How to Add Roku to LG Smart TV

Although most LG smart TVs already feature built-in support for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other streaming apps, Roku is still a leader in streaming video. It offers access to so much more and the newest OS updates have improved the responsiveness of everything.

Therefore, you might still want to use a Roku streaming stick for all your video streaming needs. To access the vast library on Roku, you have to connect it to your LG TV. This is much simpler than you might think.

How Connect a Roku Stick to Your LG TV

1. Look for an open HDMI port at the back or side panel on your TV.
2. Plug in the Roku stick directly or use a HDMI cable for more placement and concealment options.
3. Alternatively – Connect your Roku stick to your home entertainment center that connects to the TV.
4. Plug your Roku into its power adapter.
5. Put batteries in your Roku remote.
6. Turn on your TV and choose the HDMI input used with your Roku streaming device.
7. If you don’t know it, switch through different HDMI sources until you see the Roku welcome screen.
8. Pair your Roku remote with your TV.
9. Choose your desired menu language.
10. Proceed with the initial Roku setup wizard.
11. Plug in an Ethernet cable into your Roku device.
12. Alternative – Select the Create a new wireless network option.
13. Add the same wireless network your TV is connected to.
    

Installation and Setup Tips and Things You Should Know

Here are some other things that may be unclear to you, depending on what type of Roku device you’re using.

Roku Setup Tip 1

If you want to install your Roku device out of the box but don’t have a Roku account yet, you might want to have your phone or laptop nearby. In order to create and validate a Roku account, you need to do this in a web browser.

Since Roku OS doesn’t have a web browser, you won’t be able to do this on your TV. Having a Roku account is mandatory if you want to access all features of your Roku device.

Roku Setup Tip 2

If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you should probably look for an older generation Roku player which supports composite video cables. That said, you should also know that old Roku models are much more limited in what they can do.

Roku Setup Tip 3

Don’t forget to connect your Roku device to its AC adapter. Despite their looks, Roku devices don’t draw power through the TV as USB sticks draw power from the motherboard of a computer.

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Your Roku device may restart one or more times during the initial setup. It may do so in order to download and install new drivers or to add new channels to its playlist.

Roku Setup Tip 4

Note also that your TV may not save your Roku device’s HDMI port as the default HDMI input after you turn off your TV. You can, however, make your TV launch with Roku if your LG supports a Fast TV Start function.

With that enabled, you may use something like an Echo Dot to issue Alexa a voice command to start your TV and launch your Roku app simultaneously.

Roku Setup Tip 5

Roku TV streaming sticks can be plugged directly into the TV’s HDMI port. However, you’ll require a HDMI cable if you have a Roku streaming player. Those are the round-ish devices that look like smart hubs, devices that also usually feature an Ethernet cable connection.

LG Native Streaming Support vs. Roku

LG smart TVs clearly have only a basic streaming video setup with limited native support for some streaming apps. But, once you add your Roku streaming stick to one, the possibilities increase exponentially.

Are you satisfied with the compatibility between Roku OS and LG smart TVs or do you prefer the functionality and ease of use of dedicated Roku smart TVs? Let us know in the comments section below.