To get Roku, you’ll need to (1) choose a device or TV that has Roku, (2) buy it, and (3) set it up on your TV and Wi‑Fi so you can add apps and start streaming.

What “getting Roku” actually means

When people say “how to get Roku,” they usually mean one of three things:

  • Getting a Roku streaming player (Roku Express, Streaming Stick, Ultra, etc.).
  • Buying a Roku TV (a television with Roku built‑in).
  • Creating a Roku account so they can activate a device and install apps.

You don’t pay to “get Roku” itself; you buy the hardware once, then use free and paid apps on it (like Netflix, Disney+, etc.).

Step 1 – Choose how you want Roku

Here’s the quick menu of options.

Option What it is Best for
Roku streaming player Small box or stick that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. Any TV with HDMI that you don’t want to replace.
Roku TV Full TV with Roku software built in. If you’re buying a new TV anyway.
Roku app only Mobile app that lets you control a Roku device and browse content, but doesn’t replace the hardware on your TV. Extra remote and quick search, not a full replacement for a Roku box/TV.
You can buy Roku devices on Roku’s official site, on big retailers’ websites, or in electronics stores.

Step 2 – What you need before setup

You only need a few basics.

  • A TV with at least one free HDMI port (for streaming players; Roku TV doesn’t need this).
  • Internet connection , usually Wi‑Fi; some models also support Ethernet.
  • A Roku account (free, created during setup on your phone or computer).
  • Power for the device (wall outlet or powered USB, depending on model).

You never have to pay just to create a Roku account; if a site asks for money to “activate Roku,” it’s a scam.

Step 3 – How to set up a Roku player (quick walkthrough)

This is the “normal” way to get Roku working on a TV you already own.

  1. Hook up the hardware
    • Plug the Roku stick or box into an HDMI port on your TV.
 * Connect the power cable to a wall outlet or, if supported, a USB port on your TV.

 * Turn on the TV and use the **Input/Source** button to pick the HDMI input that shows the Roku screen.
  1. Initial on‑screen setup
    • Choose your language, then select your Wi‑Fi network and enter the password, or plug in Ethernet if your model supports it.
 * The device will download updates and restart if needed.
  1. Create or sign in to a Roku account
    • On the TV you’ll see an activation code ; you go to Roku’s website on your phone or computer, enter that code, and either sign in or create a new account.
 * For a new account, you add your name, email, and password; adding a payment method is optional and mainly for renting/buying content or subscriptions through Roku Pay.
  1. Add channels (apps)
    • After activation, you can add apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, or free services directly from the Roku Channel Store.
 * If you already subscribe to streaming services, just sign in on Roku with your existing accounts—Roku doesn’t make those subscriptions free.

Once that’s done, you’re ready to start streaming from the Roku Home screen.

Step 4 – Getting a Roku TV instead

If you’re fine buying a new TV, a Roku TV lets you skip the little box entirely.

  • You plug in and turn on the TV, go through the same language + Wi‑Fi + Roku account + activation steps as above.
  • HDMI ports on a Roku TV become labeled inputs (like “Cable Box,” “Game Console”), and the Roku home screen is your main interface.
  • You still use apps/channels the same way: install them via the Roku interface, then sign in with your streaming subscriptions.

Functionally, the experience is very similar to using a Roku player on a non‑Roku TV.

Extra tips and common beginner questions

People on Roku forums highlight a few useful beginner tips:

  • You don’t need the most expensive model for basic HD streaming; the cheaper “Express” or standard stick is fine for most TVs.
  • If Wi‑Fi is weak near your TV, consider a model with Ethernet support or improve your router placement.
  • Always keep note of your exact Roku model number (you can see it under Settings → System → About); it helps if you ever need support or forum help.
  • Many popular channels offer free tiers with ads, and Roku also has its own free “Roku Channel” with movies and shows, so you can start without paying for lots of subscriptions.

An example: someone helped their older parent set up Roku by simply having them plug the device into HDMI, switch the TV input, connect to Wi‑Fi, and then log into a couple of streaming apps they already paid for.

Latest‑ish context and “trending” angle

Over the last few years, Roku has kept adding newer streaming players and smart TVs, but the core idea hasn’t changed: plug it in, connect to internet, sign into a free account, and add apps. With streaming still expanding in 2025–2026, there are more free ad‑supported apps than ever, so “getting Roku” today usually means a quick, inexpensive way to make an older TV feel modern without a cable package.

TL;DR:
Buy a Roku player or Roku TV, connect it to your TV and power, select the right HDMI/input, join your Wi‑Fi, create or sign into a free Roku account to activate, then add your favorite streaming apps and start watching.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.