Setup guides

Digital signage on Roku

Cannot run the player directly. Add an HDMI stick — the TV is still fine to use.

Also sold as: Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Express, Roku Ultra, TCL / Hisense / onn Roku TVs

No browser — needs a stick

The browser

None — Roku has no general-purpose web browser and no way to open an arbitrary URL. Guides that claim otherwise are describing screen mirroring or a private channel. Private channels were discontinued in 2022; the Beta Channel scheme that replaced them carries user caps and expires after at most 120 days, so even a purpose-built channel stops working on a timer. Neither route is dependable for a permanent display.

Opening the player

Not possible on this device. Roku has no general-purpose web browser and no way to open an arbitrary URL. Guides that claim otherwise are describing screen mirroring or a private channel. Private channels were discontinued in 2022; the Beta Channel scheme that replaced them carries user caps and expires after at most 120 days, so even a purpose-built channel stops working on a timer. Neither route is dependable for a permanent display.

Settings that keep the screen on

SettingWhereWhy
Screen saverSettings → System → Screen saver → Disable screen saverSet to Off, or set Wait time to the longest available. Relevant for a Roku TV panel even when a separate stick is feeding the picture.
Auto power savingsSettings → System → Power → Auto power savingsTurn off "Reduce power after 15 minutes" and "Turn TV off after 4 hours". Both fire on unattended displays.
Power on behaviorSettings → System → Power → Power onSet the TV to return to the HDMI input your stick is on, so a power outage does not leave it on the Roku home screen.

Worth knowing

  • A Roku TV is perfectly usable as a signage display — plug a Fire TV Stick or an Android TV device into one of its HDMI ports and follow that platform instead.
  • Apply the power settings above to the Roku TV panel as well, or the set will still switch itself off regardless of what the stick is doing.

Try it on this device

Three screens are free forever and no card is needed, so you can find out whether this device works in your building before spending anything.