If you only use your Roku device for streaming, you’re actually missing out, especially if you’re unboxing Roku’s new streaming stick.
Since I love finding multiple purposes for my gadgets and gizmos (and intend to use them until they’re broken), there are several Roku features you shouldn’t overlook, but probably are. I know I was. So, to really make the most of your Roku device, give these extra options a spin before cutting your subscription or shelving your device permanently.
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Use Roku to stream your Plex library
It’s part of the reason I started making backups
How often have you spent time in Roku’s app store? You can find some pretty cool stuff on there that expands the device’s content and utility, such as the Plex app. It not only adds more content to watch through Plex’s own free content, but I can also take advantage of my own library.
Simply put, I take my physical library, “rip” the digital files, and create backups for my own personal use. Since the Plex app can be downloaded from Roku’s in-app store, I can now stream my own personal collection!
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Collapse your watch lists into one
I’m so tired of juggling lists
Personally, having multiple watch lists broken up across multiple streaming services is a bit much. I feel like I’m juggling to-do lists when I could just have one and call it a day. Sure, it might feel like a lot, but I don’t view my watch list as something to conquer, so it doesn’t feel like I’m fighting an uphill battle. There’s a wealth of movies and shows to keep me content for years!
If you feel the same way, your Roku device can be used to track everything and anything you want to watch—a master list. When you search for a movie or series, select the content from the results, then select Save. You can look back on it at any time by going to the home page and selecting What to Watch.
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Give your guests something to enjoy
Not on my dime, though
When I have guests over, and they crash in the spare bedroom, I like handing the Roku over for entertainment. The only stipulation is that they use their own account. You can do that by enabling Guest Mode from your Roku’s settings, which you can only disable with a pin that only you will know.
Your guest won’t have to worry about information being stolen, either. Go into Settings > Guest Mode > Enter Guest Mode. Use your pin to confirm. Once it restarts, your guest can then choose a checkout date, which will automatically sign them out when that date is met. Nice, right? I don’t have to share my personal information, and they don’t have to share theirs.
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Test out your own app
If you have the technical skill
Are you a developer of some kind? Designer, programmer, a mix of talents? Well, one of Roku’s secret menus allows you to test an app you’re developing, ideally for the sake of working out bugs and optimization. Obviously, you’d want to test with other devices too, so consider this just an extra set of data.
What you do is press a series of buttons on your Roku remote to open a hidden developer menu. Press Home three times, then Up, Up, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right. The Developer Settings menu opens to give you the option to install those settings.
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Stream free content without a subscription
The device still serves a purpose
I mentioned that Plex is an avenue for free content, as the platform offers its own live TV, series, and movies, which are ad-supported and don’t include your personal library. Plex is only one option, and Roku has the same package—a platform with free, ad-supported content, aptly called the Roku Channel. It’s an app you can download straight from any app store.
On top of that, Roku also has numerous other streaming platforms that don’t require a paid subscription, like Tubi and Peacock (the current home of The Office). And if you want to watch something closer to home, Roku has local channels, too.
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Find a better deal on digital content
With the ability to track a universal watch list on your Roku device, any time you view an info page, you’ll get a list of where that content can be watched. If, say, you were looking to watch House of the Dragon, you’d see it was available on HBO Max, which will take you straight to the app where you’ll complete any transaction that may happen.
More importantly, you’ll get a look at how much that content might cost to rent on select platforms. When I wanted to watch Weapons, I saw it was available on both Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, and I already have an account for the former. Easy-peasy!
Roku has more to offer than just streaming
Your Roku device is full of little oddities that you don’t often get a chance to try out until someone points them out to you (or you go snooping yourself). I’m happy to have dispelled the notion that it was just for streaming!