Hey everyone! Want to discover some cool new channels (aka apps) on your Roku device? You've come to the right place! Roku offers a ton of streaming entertainment, from movies and TV shows to live news and music. Finding new stuff to watch is super easy once you know where to look. Let's dive into the simple steps for searching and adding new apps to your Roku.

Accessing the Roku Channel Store

The Roku Channel Store is your gateway to a world of entertainment. Think of it like the app store on your phone, but for your TV! This is where you'll find all the available channels that you can add to your Roku device. There are a couple of ways to get to the Channel Store, so let's explore both.

Using the Roku Home Screen

The most straightforward way to access the Channel Store is through your Roku's home screen. Here’s how you do it:

1. Turn on your Roku device: Make sure your Roku is powered on and connected to your TV.
2. Navigate to the Home Screen: Press the "Home" button on your Roku remote. It looks like a little house. This will take you to the main menu where all your installed channels are displayed.
3. Scroll and Select "Streaming Channels": Look for the "Streaming Channels" option in the menu. It's usually near the bottom of the screen. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to scroll down and highlight "Streaming Channels", then press the "OK" button to select it.
4. Welcome to the Channel Store! You're now in the Roku Channel Store, ready to explore all sorts of new content!

Using the Roku Search Function

Another way to get to the Channel Store is by using the Roku's search function. This is especially useful if you already have a specific channel in mind, but aren't quite sure how to find it. Here's how:

1. Go to the Home Screen: Press the "Home" button on your Roku remote to return to the main menu.
2. Select "Search": Look for the "Search" option in the menu. It's usually located near the top of the screen. Highlight it using the arrow buttons and press "OK".
3. Type in a Channel Name: Use the on-screen keyboard to type in the name of the channel you're looking for. As you type, Roku will display suggested results. You can use the arrow keys to navigate the suggestions.
4. View Search Results: If the channel you're looking for appears in the search results, select it. If not, you can still browse related categories or explore other options within the search results.
5. Access the Channel Store: From the search results page, you should see an option to "Browse More Channels" or "Go to Channel Store." Select this option to be taken directly to the Channel Store.

Browsing for New Apps

Once you're in the Roku Channel Store, the real fun begins! There are several ways to browse and discover new apps that suit your interests. Roku organizes channels into various categories to help you find what you're looking for.

Exploring Categories

Roku categorizes channels based on genre, content type, and popularity. Here’s how to explore these categories:

1. Navigate the Menu: Look for the categories listed on the left side of the screen. You'll typically find options like "Featured," "Movies & TV," "News & Sports," "Kids & Family," and more.
2. Select a Category: Use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight a category that interests you, and then press "OK" to select it.
3. Browse the Channels: Within each category, you'll see a list of available channels. Scroll through the list and take a look at the channel descriptions and ratings to get a sense of what they offer.

Using the Search Function within the Channel Store

Even within the Channel Store, the search function can be your best friend. If you have a specific type of content in mind, but don't know the name of a specific channel, you can use the search bar to find relevant options.

1. Locate the Search Bar: Look for the search bar at the top of the Channel Store screen. It's usually labeled "Search Channels."
2. Enter Your Keywords: Use the on-screen keyboard to type in keywords related to the type of content you're looking for. For example, you could type "cooking shows," "classic movies," or "live sports."
3. View Search Results: Roku will display a list of channels that match your search query. Browse the results and see if any channels catch your eye.

Checking Out Featured and Popular Channels

The Roku Channel Store also highlights featured and popular channels to help you discover new and trending content. These sections are a great place to start if you're not sure what you're looking for.

1. Look for "Featured" or "Popular" Sections: These sections are usually prominently displayed on the Channel Store's home screen.
2. Browse the Recommendations: Roku's algorithm suggests channels based on popularity, user ratings, and new releases. Take a look at the recommendations and see if anything piques your interest.

Adding Channels to Your Roku

Once you've found a channel that you want to add to your Roku, the process is incredibly simple. Here's how:

1. Select the Channel: Use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight the channel you want to add, and then press "OK" to select it.
2. View Channel Details: You'll be taken to a page with more information about the channel, including a description, screenshots, and user reviews. Take a moment to review this information to make sure the channel is what you're looking for.
3. Select "Add Channel": Look for the "Add Channel" button on the channel details page. It's usually prominently displayed. Press "OK" to select it.
4. Confirm Your Selection: Roku may ask you to confirm that you want to add the channel. If so, select "Add Channel" again to confirm.
5. Channel Added! Roku will add the channel to your home screen. You may see a confirmation message on the screen. The channel will typically be added to the end of your home screen, but you can easily move it to a different location.

Managing Your Channels

After you've added a few channels, you might want to organize them to make it easier to find your favorites. Roku allows you to move channels around on your home screen, so you can customize the layout to your liking.

Moving Channels

1. Go to the Home Screen: Press the "Home" button on your Roku remote to return to the main menu.
2. Highlight the Channel: Use the arrow buttons to highlight the channel you want to move.
3. Press the "*" Button: Press the asterisk button (*) on your Roku remote. This will bring up a menu of options for the selected channel.
4. Select "Move Channel": In the menu, select the "Move Channel" option.
5. Move the Channel: Use the arrow buttons to move the channel to its new location on the home screen. Press "OK" to lock it into place.

Removing Channels

If you find that you're not using a particular channel anymore, you can easily remove it from your Roku. Here's how:

1. Go to the Home Screen: Press the "Home" button on your Roku remote to return to the main menu.
2. Highlight the Channel: Use the arrow buttons to highlight the channel you want to remove.
3. Press the "*" Button: Press the asterisk button (*) on your Roku remote to bring up the options menu.
4. Select "Remove Channel": In the menu, select the "Remove Channel" option.
5. Confirm Your Selection: Roku will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the channel. Select "Remove" to confirm.

Tips for Finding the Best Apps

With so many channels available on Roku, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are a few tips for finding the best apps for your needs:

• Read User Reviews: Before adding a channel, take a look at the user reviews. This can give you a sense of the channel's quality, reliability, and content offerings.
• Look for Free Trials: Many channels offer free trials, so you can try them out before committing to a subscription. This is a great way to see if a channel is right for you.
• Check for Hidden Fees: Some channels may require you to create an account or pay for additional content. Be sure to read the fine print before adding a channel.
• Explore Different Categories: Don't be afraid to venture outside of your usual categories. You might discover some hidden gems that you never knew existed.
• Keep Your Roku Updated: Make sure your Roku is running the latest software. This will ensure that you have access to the newest channels and features.

Stay Updated

The Roku Channel Store is constantly being updated with new channels and features, so be sure to check back regularly to see what's new. You can also follow Roku on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest announcements.

Finding new apps on Roku is a breeze, and with these tips, you'll be expanding your entertainment options in no time! Happy streaming, guys!