I found that these 10 Roku tips and tricks can turn a basic streaming stick into the smooth, customized hub you actually want to use every night.

Roku tips and tricks: TL;DR

1. Make your home screen work for you

The home screen is where good Roku tips and tricks pay off the fastest, because every extra click adds up over time. I move the channels I use daily (Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Volley Games, etc.) into the first row so I don't waste time scrolling through a cluttered grid.​

A few habits keep the layout under control:

• Regularly highlight a channel, press the star (*) button, and choose “Move channel” to drag it into your top row so your most-used apps always sit above the fold.​
• Delete channels you never watch so the cursor doesn’t have to travel through junk to reach what you actually use, which also helps avoid out-of-space errors.​
• Push built‑in or rarely used “can’t delete” apps all the way to the bottom so they stay out of sight without breaking anything.​

2. Turn Roku into a party and game hub

Some of the most fun Roku tips and tricks are about turning the device into more than a passive TV box. In my setup, that means adding apps like Volley Games with voice‑powered titles and quiz shows that work well when people are over.​

Ways I build a “party profile” on Roku:

• Search the Streaming Store for game and trivia apps (e.g., Volley Games) and keep them in a dedicated “game night” row near the top of the home screen.​
• Pair private listening or external speakers so you can crank up Song Quiz and Karaoke without straining the TV speakers.​
• You can also use screen mirroring to display mobile games on the TV when you want to play a particular mobile game on-screen.​​

3. Use the Roku mobile app like a secret weapon

One of the most underrated Roku tips and tricks is treating the Roku mobile app as your second, smarter remote. I use it whenever I need to search, log in to new apps, or keep watching without waking anyone up.​

Here’s how I squeeze extra value from it:

• Turn your phone into a remote with a full keyboard so typing passwords and email addresses takes seconds instead of endless arrow-key pecking.​
• Use private listening in the app with wired or Bluetooth headphones so I can watch one more episode while everyone else sleeps.​
• Launch channels from the app, which feels faster than digging through a long channel list on the TV.​

4. Keep streaming smooth with performance “hacks”

A lot of people assume they need new hardware when Roku starts stuttering, but some simple Roku tips and tricks can make it feel new again. I’ve fixed more “Roku is slow” complaints with a few quick tweaks than with any factory reset.​

I treat these as my preferred Roku hack bundle:

• Run a system restart using the secret remote combo (press Home 5 times, then Rewind twice, and Fast Forward twice) to soft‑reset the OS without wiping your settings.​
• Check for system updates under Settings > System > System update whenever apps feel buggy or features are missing, since new firmware often improves speed and stability.​
• Clear space by uninstalling channels you don’t use. When I trim old apps and reboot, menus usually feel snappier and videos buffer less.​

5. Unlock hidden menus and secret screens

If you like going beyond the basics, some of the more advanced Roku tips and tricks revolve around hidden menus. I don’t live in these screens, but when something is really off, they save time.​

The most useful “secret” tricks:

• Use the soft reset screen (Home x5, Up arrow x1, Rewind x2, Fast Forward x2) when Roku misbehaves, but you want to avoid a full factory reset that wipes apps and logins.​
• Run built‑in network or speed checks from diagnostic screens to see if your Wi‑Fi is the problem before you start blaming the apps.​
• Pull up the installed channel list from secret menus when you want a quick overview of what’s on the device without scrolling through the home screen.​

6. Turn on features that actually help you watch

Some of the best Roku tips and tricks have nothing to do with apps and everything to do with audio and video comfort. I flip these settings on almost every Roku I touch because they make the entire experience less frustrating.​

Features worth digging into:

• Enable automatic volume leveling or Night mode so commercial breaks and sudden explosions don’t jump way above your normal volume.​
• Use captioning shortcuts so you can quickly toggle subtitles with the star button if you miss a line of dialogue or need extra clarity.​
• Adjust display resolution to match your TV; forcing 4K on a weak connection can cause more buffering, so I sometimes drop to 1080p for smoother playback.​

7. Cast, mirror, and stream your own media

Roku tips and tricks are for more than just streaming services; they also help you put your own media on the big screen. I use this a lot for vacation photos, quick YouTube clips from my phone, or screen mirroring during game nights.​​ 

The most useful options in daily use:

• Turn on screen mirroring in Roku settings so compatible phones, tablets, and laptops can mirror their display wirelessly.​​
• Use casting from supported mobile apps (like YouTube or Netflix). You tap the “cast” icon on your phone and let Roku take over streaming on the TV.​
• Set up apps like Plex or similar media servers to stream your own movies and home videos from a computer onto Roku.​

