Do you know that it is needful to always update your Roku firmware? I am not really expecting an answer anyway, because this article will answer that perfectly, and even if you already knew how to update your Roku device firmware, I am sure you will still learn a thing or two in this article.
So, buckle your seat belt as we get going on the ”how to update your Roku firmware” ride.
What is Roku?
Roku is a brand of hardware digital media players manufactured by American company Roku, Inc. The brand has three major categories, with varieties of other products under them. By that, I mean the;
- The Roku Streaming Players, where we have (Roku Express, Roku Stream Stick 4K, Roku Streambar, Roku Ultra, amongst others).
- Roku Audio, with subordinates like (Roku Wireless Speaker, Roku Wireless Subwoofer, Roku Streambar and Streambar Pro).
- Roku TV( A Roku TV is a smart TV with the Roku Operating System built in. it features an intuitive interface that lets you stream content over the internet and from tons of content options like Netflix, Hulu, ESPN etc. That is to say, that a Roku TV is not an actual TV, but rather a streaming for TV with a box, or streaming player.
So, in a nutshell, Roku devices offer access to streaming media content from various online services. Therefore, it is safe to say that a Roku device is one of the simplest ways to satisfy all your streaming needs.
Now that we have gotten to meet and know what a Roku device is, we can progress to knowing how to update your Roku device firmware. But before then, we will first look at how you can set up your Roku device(i.e after you have purchased it), then the reasons why you should update your Roku device firmware.
How To Set Up Roku Device
In this article, we will be focusing on the onscreen set up and activation of your Roku device before moving to how to update the Roku device firmware if you are new to using the Roku TV or Roku stick. We will leave you to decide how you go about the physical set up, because that aspect solely depends on the particular type of device in question.
So, for the onscreen set up, the following guidelines will help you through.
- Turn on your Roku TV or the TV that your Roku device is connected to. You will see the Roku welcome page, displaying an animated logo.
- After that, you will be asked to Select the Language that will be suitable for your viewing. Roku will also ask you to Select your Country, because your country determines which features and services are available in your location.
- Next thing to do, is to connect the Roku device to your network router for internet access. Please, note that for Roku streaming sticks, you can only use Wi-Fi(they are designed that way) but Roku boxes and TVs provide both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity options. So if you are using Wi-Fi, the Roku device goes ahead to search all available networks. Then, you simply choose your preferred network and enter your Wi-Fi password.
- With your network connection established, a message will pop up, notifying you of an available firmware update. If so, allow Roku to go through the update process.
- Then, next part is to setup the display type which will happen automatically, if you are using HDMI, as the Roku device will detect the resolution capability and aspect ratio of the TV and sets the video output signal of the Roku device accordingly.
- Now, move on to pairing you Roku remote, following the notification and instructions on the TV screen.
- For the Roku Enhanced Remote that comes with selected devices, the option to Check Remote Settings appears and automatically sets up the remote to control the power and volume of the TV.
- Create a Roku account and activate your Roku device by going to the Roku signup page. There, you will be asked to create a username, enter your password, provide address information, and provide a payment method.
- Once your Roku account has been created, you will receive further instructions on the TV screen, including an activation code. With your PC, tablet, or smartphone, go to Roku.com/Link and enter the code number.
- You will see a message on the TV screen that your Roku device has been activated.
- This is when the Roku Home menu finally appears and you will be able to access and operate the device and channels/apps selection. If the Home menu does not appear, click the right arrow to the right of the All done message displaying on your TV.
Why You Should Update your Roku Firmware
An update is simply a new, improved, or fixed software, that has been designed to replace an older version of the same software. So, for your Roku device, it is recommended to update them every 24-36 hours because regular updates of your Roku device firmware brings the following benefits;
- Introduces new features such as a revamped user interface, which could be more user-friendly.
- Work to upgrade your device with advanced technical improvements.
- Capable of improving the stability of your software and removing outdated features.
- Enhances the overall user experience as they use their devices.
- Protects your device from third parties that might want to snoop around them.
How To Update your Roku Firmware
After all said and done, this is how you go about the update of your Roku device firmware;
- Using your paired Roku remote, press the Home button to get to your Roku’s home screen.
- A list of commands will pop up on the left-hand side, scroll down to the Settings menu and select System.
- Then Select System update where you get to see the version of the Roku Operating Software you’re currently using with the date it was last updated.
- From here, you can click Check now to manually check if there is any update available.
- Then Roku will go ahead and run the check and if there is an update available, your Roku device will download and install it itself, then reboot itself and voila!
- You should be congratulated for a successful update of your Roku device.
Now, you have a well detailed procedure on how to update your Roku devices, so go ahead and do just that.