Roku holds a dominant share of the U.S. streaming media player market, but according to Cord Cutters News, many owners only scratch the surface of what their devices can do. A self-described longtime Roku enthusiast, who says they have used the platform for over 10 years, has put together five tips aimed at getting more out of Roku players and Roku TVs.
The first is Kid & Teen Mode, which Cord Cutters News describes as a way to give children a safer, simpler Roku without handing over the entire device. The mode lets owners choose which installed apps kids can open, decide whether they can switch HDMI inputs, and lock the exit behind the Roku PIN. While it is active, search, browsing, Guest Mode, voice controls, casting and Roku Pay purchases are blocked, and Roku turns off its own personalized home-screen ads. It is set up under Settings > Kid & Teen Mode, which requires a Roku PIN first. Participating apps include services such as Netflix and PBS Kids along with other kids-focused channels, though the publication notes the mode does not replace each app's own parental controls.
For anyone tired of the on-screen keyboard, the Roku mobile app for iOS, Android and Fire OS allows the phone's keyboard to be used for logins. Users open the app, connect it to their Roku device and tap the keyboard icon when prompted. Separately, Roku offers a rechargeable remote with programmable quick launch buttons and a built-in backlight.
Travelers can also take their Roku with them. The device supports the public Wi-Fi networks commonly found in hotels and dormitories: users connect to the network and then select "I am at a hotel or college dorm" in the network settings. At home, owners who are tired of scrolling past suggested content can open Settings > Home Screen and set Recommendation Rows to Hide. On the newer home screen layout, Quick Access can also be set to Hide so the app grid moves back to the top.
Two bonus tips round out the list. Roku TV users can enable Mute Captions so captions appear automatically when the volume is turned down, and owners of Apple iOS devices can cast from an iPhone to Roku TVs and Roku players using AirPlay.
Sources: Cord Cutters News.