How to change the default media apps your Roku® device launches for voice requests
Speaking naturally to a Roku voice remote or the free Roku mobile app, you can use voice commands for quick access to your favorite music, podcasts, and radio stations from Spotify and TuneIn. When you use commands such as "play Daft Punk on Spotify" or "launch Today's Hits on TuneIn", your compatible Roku streaming player or Roku TV™ will launch the requested streaming service and begin playing audio. When you use a simpler voice command that does not specify a streaming service (e.g., play classic rock), your Roku device will automatically determine which service offers the type of content requested, and launch the media app for that service.
Spotify is the default media app your Roku device launches for music requests, while TuneIn is the default media app for radio and podcasts requests. If you prefer, you can turn off the automatic selection and configure voice commands to only launch a specific app for each type of audio content you play. This article will help you make this change for music, radio stations, and podcasts.
What do I need to use voice commands?
Before you can take advantage of the latest enhancements to voice search and voice control, make sure your compatible Roku device is running Roku OS 9.4 or higher, and you have one of the following control devices:
- Roku voice remote
- Roku mobile app for iOS® and Android™
To learn more about which Roku devices support voice, or to determine if your existing remote has voice capabilities, read about what you need to use voice commands with your Roku streaming player or Roku TV.
How to turn off the automatic setting and switch the default media apps
You can turn off the automatic setting on your Roku device and change the default app for music, radio stations, and podcasts using the instructions below.
- Open your Roku account from your computer or smartphone by visiting my.roku.com
- If prompted, sign into your Roku account
- Under the Manage account section, select Voice settings
- For Music, Radio, and Podcasts, select Auto or the desired streaming service
- When you are finished making selections, scroll to the bottom of the page and select Done to save.
More help using voice commands
After you set your default media apps, you can use simple voice commands to begin listening to your favorite audio content. If you find that some content does not play on the default app you selected, that content is likely only available from another streaming service. Try your voice command again adding the specific streaming service. Remember, you can switch back to Auto using the steps above at any time to have your Roku device check all streaming services to find the requested content. For more help with voice commands, refer to the articles below:
Last updated at 2/19/2026 6:58:51 PM
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