Roku is among the top streaming services in the states, allowing users to access Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video on their television sets. It was initially introduced in 2008 in partnership with Netflix. The first Roku TV was developed in 2014 in collaboration with TV manufacturers such as TCL, Hisense, and Sharp. If you are curious whether browsing internet on Roku TV is possible or not, this article will provide the necessary information.
One added advantage of Roku TV is its ability to use the internet. Yes, you heard it right. Being a smart TV, Roku enables you to access a web browser directly on the device. The purpose of this article is to discuss this feature in detail and cover all aspects of internet usage on Roku TV. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Can You Browse the Internet on Roku?
The answer to this question is yes, you can. Roku TV is fully capable of internet access even though it doesn’t have an in-house web browser installed. However, you can use a few unofficial web browsers, such as Web Browser, Opera, or Chrome, for internet browsing on Roku TV.
These browsers are available on the Roku store and can be downloaded easily. However, some browsers may require you to buy a free subscription or monthly payment in order to use the internet. Here are the steps to download a web browser on your Roku tv:
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote to access the home screen.
- Scroll down and select Streaming Channels from the menu.
- Click on Search Channels and type the web browser name you want to download.
- Pick the browser app from the search results and press OK on your remote.
- Select Add Channel to download and install the web browser on your Roku TV.
After installing the app, a new icon will appear on the TV home screen. You can click on it to access the web browser and immediately use the internet.
Please remember that some web content (formats), such as Adobe Flash or specific video formats, may not be supported on a Roku TV web browser. Therefore, it’s essential to check the web browser’s compatibility and features before use. If you cannot access certain websites or video formats, download a different web browser and try again.
Internet Browsing on Roku: Beginners Guide
For those unfamiliar with Roku or smart TVs, navigating the options displayed on the screen can be tricky. Here are some valuable tips to help you use an internet browser on Roku TV:
- Use your Roku remote to navigate the web browser. You can use the arrow buttons to move the cursor and navigate through different tabs, links, or buttons.
- To enter text, use the on-screen keyboard. Press the * button to launch the keyboard. Again, use the arrow keys to navigate through the keyboard.
- If a website is not displayed correctly on the web browser, try downloading a more popular one, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. These browsers are usually more compatible and support the highest number of content formats.
- Since some Roku web browsers don’t support plugins, a few websites may be unable to display the entire content, especially if they require an Adobe flash player.
- To exit the web browser, press the Home button on your Roku remote
Top 3 Web Browsers for Roku
When using the internet on a smart TV, a good browser can make a big difference in terms of speed, compatibility, and browsing experience. Here are some of the best internet browsers for Roku TV that you can download and use:
1. Web Video Caster
Web Video Caster is an ideal choice if you enjoy watching a lot of videos and want to access video content from websites. It was exclusively designed for casting video content from the internet to your TV. It features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate through. Additionally, it supports multiple tabs and an in-built search bar and provides desktop-class web browsing.
With Web Video Caster, you can stream videos directly from your iOS or Android mobile device. Simply download the app on your smartphone and follow the on-screen instructions to start browsing.
2. Google Chrome (Via Screencast)
If you are looking for a power-packed and comprehensive web browsing experience, there is no better option than Google Chrome. You can use it on your Roku directly from your smartphone via screencast.
Chrome offers a fast browsing experience, supports multiple tabs, and allows users to access their Google accounts for syncing bookmarks and browsing history. To use screencast, your Roku TV and smartphone must be connected to the same wi-fi network.
To use it, you must download the Google Home app on your smartphone and select the Cast Screen option to search for nearby devices. Once your Roku TV appears on the list, select it, and you can start browsing on your phone.
3. Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox is another worthy contender to be used on Roku TV. It is an open-source web browser that offers several safety features, a smooth browsing experience, and numerous extensions and add-ons. However, not all extensions may work on TV due to the platform’s limitations.
It’s also one of the most up-to-date browsers, so you will be able to utilize the latest web technologies. The download process for Firefox is similar to Chrome, although
Using A Web Browser on Roku? My Take
While web surfing on a big TV screen is undoubtedly better, It’s worth mentioning that browsing the internet on Roku may provide a different level of convenience and usability than it does on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. It can be difficult to enter text and navigate websites using a TV remote or on-screen keyboard, which can make the browsing experience tiring and irritating.
FAQs
Q. Can you browse the internet on Roku?
A. Yes, it’s possible to browse the internet on Roku. However, Roku devices do not come with a web browser pre-installed. You will need to download a third-party web application to access the internet.
Q. How to browse the internet on Roku?
A. to use the internet, you must download a browser application from the Roku store. You can access it right from the home screen and start browsing with the help of a Roku remote.
Q. How much internet does Roku use?
A. The amount of internet data that Roku uses depends on the video’s quality and the streaming’s duration. Streaming a high-definition video can use up to 3 GB of data per hour while streaming a standard-definition video can use up to 1 GB of data per hour.
