My Roku device is much more than just an easy way to watch streaming services, movies, and shows. Its built-in features mean I can use my Roku to access the entire breadth of my hobbies and interests, and that’s just for starters.
5
I Stream My Plex Library
I love my Plex server, and converting my collection into my streaming service has been really fun. I don’t want to be hunched over at my desk to watch my stuff, though. I’ll stream my library to my PS5, Xbox, mobile devices, and, recently, my Roku device. It’s been very handy having a tiny device I can quickly move around the house, one I don’t have to go out of my way to hook up or hold in my hands.
If you run a Plex server, head to your Roku’s Streaming Store > Search. Type in Plex and download the app. It’s free! When you boot it up, sign in with your Plex account, and you’re ready to stream your personal library. Make sure your Plex server is running beforehand, or else the content won’t appear.
4
Playing Mobile Games on the Big Screen
Gaming on a small screen is limited. It sometimes feels like I’ve been looking through a tiny window all day. And since I lack a working smart TV to cast my smartphone too, my Roku device has been the perfect solution. This works for both Android and iOS, too.
On Android Version 10.0+
- Make sure your Android and Roku devices are connected to the same network.
- Pull down the Quick Menu and tap the screen mirror app. It may be labeled one of over half a dozen ways, like Screen Cast, Smart View, and Quick Connect. (Doing a quick search online will narrow it down!)
- Select your Roku device from the list and connect.
On iOS Version 12.3+
- Connect both your Apple and Roku devices to the same network.
- On your Roku device, choose Settings > Apple AirPlay and Homekit. Set AirPlay to On.
- Open the Command Center on your Apple device and choose Screen Mirroring (it resembles two rectangles).
- Choose the Roku device from the list, then input the code you see on your TV onto your phone.
Once connected, your entire screen will cast to your Roku device. Keep in mind there might be a slight delay depending on the strength of your Wi-Fi. I don’t use this feature when playing fast-paced games like Call of Duty Mobile. For that, I prefer connecting my phone directly with a USB cable.
3
I Stream Music to My Roku Device
Screen mirror is one way of streaming music, but I’d rather take out the middle-man and stream straight from my Roku device. Since Roku has popular music apps, like Spotify and Apple Music, I can simply install them from the app store.
However, I usually default to my own music library. As I mentioned, I like streaming my Plex content, which also has the entirety of my music collection. My soundbar is the only really good speaker in the house, so it’s a fine alternative when I want to avoid headphones or earbuds.
Download: Spotify for Android | iOS | Windows
Download: Apple Music for Android | iOS | Windows
2
Enabling Guest Mode For Visitors
While setting up a PIN is fine, but when I have guests over, letting them have unfettered access to my streaming services isn’t a good idea. That’s my personal information right there, out in the open. Not to mention the possibility of someone unintentionally renting or subscribing to a service on my dime. So, I use Guest Mode to avoid that problem entirely.
To enable Guest Mode, go into Settings > Guest Mode > Enter Guest Mode. You’ll type in your PIN, then confirm with Enter Guest Mode again. After your Roku device restarts, you’ll have the opportunity to set a checkout date.
It’s for my protection and theirs. I can set a checkout date, and in that time, my visitors are welcome to sign in to any compatible streaming services they’re subscribed to and then be automatically signed out when the checkout date is reached. They can’t access my personal information (because they need my PIN to exit Guest Mode), and I can’t access theirs.
1
Using My Roku Device to Test Wi-Fi Speeds
My house is pushing 200 years old. It has thick walls and numerous rooms, making Wi-Fi pretty spotty around the house. I like keeping tabs on the strength of the signal by using my Roku device, which has led me to pick up a couple of extra Xfinity WiFi Boost Pods to round coverage, too.
On your Roku device, head to Settings > Network > Check connection. You’ll get a report on the strength of your connection and a rating, like “Excellent,” for example.
I’ve had the Roku Express 4K for a couple of months now, and I can confidently say I’m getting my money’s worth. It’s now a permanent stay in my house rather than becoming the latest member of the Graveyard of Unused Devices.
