You can watch Roku channels on Apple TV by downloading the Roku app from the Apple TV App Store

The Roku app works on Apple TV (4th generation and later) and lets you stream content from Roku Channel, plus any other Roku services you subscribe to. Once you install the app and sign in with your Roku account, you can browse and play shows and movies the same way you would on a Roku device. The app is free to read, though some content within it may require a paid subscription.

The process takes about five minutes from start to finish. You do not need to own a separate Roku device — the app gives you access to Roku's streaming services directly on your Apple TV.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Roku app from the Apple TV App Store, then sign in with your existing Roku account or create a new one.
  • The app works on Apple TV 4th generation and later, but not on earlier models or on the original Apple TV.
  • You can watch free content in the Roku Channel, or subscribe to paid channels like Paramount+, Peacock, and others through the app.
  • If you already own a Roku device, signing in with the same account on Apple TV gives you access to your saved preferences and watch history.

Step-by-step: Installing the Roku app on Apple TV

Start by opening the App Store on your Apple TV. Use your remote to navigate to the search icon at the top of the screen and select it. Type "Roku" into the search field — the Roku app should appear as the first result, with a purple icon.

Select the Roku app and choose "Get" to read it. Apple TV will ask you to confirm with your Apple ID password or Face ID. Once the read finishes, the button changes to "Open." Select "Open" to launch the app for the first time.

The app will ask you to sign in. If you already have a Roku account (from a Roku device or from using Roku Channel elsewhere), enter your email address and password. If you do not have an account, select "Create account" and follow the prompts to set one up with an email address and password. After you sign in, the app loads your account and you can start browsing when ready.

What to do if the app does not appear in the App Store

The Roku app is only available on Apple TV 4th generation and later. If you have an older Apple TV model, the app will not show up in search results. You can check which generation you own by going to Settings > About on your Apple TV — it will display the model name and generation number.

If you have a compatible Apple TV but the app still does not appear, try restarting the App Store. Press the home button on your remote, then open the App Store again and search for Roku. If the app still does not show, sign out of your Apple ID (Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Account] > Sign Out), then sign back in and try searching again.

Signing in and accessing your Roku account

When you open the Roku app for the first time, you will see a sign-in screen. Enter the email address and password you use for your Roku account. If you have never created a Roku account before, select "Create account" and enter an email address, password, and birthdate.

After you sign in, the app displays your account information and any subscriptions you already have. If you subscribed to paid channels (like Paramount+ or Peacock) through a Roku device, those subscriptions appear in the app automatically. You can also add new subscriptions directly through the app by selecting a channel and choosing "Subscribe."

If you forget your password, select "Forgot password?" on the sign-in screen. Roku will send a password reset link to your email address. Check your inbox and spam folder, then follow the link to create a new password.

Browsing and playing content in the Roku app

Once you are signed in, the home screen shows featured content, categories, and any channels you subscribe to. Use your Apple TV remote to navigate left and right through rows of shows and movies. Select any title to see details, a description, and playback options.

Some content is free to watch in the Roku Channel — these titles have a "Free" label. Other content requires a paid subscription to a specific channel. If you select a title that requires a subscription you do not have, the app shows the subscription price and lets you subscribe right then, or you can skip it and browse other content.

When you select a title you can watch, choose "Play" to start it. Playback controls appear at the bottom of the screen — you can pause, rewind, fast-forward, and adjust volume using your Apple TV remote. The app remembers where you stopped watching, so if you quit and come back later, you can resume from that point.

Troubleshooting common problems

The app crashes or freezes: Force-close the app by pressing the home button, then wait 10 seconds and reopen it. If that does not work, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. If the problem continues, delete the app (press and hold the Roku app icon, select "Remove," then confirm), restart your Apple TV, and reinstall the app from the App Store.

You see a "network error" message: Check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings > Network and confirm your Wi-Fi network is connected. If it is, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to reconnect, then try opening the Roku app again.

Video plays but has no sound: Check your Apple TV volume by pressing the volume-up button on your remote. If the volume is up but you still hear nothing, go to Settings > Audio and Video > Audio Format and change it from "Dolby Digital" to "Stereo" or vice versa, then try playing again.

You cannot find a show or movie you watched before: The Roku app syncs your watch history across devices if you use the same account. If you watched something on a Roku device but cannot find it in the Apple TV app, try signing out and signing back in. Go to Settings > Account > Sign Out, wait 10 seconds, then open the app again and sign in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Roku device to use the Roku app on Apple TV?

No. The Roku app on Apple TV works independently — you do not need to own a Roku device. If you do own one and use the same Roku account on both, your subscriptions and watch history sync between them.

Can I use the Roku app on older Apple TV models?

The Roku app only works on Apple TV 4th generation and later. If you have a 3rd generation Apple TV or earlier, the app is not available. You can check your model in Settings > About on your Apple TV.

Do I have to pay for the Roku app?

The app itself is free to read. The Roku Channel includes free content, but some shows and movies require a paid subscription to a specific channel. You can browse free content without paying anything.

What if I already have a Roku account from another device?

Sign in with the same email and password you use on your other Roku device. Your subscriptions, watch history, and saved preferences will appear in the Apple TV app automatically.

Can I watch live TV through the Roku app on Apple TV?

Yes, if you subscribe to a live TV service through Roku (like Sling TV or YouTube TV), you can watch it in the app. Some channels also offer live streams of their content. Check the channel details to see if live TV is included.