What's in the Box
Your Roku Ultra (2024) package includes the following: the Roku Ultra streaming player, a Roku Voice Remote Pro with rechargeable battery, a USB charging cable for the remote, a premium HDMI cable, a power adapter, and the quick start guide. Confirm that all items are present and undamaged before you begin setting up.
Prerequisites
Have these ready before starting your setup:
- A TV with an available HDMI port
- A WiFi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) with the password handy, or an Ethernet cable if you prefer a wired connection
- A Roku account — you can create one at roku.com/signup or during the on-screen setup process
- A smartphone with the Roku app installed (optional but helpful for typing passwords and managing channels)
Step-by-Step Setup
- Connect the Roku Ultra to your TV: Plug one end of the included HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the Roku Ultra and the other end into an available HDMI port on your TV. Note which HDMI port number you use.
- Connect to power: Plug the power adapter into the Roku Ultra and connect it to a wall outlet. The Roku Ultra requires its own power source and cannot be powered through the TV's USB port.
- Optional wired connection: If you prefer Ethernet over WiFi, connect an Ethernet cable from your router to the Ethernet port on the back of the Roku Ultra. This provides the most stable streaming experience, especially for 4K and Dolby Vision content.
- Turn on your TV and select the correct input: Switch your TV to the HDMI input where you connected the Roku Ultra. You should see the Roku logo appear on screen.
- Pair the Roku Voice Remote Pro: The remote should pair automatically when you insert the battery or press any button. If it doesn't, press and hold the pairing button inside the battery compartment for 3 seconds until the pairing light flashes. The on-screen guide will walk you through any additional remote setup steps.
- Choose your language and connect to the internet: Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language. If you're using WiFi, select your network from the list and enter your password. The Roku Ultra will test the connection and download any available software updates.
- Activate your Roku: The screen will display an activation code. Go to roku.com/link on your computer or phone, sign in to your Roku account (or create one), and enter the code. This links the device to your account and lets you manage subscriptions, add channels, and set parental controls.
- Customize your home screen: After activation, add your favorite streaming channels from the Roku Channel Store. Popular options include Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video. Each channel app will require its own sign-in with your subscription credentials.
Smart Home Integration Tips
The Roku Ultra works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay. To set up voice assistant control, open the Alexa or Google Home app on your phone, search for the Roku skill, and link your Roku account. You can then use voice commands like "Alexa, launch Netflix on Roku" or "Hey Google, pause Roku." For Apple users, AirPlay and HomeKit support let you cast content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to the Roku Ultra and control it through the Home app. The Roku Voice Remote Pro also has a built-in rechargeable battery and hands-free voice capability — just say "Hey Roku" to search for shows, launch apps, or control playback without pressing any buttons.
Quick Troubleshooting
If the Roku Ultra doesn't appear on your TV after connecting, try a different HDMI port and cable. If the device gets stuck during setup, unplug it from power for 10 seconds and try again. For WiFi connectivity issues during setup, move the Roku Ultra closer to your router or use the Ethernet connection instead. If the remote isn't pairing, ensure the battery is charged by connecting the USB cable for a few minutes, then retry the pairing process. After setup, keep the software up to date by going to Settings, then System, then System Update on the Roku home screen.
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