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To watch Roku on a Samsung Smart TV, connect a Roku streaming player or Streaming Stick to the TV’s HDMI port, then switch the Samsung TV to that HDMI input. Roku runs on the external device; it is separate from Samsung’s built-in Smart TV interface.
What you need to watch Roku on a Samsung TV
You need a Roku streaming player or Roku Streaming Stick, a Samsung TV with an available HDMI port, and a power connection for the Roku. Roku says its streaming players work with televisions that have an HDMI connection. The Stick plugs directly into the TV; a cabled Roku player connects using its HDMI cable. Roku’s device connection guidance and Samsung’s external-device guide explain the basic connection.
Connect Roku and complete setup
- Connect Roku to HDMI. Plug a Streaming Stick directly into an open HDMI port. For a cabled player, connect its HDMI cable to the Roku and the TV. Use the cable supplied with the Roku when possible.
- Connect the Roku to power. If you power it from a TV USB port and Roku reports low power, use the included wall adapter instead.
- Select the Roku input on the Samsung TV. Turn on the TV and press the Samsung remote’s Source or Input control. Choose the HDMI port number where Roku is connected.
- Follow Roku’s on-screen prompts. Choose a language, pair the Roku remote if prompted, connect the device to Wi-Fi, and finish setup. Some Roku player models also support Ethernet.
After setup, the Roku home screen and apps appear when the TV is set to that HDMI input. To return to Samsung’s built-in interface or another connected device, select a different source.
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- Check that the Roku is powered and that its HDMI connection is firmly seated.
- Confirm that the Samsung TV is set to the HDMI port used by Roku. If you are unsure which port it is, try the other HDMI inputs.
- Try another HDMI port or cable if the screen remains blank. Roku’s connection guidance covers power and HDMI setup.
- For 4K or HDR, check whether the Roku, TV, and any equipment between them support the format, and review the Samsung input setting in the next section.
Set up 4K or HDR when supported
A working HDMI connection does not by itself guarantee 4K or HDR. The Roku device, Samsung TV, and every device in the signal path must support the format. Roku specifies HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 support for every device in a 4K signal chain; an AV receiver or other intermediary without that support can limit the picture.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
On compatible Samsung TVs, enable UHD HDMI Color (Input Signal Plus) for the HDMI input used by Roku. Samsung lists this under Settings > General > External Device Manager. The name, location, and availability of the setting vary by TV model and software version; consult the manual for your specific model if it is not there. Roku also refers to the Samsung setting as HDMI UHD Color in its 4K and HDR setup guidance.
Roku says a compatible 4K stream may require internet bandwidth of up to 25 Mbps. That is Roku’s stated requirement for this use case, not a guarantee of streaming performance. The streaming service and subscription plan must also offer 4K content.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
For a cabled Roku player, Roku recommends a High Speed HDMI cable with a TV that supports only 720p or 1080p, and a Premium High Speed HDMI cable for a TV that supports 4K and/or HDR. A Streaming Stick plugs into HDMI directly and does not require a separate HDMI cable.
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Samsung says its universal remote can control some HDMI-connected streaming devices, including Roku, and may control the device interface automatically. Availability depends on the TV model and remote, so use the Roku remote if the Samsung remote does not control the menus.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Roku’s input discovery and switching features for a non-Roku TV require HDMI-CEC to be enabled. Samsung calls its HDMI-CEC feature Anynet+. Roku’s guidance also describes using Find inputs in the Roku TV Inputs settings; those navigation steps can vary with Roku software and apply to Roku’s input feature. See Roku’s input-switching guidance and Samsung’s external-device instructions.
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
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