8. Take advantage of The Roku Channel and live TV

One Roku hack many people overlook is how much free content hides in The Roku Channel and the live TV guide. When I want something quick without logging into anything, that’s where I start.​

A few ways to make it more useful:

• Browse the live TV channel guide to jump straight into news, sports, and classic TV without juggling multiple apps or subscriptions.​
• Use categories and “Featured Free” collections to find free movies and shows when you need background entertainment and don’t care which app it comes from.​
• Pin The Roku Channel high up on your home screen so you can treat it like a catch‑all for free content.​

9. Protect your account and manage guests

Good Roku tips and tricks also cover privacy and access, especially if you share the TV with roommates or frequent visitors. I treat my Roku account like any other subscription hub, because subscriptions and purchases usually follow the account, not the device.​

Here’s what helps me stay in control:

• Enable a PIN on your Roku account so new channels, purchases, or rentals require approval instead of unexpectedly showing up on your bill.​
• Turn on Guest Mode when friends or Airbnb guests use the TV so that they can log in to their apps, and the system automatically signs them out on the date you choose.​
• Periodically check subscriptions and linked services from your Roku account page, so you don’t keep paying for channels you’ve already removed.​

10. Use Roku hacks for lost remotes and better control

Losing the remote is basically a Roku tradition, which is why some of the most practical Roku tips and tricks focus on finding and replacing it. When I misplace mine, I rely on a couple of built‑in safety nets instead of searching through the living room.​

Useful “Oh no, where’s the remote?” moves:

• Use a compatible Roku Ultra or Voice Remote Pro and trigger the remote finder from the box or with a voice command so the remote beeps until you track it down.​
• Keep the Roku mobile app installed on your phone so you always have a backup remote and keyboard, even when the physical remote disappears.​
• Consider upgrading to a rechargeable Roku voice remote if you’re constantly swapping batteries; it’s easier on both your wallet and the environment over time.​

Pull it all together

The real power of these Roku tips and tricks shows up when you layer them on top of one another. You get a clean, organized home screen, a tuned‑up device, easy casting and mirroring, and a handful of small Roku hacks.

Once I set my Roku up this way, movie nights, kids’ shows, and game sessions on the Volley Games app all feel smoother. It allows me to spend my time actually watching and gaming instead of troubleshooting.

Why Volley Games is the best app on Roku

Volley Games is the best app on Roku for instant, low-friction game nights that use the voice remote you already have, without extra controllers or complicated setups.

The Volley Games app turns the above Roku tips and tricks into real, playable experiences. With one download, you turn your Roku into a full game hub that lets everyone shout answers, sing along, and compete in familiar formats all from the couch.​

Volley focuses on fast, social, voice-controlled games built around shows and formats people already love. You open the Volley app, pick a game, and use your Roku Voice Remote or phone as the mic, so guests can join in within seconds without any learning curve.​

With Volley Games on Roku, you can dive into:

• Jeopardy!​ on Roku is the closest thing to actually being on the show, minus the stage fright.
• Wheel of Fortune feels just like the real thing: same sounds, same suspense, same rush when you solve the puzzle.
• Song Quiz tests your music knowledge across decades and genres in fast-paced, voice-powered rounds. 
• 20 Questions with endless words to guess, and where every round feels like a new story!
• Karaoke that scores your performance based on lyrical accuracy and pitch perfection.

Download the Volley app right now on Roku and start your 7‑day free trial to unlock the full lineup of voice-powered games.​

FAQs

How do I download the Volley Games app on Roku?

You can download the Volley Games app on Roku by opening the Streaming Store, searching “Volley Games,” selecting the app, and choosing Add channel or Add app. I like to pin it near my top row so game night is always a couple of clicks away.

Why should I use Volley Games instead of regular Roku games?

You should use Volley Games instead of regular Roku games if you want fast, voice-controlled trivia and party games. I get to skip extra controllers and just use my voice remote so friends can jump in without learning complicated rules and buttons.

Do I need extra hardware to play Volley Games on Roku?

You don’t need extra hardware to play Volley Games on Roku because it works with the Roku device and voice remote you already have. Sometimes, I add a soundbar or headphones, but you can start playing with just your TV and remote.

Can I try Volley Games on Roku for free first?

Yes, you can try Volley Games on Roku for free first by starting the 7-day free trial inside the app. I use that trial window to test Jeopardy!, Song Quiz, and Karaoke with family and friends before deciding whether to keep the subscription.

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