How to set up your Roku Streambar SE or Roku Streambar with a non-Roku TV system
This portion of the setup article applies only to your Roku Streambar if it is connected to a non-Roku TV. After connections are made and your Streambar powers on, make sure the correct input is selected on your TV (the input to which your Roku Streambar is connected) and proceed with the on-screen setup process. This article explains what to expect during the complete process and provides suggestions should you encounter any issues.
If your Streambar is connected to a Roku TV™, you may be able to complete the automatic setup process. Return to the article below for details.
Setup checklist
Before you continue, make sure your Roku Streambar is ready by checking the following items:
- Is it plugged into a power outlet?- When your Streambar is powered on, the status LED on the front of the device will be illuminated. If it is not, make sure the included power cable is firmly attached and you are using a working wall outlet or extension cable.
- Is it connected to the HDMI port labeled ARC?- To simplify the setup and use of your Streambar, we recommend using the HDMI port on your TV labeled ARC. This single connection transmits both video from your Streambar to your TV, and audio from your TV and connected devices (Blu-ray™ player, game console) to your Streambar. If you do not use the HDMI port labeled ARC, you need to connect the included optical cable to get audio from your TV and connected devices to your Streambar.
- Is ARC and CEC enabled on your TV?- It is important you check the settings on your TV since CEC and ARC may be disabled by default. For help, review the detailed article describing how several popular TV brands go about enabling ARC and CEC.
- Is your TV switched to the correct input?- Make sure the input to which your Roku Streambar is connected to is selected on your TV. After a moment, you should see the Roku logo on your TV screen followed by an initial setup screen. Help is available if you do not see video on your TV.
If you have questions about any of the steps described above, return to the initial portion of the setup article for your Roku Streambar to review additional details.
Set up your remote
Before you continue with the setup process, you need to insert fresh matching batteries into your Roku remote. After you insert batteries correctly, your Streambar will detect your Roku enhanced remote and begin pairing, or the process of establishing a direct wireless connection. When the process completes, your enhanced remote is ready to use. It is also called a "point-anywhere" remote because you can literally aim your remote any direction when pressing buttons – you do not need to point it at the Streambar. If your Streambar is not pairing with your remote, learn how to resolve problems connecting a Roku enhanced remote.
On-screen setup and activation
A welcome screen will appear after you switch your TV the input where your Roku Streambar is connected. Use the instructions below to complete the on-screen setup and activation process.
Choose a language
- The first screen you see will allow you to choose a language. All text and dialog within the Roku application will be displayed in the selected language.
- Scroll up and down the list and press the OK button
on your Roku remote to choose a language.
- Connect your Roku Streambar to your network and the internet
If you are using a wired network, connect an Ethernet cable to a compatible USB to Fast Ethernet adapter (that is plugged into the USB port on your soundbar) and select Wired. Otherwise, select Wireless and use the guidelines below to set up the wireless connection.- Choose your wireless network from the list of available networks and enter your password. This is most often the same network you use to connect your computer or smartphone to the internet. If you do not see your network, select Scan again to see all networks. For more assistance, see help finding your wireless network and password.
- If you want to see your password as you type, choose Show password. This can help prevent entering the wrong password. Remember, passwords are case-sensitive – use the shift button
on the on-screen keyboard to enter a capital letter. - Once you enter your password and select Connect, your Roku Streambar will automatically connect to the internet. Alternatively, you can get more help if you are unable to connect to your wireless network.
- Wait for your Roku Streambar to download the latest software
- Once connected to the internet, your Roku Streambar will check to see if there is a software update available, download the latest version if necessary, and then reboot.
- Set the display type
- Select Auto detect display type and your Roku Streambar will analyze the HDMI connection to determine the supported video resolutions. To have your Roku Streambar automatically choose the best display resolution so you don’t have to manually configure the settings, choose OK, go to automatic. To change the display type at a later time, go to Settings > Display type.
- If support for 4K Ultra HD or HDR is not detected and you are using a compatible TV, make sure all HDMI cables are firmly attached and all connections support HDCP 2.2. For more help, review the steps for 4K UHD setup or HDR setup.
- Create a Roku account and activate your Roku Streambar
- In order to activate your Roku Streambar, it must be linked to a Roku account. Your Roku account keeps track of which Roku devices you own and allows you to add free and purchase channels from the Roku Channel Store.
- Instructions for activating your Roku Streambar will be displayed on your TV, including an activation code; e.g. “XCV5TG”. You will be required to visit my.roku.com/link on your computer or smartphone, enter the code and follow the instructions to activate your streambar.
You are done!
With all steps complete, your Roku Streambar is ready to use.
Note: It is the responsibility of the channel publisher to translate their channel and some channels may not support your chosen language.
WARNING: Roku does NOT charge for device activation. When entering my.roku.com/link into your web browser, type it carefully to avoid fraudulent websites.
Tip: You can personalize your Roku Streambar by changing your theme or screensaver. You can use the Roku Channel Store to add new streaming channels, games, and other apps.
Why is there no sound on my TV's speakers or my existing audio system when streaming?
When streaming your favorite entertainment on the built-in streaming player, you will only hear sound coming from your Roku Streambar. You will not hear any sound on the speakers built-in to your TV or an existing audio system.
Why do I not see 4K UHD and/or HDR movies and TV shows?
If you plan to stream 4K UHD and/or HDR content with your Roku Streambar, make sure you have the following:
- Compatible 4K UHD TV, or 4K UHD and HDR TV with an available HDMI input that supports HDCP 2.2.
Note: If the HDMI port labeled ARC on your TV does not support HDCP 2.2, any 4K and/or HDR content you stream on this connection will output in a lower resolution (e.g., 720p, 1080p). To view 4K and/or HDR content in full resolution, connect your Streambar or soundbar to an HDMI port on your TV that supports HDCP 2.2. To hear audio from your TV's tuner and devices connected to your TV, connect the included optical cable to the optical input on your TV, sometimes labeled "Digital audio out" or "Digital output".
- Good internet connection with enough bandwidth to stream 4K UHD and/or HDR (up to 25 Mbps may be needed)
- Streaming service like Netflix with a plan that supports streaming in 4K UHD and/or HDR
- Premium High Speed HDMI Cable (*included with your Roku Streambar)
For more details, you can read about setting up your Roku player for 4K UHD or setting up your Roku player for HDR.
Why is the image not in HDR or the picture quality poor when watching HDR content?
When you specifically watch an HDR movie or TV show on your HDR-capable Roku device, you may notice the image is not displayed in HDR, or the picture quality is poor. If you encounter this behavior, you may need to update the software on your HDR-capable TV. You can typically find instructions how to do this along with the latest software on the TV manufacturer’s website. Once you confirm that your TV is running the latest software, check that it is properly configured to enable HDR on the specific input to which your Roku player is connected. Some TVs that support HDR do not enable this feature by default.
Last updated at 3/13/2026 8:03:46 PM
Was this article helpful?
Related articles
Need more help?
