How to use voice to search and control your Roku® device

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 do I issue voice commands with my Roku voice remote?

When you want to issue a voice command from your Roku voice remote, you simply press and hold the Microphone button and speak the command normally. Release the button when finished and your Roku device will carry out your request, delivering you to the Roku Search screen or elsewhere within the Roku interface.

Notes:

• For best results, hold your remote 2 to 3 inches from your mouth when issuing a voice command.
• A Roku voice remote is only "listening" when the button is being pressed. You must press and hold to successfully issue a voice command.

Where do I issue voice commands with the Roku mobile app?

The Roku mobile app is a free application for iOS and Android devices that can be used with any Roku streaming player or Roku TV. Not only does it let you use your voice to speak commands, but you can also share personal photos and videos on your TV, listen to movies and shows privately on your headphones, discover new content to watch, and more, all from your smartphone. Learn how to install the Roku mobile app now.

After you download and install the Roku mobile app, you can issue voice commands by accessing the Remote screen, or going directly to Search using the instructions below.

Remote screen

• Tap Remote   from the bottom navigation bar.

   

• Tap the Microphone iconin the search box

Search

Speak into your mobile device at a normal volume, and tap the middle of the screen when finished speaking or simply wait a moment.

Note: The first time you use voice, the Roku mobile app will ask to access the microphone. You must grant permission to use voice controls.

After your query is processed, the mobile app will carry out your request, either presenting you with a list of search results on your mobile device, or updating your Roku device.

How do I use voice commands when the Roku TV screen is off?

When a feature called Fast TV Start is enabled you can listen to music, live radio, podcasts, and more when the screen on your Roku TV is off, or wake your TV using voice commands. If you have a Roku Streambar^™ connected, you can also stream audio via Bluetooth from a smartphone, tablet, or computer when the TV screen is off.

What voice commands can I use?

With voice search you can look for movies, TV shows, actors, streaming apps, and more. With voice control you can perform tasks like launching a streaming channel, pausing and resuming playback, and skipping or rewinding songs. For a comprehensive list of examples, read the detailed article about voice commands you can use with your Roku device.

What if my voice command is not recognized?

If your spoken phrase is not captured correctly, follow the on-screen prompts to try again. Make sure you are speaking as you normally would – there is no need to speak any slower or louder than normal. Make sure you are holding your voice remote 2 to 3 inches from your mouth.

For search requests, you can also use Roku Search with the on-screen keyboard.