To connect Roku TV to Alexa, you need a Roku device running Roku OS 9.1 or higher, a free Roku account, an Alexa-enabled device like an Echo or Echo Dot, and the Alexa app on your phone or tablet. If your Echo is offline, you can connect Alexa to new wifi without app to restore its network access before pairing, though you can still connect Alexa to Bluetooth without wifi to use your Echo as a simple speaker for your phone. Once set up, you can use voice commands to launch apps, control playback, adjust volume, and switch inputs on your Roku TV.
Before you begin: Connect Roku TV to Alexa prerequisites
Before starting the setup, ensure you have everything required. Your Roku device must be running Roku OS 9.1 or higher. You will need a free Roku account and an Alexa-enabled device such as an Amazon Echo, Echo Show, or Echo Dot. The Alexa mobile app must be installed on an iOS or Android device. For Alexa to turn your Roku TV screen on or off, the "Fast TV Start" setting must be enabled on your Roku TV. You can find this in Settings > System > Power. This is a crucial step for power commands to work.
How to enable the Roku skill in the Alexa app
To begin the connection, open the Alexa mobile app. Tap the menu icon (or more icon) in the corner of the Alexa app. Tap "Settings" from the menu. Scroll to "TV & Video" and select "Roku" from the list of providers. Tap the "Enable" button (or "Enable to Use") to activate the Roku skill. This step is essential for setting up Alexa to recognize your Roku device.
How to link your Roku account and discover devices
After enabling the skill, a browser prompt will open. Sign in to your Roku account using the same account linked to your Roku TV. Select "Accept and Continue" and follow the prompts to return to the Alexa app. Choose the Alexa devices you wish to use with your Roku devices and then select "LINK DEVICES". This completes the connection between your accounts. If you have multiple Roku devices, you can link them all, but you will need to specify the Roku device by name in your voice commands.
How to control your Roku TV with Alexa voice commands
Once linked, you can use voice commands to control your Roku TV. For example, say "Alexa, launch Disney Plus on Roku" to open a specific app. Use commands like "Alexa, play," "Alexa, pause," and "Alexa, rewind" to control playback. Adjust volume by saying "Alexa, turn up the volume on Roku." Switch inputs with commands like "Alexa, switch to HDMI 2 on Roku." If you have multiple Roku devices, you must include the device name in your command, such as "Alexa, launch Disney plus on living room Roku."
Troubleshooting and known limitations
There are important limitations to be aware of. Alexa cannot currently launch Netflix or access Netflix content on a Roku device, nor can it adjust volume when Netflix is playing. While Alexa can launch over 100 top apps on the Roku platform, the launch command does not work with all apps. If you want Alexa to change broadcast channels on your Roku TV, an HDTV antenna must be connected to the TV. The Roku skill for Alexa is supported in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and Latin America. Additionally, Roku Smart Home devices use a separate "Roku Smart Home" skill in the Alexa app, distinct from the "Roku" skill used for streaming devices and TVs.
