How to Download Apps on Roku TV: 4 Simple Steps

If you want a fast, hassle-free streaming experience, knowing how to download apps on Roku TV gives you direct access to new channels and essential features.

How to download apps on Roku TV: TL;DR

Step 1: Power on and connect

Start with the basics. Make sure your Roku TV is on and connected to Wi‑Fi. Without the internet, nothing loads and you’ll see errors.

Next:

• Press the Home button (sometimes labeled with a house icon) on your Roku TV remote.
• Double-check your network status under Settings > Network if you notice connection warnings.

Step 2: Open the Streaming Store and search

Your gateway to new apps is the “Streaming Store,” previously called the “Channel Store.” You’ll always need to do this with your remote in hand:

• On the Home Screen, use the arrows to navigate to “Streaming Store” on the left sidebar.
• Press OK to enter the store.
• Browse featured, new, and trending apps, or use categories for easier hunting.

If you already know what you want (Volley Games, ESPN, etc.), jump straight into finding it:

• Use the Search function in the Streaming Store to type the app’s name.
• Read descriptions, reviews, and screenshots to decide before you download.

Step 3: Add the app and sign in

Once you find the app, adding it is a breeze:

• Highlight the app and press OK.
• Select “Add channel” (sometimes displayed as “Add app”).
• If the app requires a purchase, Roku walks you through payment before downloading.
• Apps added this way appear on your home screen; you may need to scroll to find newly added apps.

For paid or subscription apps, the first launch usually means signing in:

• Open the app and enter your login info.
• For some apps, use the “Activate” code method via computer or phone.

If something seems off, you can refresh:

• Go to Settings > System > Software update > Check now to make sure everything is up to date.

Step 4: Arrange apps and use the mobile app (optional)

Your home screen can get crowded fast, so it helps to tidy things up:

• On the home screen, highlight any app and press the * (star) button on your Roku remote.
• Choose “Move channel” and drag the app to your preferred spot.
• Remove unwanted apps by highlighting, pressing the star button, and selecting “Remove channel.”

Sometimes, you may want to manage apps from your phone or computer:

• Download the official Roku app (Android or iOS), sign in, search for channels, and add them remotely. They’ll appear on your Roku TV next time you turn it on.
• Or sign in at channelstore.roku.com (U.S. only), add channels, then go to Settings > System > Software update > Check now on your TV to sync them.

Can you download third-party apps on Roku TV?

I get questions about sideloading apps and “developer mode”. Here’s the bottom line:

• Roku TV runs proprietary software. You can’t install APKs like on Fire TV or Android TV.​
• There’s a “Developer Mode” for testing privately built channels using a ZIP file, but this isn’t intended for casual app installs.​​
• Sideloading requires technical setup (Home x3, Up x2, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right).
• Most users won’t find legit consumer apps this way. Stick with official methods for safety and reliability.​

Troubleshooting tips

Even if you follow every step, some issues may pop up. Here’s how I fix the most common problems:

1. App won’t download or install on Roku TV

Restart your Roku TV and recheck your Wi-Fi connection in Network Settings. I always confirm system updates by going to Settings > System > Software update > Check now to eliminate software issues.​

2. App disappeared from your home screen

Run a system update by selecting Settings > System > Software Update and pressing Check now. Sometimes, this refreshes your channels and fixes missing apps without extra hassle.​

3. Paid app not working after purchase

Verify your payment info in your Roku account and attempt to add the channel again. If the issue persists, I find logging out and signing back in can reset access to paid apps.

4. Can’t remove an app from Roku TV

Roku locks some pre-installed channels, so you can’t delete those apps. You can delete most user-installed channels by highlighting the app, pressing the star button on your remote, and selecting “Remove channel.”

If you continue to have problems after these steps, restart your Roku TV to clear temporary glitches. For persistent issues, I visit Roku’s support site for up-to-date solutions.

Why download apps on Roku TV?

The biggest reason to know how to download apps on Roku TV is to get instant access to all the streaming, music, sports, and party games you want.

This includes favorites like Prime Video and Disney+, plus interactive voice games from Volley Games for family nights and group challenges.

Enjoy Volley Games on Roku TV

Now that you know how to download apps on Roku TV, you can grab the Volley Games app and immediately turn any night into an interactive party. With the Volley Games app installed, I instantly have a full lineup for group play:

• Jeopardy! brings out everyone’s competitive streak with head-to-head trivia
• Song Quiz gets us racing to shout song titles
• Wheel of Fortune turns any weekend into a team puzzle challenge
• Karaoke lets me turn the living room into a portable stage
• 20 Questions gets the room thinking out loud as everyone tries to guess correctly

I never have to mess with extra controllers or tricky rules; everything launches straight from my Roku TV with voice and remote controls. The best part is jumping into new games risk-free. 

Download Volley Games on your Roku TV and begin your game nights with a 7-day free trial now.

FAQs

How do I download the Volley Games app on Roku TV?

You can download the Volley Games app on Roku TV by pressing Home, navigating to the Streaming Store, searching for “Volley Games,” and selecting “Add channel.” Always make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi first for a smooth installation.​

Do I need a Roku account to download apps?

Yes, you need a Roku account to download apps. Sign in on the device or app, enter your PIN if required, and add the app to your TV.

What are the best games for family night on Roku TV?

The best games for family game night on Roku TV come from Volley Games. I love playing Jeopardy! for classic trivia battles, Song Quiz to keep everyone on their toes with music trivia, and Wheel of Fortune for team puzzle fun.

Are there free and paid apps?

Most apps (channels) are free, but some require payment or subscription. Volley Games offers a 7-day free trial after you download the app. For others, I always check for in-app purchases before installing new channels.

Can I download third-party apps onto Roku TV?

No, you can’t download third-party APKs onto Roku TV because the OS is proprietary. With Developer Mode, you can sideload ZIP-based apps for testing, but this isn’t practical for everyday use.​​