How to Add Roku to Samsung Smart TV

Evan Gower March 10, 2023

As one of the most popular streaming devices out there, Roku players and TVs are a common choice of many streamers. The television game is in the process of changing into something more fitting for the “smart home” lifestyle. The average modern human wants to have access to whatever video content they want, whenever they want.

Similarly, as one of the most popular smart TV brands, Samsung is used by millions globally. As a Samsung smart TV owner, you should know how to add Roku to it.

Why Not Roku TV?

The most obvious answer to this question is, “nobody said that you shouldn’t buy a Roku TV.” Their newest Hisense release has proved a fantastic smart TV option, capable of doing everything that any other Roku player can. That being said, Roku TVs aren’t really ideal if you want to use them for anything other than, well, Roku.

Therefore, if you have a new Samsung smart TV, you’re probably best off getting a Roku player instead of a Hisense TV. Additionally, Roku TVs (other than Hisense) aren’t as powerful as Roku players are. This is why some Roku TV owners actually buy Roku sticks or players and set their device up so that they can access Roku, through a Roku player, on a Roku TV. It may sound ridiculous, but that’s how it is.

Finally, if you are reading this, chances are that you already own a great Samsung smart TV and that you’ve already bought your Roku streaming device.

Types of Roku Devices

There are several types of Roku devices (not counting the Roku TV and Streambar) – but for the sake of this article, we’re limiting it to Roku Sticks and Roku players. A Roku Stick comes in the form of a flash drive that, when properly set up, proves for a convenient travel companion. Unlike a typical USB flash drive, however, a Roku Stick is connected to your TV’s HDMI port, so make sure that your Samsung TV has one. It probably does, but do it before ordering your Roku, just to be safe.

The other type of Roku is the Roku player. It is essentially a streaming device that resembles a TV box that allows you access to features that your TV doesn’t have by default. This device, too, connects via the HDMI port.

Checking for Device Compatibility

Tracking down a list of compatible Roku devices for Samsung TVs is a cumbersome process. Suffice it to say, it’s been reported that Samsung TVs from around 2014 and before have built-in protection software to prevent the devices from communicating properly. However, some users have reported success with a certain HDMI port on their TV and not the others.

Some indications of success might also be found in the fact that only Samsung TVs that run the Tizen OS version 2.3, 2.4, 3, 4, 5, or 5.5 can install and use the Roku channel.

Plugging It In

First of all, you need to make sure that your TV has an HDMI 2.0 port. Additionally, if you want to stream 4K HDR, the HDMI 2.0 on your TV has to support HDCP 2.2. In fact, if you want to stream 4K HDR on your Samsung TV, every single device in your chain needs to support HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2. Otherwise, HDR streaming won’t be available.

Of course, in order to use the Roku device, you’re going to have to plug it into one of your TV’s HDMI ports. If your TV has yellow, red, and white ports, you can get an HDMI-to-component adapter. It is important that you take note of the HDMI port that you’re going to be using for your Roku device, if your TV has more than one port.

Now, simply turn on your Samsung TV and switch the input to the HDMI port that you’ve plugged the Roku device into.

Now, the Roku logo should appear on your TV screen. It may take a while to load up the first time you start it. Don’t worry, it won’t take this long the next time you turn it on.

Setting Up a Roku Device

Once the loading is done, you’ll be prompted to choose your preferred language. Next, you’ll get to choose the preferred Wi-Fi network that you want to connect to. Enter your credentials, log in, and voila! You’ve successfully set up Roku on your Samsung smart TV.

Happy Streaming

In truth, the Roku setup process pretty much works the same way across all smart TV brands. Before making the purchase, it is essential to check whether your TV is compatible with the Roku device that you want to purchase.

Have you managed to add the Roku device to your Samsung smart TV? Have you experienced any issues? Feel free to hit the comments section with any questions, tips, recommendations, or suggestions.