How to set up your Roku Streambar SE or Roku Streambar with a non-Roku TV system

Streambar 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 lit. 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. 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.

Warning: When using an optical cable, be sure to remove the protective plastic cap from each end of the cable before inserting the connectors. Failing to do so may result in a faulty connection, or damage to the cable or optical port.

• 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 on the correct input?
  • Make sure the Streambar input 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.
• Is your TV audio format output set to PCM? (Streambar SE only)
  • Your Roku Streambar SE cannot play Dolby Audio or DTS audio formats. Make sure your TV audio format is set to PCM-Stereo (or Stereo).

Tip: If you have questions about any of the steps above, return to the initial setup article for your Roku Streambar SE or Roku Streambar.

How to set up your Roku remote with your Streambar

Before you start the on-screen setup and activation, you need to insert fresh matching batteries into your Roku remote. Follow the rest of the steps below for your Streambar SE or Streambar.

• Roku Streambar SE: After inserting batteries, your Roku simple remote is ready to control your Streambar SE. Keep in mind, you must point your remote at the front of your Streambar when pressing buttons.
• Roku Streambar: Your Streambar will detect your Roku voice remote and begin pairing. Once paired, your voice remote is ready to use. Keep in mind that your Roku voice remote does not need to be pointed at your Streambar. You can aim it in any direction when pressing buttons.

Tip: If you need additional help getting your remote to work with your Streambar, learn how to fix problems with a Roku remote.

On-screen setup and activation

A welcome screen will appear after you switch your TV input to where your streaming device is connected. During setup, you will choose a language, connect to the internet, download the latest updates, configure display settings, and finally activate your Roku streaming device. You must create or use an existing Roku account and then activate and link your device using an activation link sent to your email or accessed with a QR code. Learn how to enable the text-to-speech screen reader, if you need audial assistance navigating through setup.

Choose a language

The first screen you see will allow you to choose a language. Scroll through the list and press OK on your Roku remote to choose a language. All text and dialog within the Roku interface will be displayed in the selected language.

Note: It is the responsibility of the app publisher to translate their app and some apps may not support your chosen language.

Connect to the internet

Select Wireless, choose your wireless network, and then enter your password. If you do not see your network, select Scan again to see all networks. For more assistance, refer to our article with help finding your wireless network and password.

Once you enter your password and select Connect, your device will automatically connect to the internet. You can get more help if you are unable to connect to your wireless network.

Tip: 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.

If you are using a wired network, connect an Ethernet cable to a compatible Ethernet adapter (that is plugged into the USB port on your Streambar) and select the Wired option instead.

Download the latest updates

Once connected to the internet, your streaming device will check to see if there is a software update available, download the latest version if necessary, and automatically reboot after updating.

Configure display settings

Select Set display type and let your streaming device auto detect the best display resolution so you do not have to manually configure the settings. To change the display type at a later time, go to Settings > Display type.

If support for 4K or HDR is not detected on your compatible Roku device, 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 setup or HDR setup.

Note: This step may be done automatically by your device. If this step is not shown during setup, your device was able to do this step automatically for you.

Set up your Roku voice remote to control your TV

Select Check remote settings to automatically set up your Roku voice remote to control the power and volume for your TV. If you skip this step, you can set up your remote for TV control at any time from the Settings menu. Simply go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes > [select your remote] > Set up remote for TV control. A Roku voice remote may not be able to control volume and power on all TV models. With some TV models, you may only be able to control the volume, and not the power.

Note: This setup step only appears if you are using a Roku voice remote with TV controls. Certain Roku devices released in 2017 and later include this remote, or you can purchase one from the Roku accessories store.

Create a Roku account and activate your device

When prompted on screen, you will need to perform the following steps to create your Roku account and complete device activation. It may take a few moments to receive the activation email from Roku. If you do not see it in your email inbox, be sure to check your spam (or junk) folder.

Important: This email will also be used as your Roku login, which is important for managing your Roku account and device services.

If you cannot get your Roku device activated, learn how to resolve linking issues. Roku does not require an activation fee, or charge for support of any kind. Learn how to avoid fraudulent websites.

Enjoy your Roku device!

With all steps complete, your Roku streaming device is ready to use. You can personalize your device by changing your theme pack or screensaver and you can use the Streaming Store to add new streaming apps.

How to fix audio and video issues after setup

Why is there a delay before my Streambar starts playing audio when I turn on my TV?

If your Streambar is connected to your TV's HDMI ARC port, there could be a delay before you start to hear audio when the TV is turned on. This delay is caused by your TV setting up the audio stream channel through the HDMI ARC port. You can get rid of this delay by connecting your Streambar to the optical port and regular HDMI port on your TV instead.

Why is there no sound from my Streambar?

If there is no sound playing from your Streambar, try the following steps.

• Check the cable connections. Unplug your HDMI, and optical cable (if used), and them plug them back in to make sure they are properly seated.
• Turn up the volume. Use your Roku remote to make sure the volume is turned up.
• Check your TV audio format settings. The Roku Streambar SE cannot play Dolby Audio or DTS audio formats. Make sure your TV audio format is set to PCM-Stereo (or Stereo). Refer to the user manual or online documentation for your TV if you need help changing settings.

Why is there no sound from my TV speakers?

When streaming your favorite entertainment on the built-in streaming player, you will only hear sound coming from your Streambar. You will not hear any sound on the speakers built-in to your TV or an existing audio system.

Why is sound from my Streambar out of sync with the picture?

Learn how to fix audio/video (A/V) sync issues in the detailed A/V troubleshooting article.

Why do I not see 4K movies and TV shows?

• Compatible 4K TV. To view 4K and/or HDR content in full resolution, connect your streambar to an HDMI port on your TV that supports HDCP 2.2. 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 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. Your internet connection must have enough bandwidth to stream 4K and/or HDR (up to 25 Mbps may be needed). Learn how to check the connection on your streaming device.
• Streaming plan with 4K movies or TV shows. You need to have a streaming service like Netflix with a plan that supports streaming in 4K and/or HDR
• Premium High Speed HDMI Cable. Use the HDMI cable included with your Streambar. Other HDMI cables may not support 4K or HDR streams.

For more details, you can read about setting up your Streambar for 4K or HDR.