Here Are 5 Roku Features You May Not Know About For Roku Players & Roku TVs


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roku stick plusRecently Roku has been rolling out the brand new Roku OS 9.2 update. This update includes a few new features, but Roku already has lots of cool features you may not know about. Today we wanted to show off 5 great Roku features to help you get the most from your Roku Player or Roku TV.

Hopefully, this list helps you learn something new about your Roku Player or Roku TV:

#1 Parental Controls

Ever wish you could keep your kids from installing Roku Channels or accessing content you don’t want them to? The good news is Roku offers Parental Controls that let you require a PIN to install Roku Channels or limit the ability to play movies or shows based on the rating in the Roku Channel.

To set up Parental Controls, go to the Settings and select Parental Controls.

#2 Data Saver Mode For Those With Data Caps

One of the biggest new features in the Roku OS 92. update is a new ‘Bandwidth Saver” mode. When Bandwidth saver is turned on if you have not used your remote in 4 hours, it will ask if you are still watching. If you don’t click OK on your remote, the Roku Player will stop the stream currently playing to help stop you from going over your data cap.

To get this mode, you do need to be running the new Roku OS 9.2 that is currently rolling out to Roku Players and Roku TVs. If you want to turn this setting on you will find it in the Network Settings next to where you set up your WiFi connection.

#3 Use Your Roku with Public Wi-Fi in a Hotel or Dorm

Ever wish you could take your Roku with you when you travel or use it with public Wi-Fi? Roku added the ability to use your Roku with public Wi-Fi like you find in a hotel.

Here is how to allow your Roku on to public Wi-Fi:

  1. Plug your Roku player into any TV with an HMDI port
  2. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
  3. Scroll up or down and select Settings.
  4. Select Network.
  5. Select Set up connection.
  6. Select Wireless.
  7. From the list of available networks, choose the wireless network for the hotel or college dorm. If you do not see the network, select Scan again to see all networks.
  8. After your Roku player connects to the network, select I am at a hotel or college dorm.

#4 Cast Netflix or YouTube

Searching Netflix or YouTube on your TV is not nearly as fast or easy as on your computer or phone. Now Roku will let you search for what show or video you want on your phone and cast it to your TV. All you need to do is hit the Cast button on the Netflix or YouTube app and select your Roku player. (Note: Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for this to work.)

#5 Roku Apps

Roku has a powerful and helpful app for Android, iOS, and Fire OS devices. This app will let you cast photos and videos from your phone or tablet to your TV. And you can use your mobile device as a remote for your Roku if you ever lose your remote.

The Roku app also solves one of the most common complaints about all streaming players: The onscreen keyboards are slow and painful to use. With the Roku app, your mobile device can be used as a keyboard for usernames and passwords.

Do you know a great Roku feature you think should be added here? Leave us a comment and let us know what feature we should add to this list.

Did you know we now have a FREE app for iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire? Click HERE to download our app.

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