphone is an even more valuable companion to my Roku device.

The Roku mobile app is more than just a replacement for my remote control. It lets me listen to my favorite shows and movies with private listening, and it helps me discover new content on The Roku Channel when I’m away from home.

To turn your smartphone into the ultimate Roku accessory, all you need to do is download the app for iOS or Android and check out these five easy tips that’ll turn you into a true streaming pro.

Tip #1: Using the Roku mobile app as a remote control

Is your Roku remote missing in action? Perhaps your dog decided it was his new favorite chew toy? Or maybe it’s juuuuust out of reach. Don’t fret! The Roku mobile app lets your mobile device do anything your remote can do. Just open the app, select “Remote,” then choose the Roku device you want to control.

Tip #2: Private listening

Streaming late while others are asleep? Or maybe you don’t want everyone and their dog to know what you’re streaming while out and about? The Roku mobile app has a solution: Just tap the headphone icon in the app and to adjust volume as you wish through your connected or wireless headphones. You can even share the audio with up to four connected listeners.

Tip #3: Using voice search

Have you ever used the voice command feature on your Roku remote? It’s on the app, too. Just tap the microphone icon and you can control your Roku device with commands like, “Launch the Roku Channel,” “Search for horror movies,” “Turn on closed captions,” and much, much more. You can even search for a movie by saying your favorite quote. Check out this guide for a list of all the commands you can use.

Tip #4: Watch free content on The Roku Channel

The Roku app even acts as a portal to The Roku Channel, giving you anytime, anywhere access to a huge selection of Emmy®-nominated Roku Original series, hit movies and TV shows, live news, sports, family-friendly entertainment, and more. For free access, click on the Roku Channel icon in the app and select a title to start streaming.

Tip #5: Siri Shortcut for iPhone users

This last tip is a bonus for all our Apple fans out there. You can launch the Roku app hands-free with a simple voice command using Siri. All you have to do to set it up is open the app, then tap the account icon at the top right of the screen. Next, tap “Siri Shortcuts”—here you can add your own commands, such as launching the remote, playing and pausing content, and even turning supported Roku devices on and off.

So there you have it! Once you’ve downloaded the Roku mobile app and taken these features for a test drive, you’ll never want to stream without your mobile device again. Just remember to show your poor ol’ Roku remote a little love now and then, too!

So what are you waiting for? Download the Roku mobile app for iOS or Android now.

Happy Streaming!